GFIE-449 - Executive Assistant to Director - Cardiff

Going Forward into Employment; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in Cardiff is seeking an Executive Assistant to support the Director and Senior Leadership Team. This role involves managing the Director's diary, coordinating communications, and providing executive support to enhance team efficiency. Ideal candidates will have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in scheduling software. This is a 12-month contract offering a salary of £27,380.

Qualifications

• Strong ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive support to the Director and Senior Leadership Team.
• Manage the Director's diary and appointments.
• Coordinate briefings and communications.
• Support governance and compliance activities.

Skills

Planning and organizing

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Proactive mindset

IT proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Overview

This role at The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is available to people who served in the Armed Forces, or are in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame, or Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

We want you to join us, learn new skills and bring your experience to our organisation. We offer access to a range of learning and development opportunities, and a buddy who can help you understand the Civil Service and enable you to make the most of the opportunities it offers.

What DSIT do: Accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, ensure that new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK and drive forward a modern digital government for the benefit of its citizens. DSIT is a ministerial department, supported by 16 agencies and public bodies. Read more about what we do. Working For DSIT.

Role Details

Organisation: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)

Job Title: Executive Assistant to Director

Job Grade: Executive Officer (EO)

Positions available: 1

Salary: £27,380

Location: Cardiff

Contract Length: 12 months

Hours: Monday - Friday 9–5

Travel: Ad hoc travel to other regional locations for team related activity. 40-60% attendance to contracted office.

About the job

The Digital and Data Policy Directorate drives growth by creating a more connected, dynamic, and inclusive digital economy where citizens are empowered to benefit from digital technologies and the power of data is harnessed in a responsible and trusted way. We support all three of DSITs objectives.

The Executive Assistant role is key to delivering quality services to the Director, their Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the directorate in the effective management of a wide range of essential administrative services and business support. You’ll collaborate with colleagues at all levels, both internally and externally, building strong working relationships while ensuring accuracy and efficiency. We’re looking for a team player with excellent communication skills, a proactive mindset, and great attention to detail. You’ll work with guidance from the Head of Office to maintain proficient running of the Directors Office, working as part of a larger Business Support team across the Directorate.

Main duties include but are not limited to:

• Provide executive support to the Director and Senior Leadership Team.
• Provide effective and efficient diary management to the Director.
• Pro-actively engage with senior members of the directorate, coordinate directorate wide planning, reporting and compliance requirements - clarifying issues, and identifying solutions.
• Support staff engagement, communication and governance through arranging Senior Leadership team and directorate meetings.
• Support continuous improvement, good project and change management within the team and the directorate.

The main accountabilities of this role are to provide executive support to the Director. This includes but is not limited to:

• Diary management - prioritising and coordinating appointments to support deadlines and optimise their capacity.
• Booking business travel and accommodation for the Director and supporting the processing of expenses etc.
• Coordinate briefings and communications where appropriate. Mainly through the creation of a daily pack where you will collate all relevant papers and documents, ensuring frequent communication with policy leads to provide the correct materials.
• Support the Directorate and encourage a cohesive directorate culture through management of directorate mailing lists, meetings, and core documents such as induction packs.
• Document control – maintain and control potentially sensitive documents, ensuring appropriate access and version controls are managed.
• Maintain an efficient and compliant system for storing and sharing key documents (e.g., business plans and business continuity docs), ensuring appropriate access and version controls are managed.
• Support the delivery of Directorate projects through coordinating activities, gathering relevant information, and providing support with resource planning.
• Identify and deliver improvement initiatives, good project and change management practice in the team and the directorate.
• Build and maintain relationships with colleagues across the Directorate and the wider organisation and secretariat.
• Support Directorate with Governance and compliance activities including administration of risk registers, maintaining a log of mandatory training and health and safety requirements.

Essential Skills

A strong ability to plan and organise, manage competing priorities and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and maintain confidentiality. Candidates also need excellent attention to detail, IT proficiency with scheduling software like Microsoft Outlook, and the ability to work independently while also being a team player.

How to Apply

To apply we will need:

• A completed Expression of Interest form - Please request from [e-mail] quoting GFIE- 449 (v,s&p)
• A copy of your CV
• Candidates who meet the GFIE criteria are guaranteed an informal conversation with DWP about their suitability for the role.
• Informal interviews with candidates are expected to take place in October 2025 and it is hoped that successful candidates start in following successful clearance security checks.
• Closing Date: 2 October 2025

Closing date and interview timelines are indicative and may be subject to change.