Executive Support Manager

West of England Combined Authorities; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 26–31 days

Bank holidays

Volunteer leave

Hybrid working

Pension scheme (LGPS)

Reduced bus travel

Job summary

West of England Combined Authorities is seeking exceptional Executive Support Managers to join the new Internal Governance team and play a pivotal role in how the organisation works, makes decisions and delivers its priorities. You will be a trusted fixer and problem-solver, helping leaders move work forward with clarity and confidence.

You’ll lead the operation of our new internal Board structure, assure the quality of reports, manage decision-making processes and horizon-scan for emerging

Qualifications

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Politically aware and able to interact with senior leaders.
• Able to identify bottlenecks and move work forward.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operation of the internal Board structure.
• Assure quality of reports and papers.
• Manage decision-making processes.
• Horizon-scan and identify emerging issues.
• Establish clear, consistent ways of working across the organisation.

Skills

Executive support

Political awareness

Organization

Communication skills

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - 70 Redcliff Street, Bristol

Help make a complex organisation work brilliantly

We’re looking for exceptional Executive Support Managers – new roles to join our new Internal Governance team and play a pivotal role in how the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority works, makes decisions and delivers its priorities. Having recently achieved established status, we are now in prime position at a time when regional government and devolution have never been more significant with Mayoral strategic authorities playing an even bigger role in driving economic growth, delivering better public services and shaping places.

This is much more than governance administration. You’ll be a trusted fixer and problem-solver, working closely with senior leaders to spot where work is getting stuck, understand why, and make sure it moves forward. You’ll bring together people, information and decisions – ensuring the right conversations happen, actions are followed through and potential challenges are addressed before they become problems.

You’ll lead the effective operation of our new internal Board structure, assuring the quality of reports and papers, managing decision-making processes and constructively challenging colleagues and senior stakeholders to improve how we work. You’ll also horizon-scan, identify emerging issues and help create clear, consistent ways of working across the organisation.

This is a role for someone who is highly organised, politically aware and confident working with senior leaders, but who is equally comfortable getting into the detail. You’ll need excellent judgement, communication skills and attention to detail, alongside a proactive, solutions-focused approach.

You’ll be joining a new team of five Executive Support Managers, working collaboratively as a genuine problem-solving resource for the organisation. Together, you’ll help establish a strong, trusted operating standard for internal governance and give leaders the clarity they need to make decisions and act with confidence.

If you enjoy making things happen, navigating complexity and bringing structure to fast-moving environments, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more

The closing date for this role is midnight on Wednesday 23rd September.

The selection process is likely to be two stages with an initial telephone screening call and an in-person interview.

The interviews are planned to be held from the week commencing Monday 28th September 2026 at our offices at 70 Redcliff St, Bristol BS1 6AL, but please note this plan may change.

About The Company

Our offer

We are based ina new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

Alongside the opportunity to make a real differenceto the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 2 days ofpaid leave each year to volunteer
• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We followa hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success byprovidinga diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

The salary for this role is £56,963- £62,282. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time . We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

Fair and Inclusive Recruitment

We want everyone to have a fair opportunity to work with us. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, accessible and free from unlawful discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at [e-mail] . We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Reasonable Adjustments If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at [e-mail] . We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Closing dates Our roles close at midnight on the closing date. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency?

We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.