Executive Assistant (Chief Executive's Office)

Southwark Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwark Council is seeking a forward-thinking, high-performing individual to provide strategic support to our Corporate Management Team. The role goes beyond diary management, ensuring leadership has timely information to deliver for local communities.

You'll help shape priorities, streamline processes, and support key strategic initiatives. Based mainly at the Tooley Street office, you may work up to 5 days as needed.

Qualifications

• Exceptional organisation and planning skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strategic mindset to anticipate challenges and align with organisational goals.
• Clear, concise briefing and reporting for senior leaders.
• Proactive initiative and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Discretion when handling sensitive information with integrity.
• Resilient and adaptable in high-pressure, fast-moving environments.

Responsibilities

• Support the Corporate Management Team with strategic governance and prioritisation.
• Coordinate schedules, meetings, and follow-up actions for senior leaders.
• Prepare concise briefings and high-quality reports for decision-makers.
• Conduct horizon scanning, research, and trend analysis to inform policy.
• Engage stakeholders across teams and partners to align programmes.
• Drive efficiency by streamlining decision-making processes.

Skills

Organisation & Planning

Strategic mindset

Communication skills

Initiative & problem-solving

Discretion & professionalism

Resilience & adaptability

Job description

Are you interested in understanding how a £billion organisation is run? Are you highly organised and proactive?

Do you excel at anticipating needs, planning, and connecting key information to support seamless decision-making?

Do you have real curiosity about how things work and how to get things done in a big organisation?

If so, we want to hear from you!

We’re looking for a forward-thinking, high performing person to provide strategic support to our Corporate Management Team. The role is more than diary management - it’s about ensuring leadership has the right information at the right time to focus on delivering for Southwark’s communities. You’ll help shape priorities, streamline processes, and support key strategic initiatives.

Working closely with senior decision-makers, you’ll play an active role in aligning policies, programmes, and projects with organisational goals. Your insights will support the organisation to make informed decisions, making a tangible impact on Southwark’s future.

The postholder will be based mainly at the Tooley Street office at least 3 days per week, but up to 5 days where needed.

What You'll Be Doing

This is your chance to be at the heart of local government decision-making, working alongside senior leaders on some of Southwark’s biggest challenges. You’ll gain valuable insight into governance and strategy while making a real impact on policy and service delivery.

As part of our Corporate Management Team, you’ll help shape how the council operates, supporting leadership in achieving key objectives and driving organisational excellence. You’ll work in a dynamic environment where innovation is encouraged, and your contributions will directly influence the borough’s future.

Day to day, you’d be involved in:

• Forward Planning & Strategic Oversight - Anticipating challenges, supporting leadership, and managing priorities.
• Horizon Scanning & Research - Identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.
• High-Level Coordination - Overseeing schedules, meetings, and follow-up actions.
• Briefing & Reporting - Preparing sharp, insightful reports for leadership.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Ensuring smooth communication across teams, departments, and partners.
• Driving Efficiency - Implementing streamlined processes to improve decision-making workflows.

What We're Looking For

We need someone with a proactive mindset, strong analytical skills, and the confidence to work independently.

To be considered for this role, you’ll need to evidence the following in your application:

• Exceptional Organisation & Planning Skills - Managing multiple priorities at pace with strong attention to detail.
• A Strategic Mindset - Anticipating challenges to minimise risks, with an understanding of the wider organisational context.
• Strong Communication Skills - Producing clear, concise briefings and reports, communicating effectively with senior leaders.
• Initiative & Problem-Solving Ability - Identifying gaps and acting on own initiative
• Discretion & Professionalism - Handle sensitive information with integrity.
• Resilience & Adaptability - Remain composed in high‑pressure situations and manage competing priorities effectively

Additional Information

Recruitment timetable:

Application Closing Date: 11:59pm on 16 September 2026

Interview Date: 23 September 2026

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long‑term health condition

Redeployees will be given priority consideration at shortlisting.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme . We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £45,852 - £53,319