Executive Services Officer

University of Derby; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave

Wellbeing benefits

Staff discounts

Discounted onsite gym

Cycle to Work

Flexible working environment

Personal and professional development

Job summary

The University of Derby is seeking an Executive Services Officer to provide professional, confidential support to a member of the University Executive Board (UEB). This is a dynamic, full-time role based on-site at Kedleston Road Campus, with opportunities to lead projects and improve processes across the university.

You will coordinate executive‑level meetings, draft papers and briefings, and manage competing priorities with discretion.

Qualifications

• Experience of supporting senior leaders in a complex organisation.
• Experience supporting executive-level meetings, producing high-quality materials and drafting executive papers.
• Ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and handle sensitive matters with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional, confidential support to a member of the University Executive Board (UEB).
• Lead on improvements to processes and cross-University projects and collaborate with colleagues across services and faculties.
• Manage competing priorities with excellent judgement and attention to detail.

Skills

Support senior leaders

Executive meetings

Briefings

Discretion

Job description

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

The Executive Services team provide professional, executive level assistance and support to members of the University’s Executive Board (“UEB”), the senior leaders of the University. This is a busy yet exciting and diverse team to be a part of, working with colleagues within both the University and externally.

Executive Services is a high-performing and collaborative team committed to delivering an outstanding service, embracing digital innovation and continuously improving how we support executive decision-making and organisational success.

About the Role

This role is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of the University's strategic leadership

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Executive Services Officer to provide professional, confidential support to a member of the University Executive Board (UEB). This is a varied and fast-paced role at the heart of the University's strategic leadership, requiring excellent judgement, discretion and the ability to manage competing priorities in a complex environment.

The role also provides opportunities to lead on improvements to processes and ways of working, contribute to cross-University projects and work collaboratively with colleagues across professional services and academic departments.

Please note that this position is full-time, on a 12 month fixed term contract; based on‑site at our Kedleston Road Campus.

The anticipated interview date is 8th October 2026.

About You

We are looking for a skilled professional with experience of supporting senior leaders in a complex organisation. You will be highly organised, able to anticipate needs, manage competing demands and maintain exceptional attention to detail.

You will be comfortable building relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders at all levels, handling sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism, and responding positively to changing priorities.

Experience of supporting executive‑level meetings, producing high‑quality materials, drafting Executive papers, providing briefings and coordinating multiple workstreams would be advantageous. Experience within the higher education sector is desirable but not essential.

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family‑friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Hannah Hallam, Chief of Staff via [e-mail]

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Please visit our website for more information.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.