Executive Director Senior Personal Assistant

Lancashire County Council; Preston; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council based in Preston is seeking an Executive Director Senior Personal Assistant for a temporary position that runs until December 31, 2027. This role involves providing high-quality support to the Executive Director of Adults, Health & Wellbeing, managing correspondence, diaries, and logistics. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational and communication skills, with a proven ability to handle sensitive matters and engage effectively with stakeholders. This position requires a proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting senior leaders or directors in a complex organisation.
• Ability to prioritise multiple tasks effectively.
• Capability to handle sensitive matters discreetly.

Responsibilities

• Act as first point of contact for the Executive Director.
• Manage complex diaries and coordination of meetings.
• Plan travel and logistics as needed.
• Handle correspondence and maintain filing systems.
• Coordinate key meetings and follow-ups.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Ability to handle sensitive matters

Collaboration

Job description

Salary £32,061 - £36,363 per annum | 37 hours per week | Permanent, Full time |Preston, Lancashire

Executive Director Senior Personal Assistant (Grade 7)

Temporary – 2 Year Contract (Ending 31/12/2027)

Location: County Hall, Preston

We are recruiting for a high‑calibre Executive Director Senior Personal Assistant to provide exceptional professional support to the Executive Director of Adults, Health & Wellbeing. This temporary post is offered for a fixed period of two years, with an end date of 31 December 2027.

The role forms part of the wider Senior Leadership support function and will involve working alongside a team of a fellow Executive Director Senior Personal Assistant, and Director Personal Assistants, ensuring seamless, high‑quality support across directorates.

About the Role

The Executive Director's Senior Personal Assistant will play a pivotal role in supporting a complex, fast‑paced service area. You will provide a confidential, effective, and highly organised PA service to the Executive Director, working proactively to manage priorities, coordinate information, and ensure the smooth running of daily operations.

You will frequently handle sensitive issues, manage competing priorities, and represent the Executive Director in interactions with internal and external stakeholders. A high level of initiative, excellent communication skills, and the ability to pre‑empt needs are essential.

This role requires a confident and experienced professional who can work collaboratively with others, contributing to strong leadership and supporting high‑quality service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for the Executive Director, managing correspondence, phone calls, and enquiries.
• Proactively coordinate and manage complex diaries, ensuring meetings are well‑planned, prioritised, and supported with relevant briefings.
• Plan and organise travel, accommodation, and logistics where required.
• Maintain effective filing and data systems, including email management and retrieval processes.
• Provide a full range of PA duties: drafting correspondence, minute-taking, handling enquiries, and maintaining oversight of workflow.
• Coordinate key meetings, including SLT meetings, ensuring agendas, papers, minutes, action logs and follow‑ups are fully managed.
• Lead on arrangements for meetings with internal and external partners, ensuring smooth and professional delivery.
• Develop a strong understanding of the Executive Director's priorities, contacts, and workload to support effective decision‑making.
• Build positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders to support joined‑up service delivery.
• Adapt to changing business needs and undertake duties aligned with the role as required.

About You

• Has substantial experience supporting senior leaders or directors in a complex organisation.
• Demonstrates excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks.
• Is confident, composed, and capable of handling sensitive matters discreetly.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Can work flexibly, collaboratively, and with initiative.
• Brings strong IT skills (particularly Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Shows commitment to our organisational values of being Supportive, Innovative, Respectful, and Collaborative.

Contact for Further Information Details

If you wish to discuss the role further, please contact:

Lucy Jackson, Exec Support Office Manager
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]