We are seeking a highly organised and proactive individual to provide senior business management support to the Strategic Director and Leadership Team on a temporary maternity cover basis. This key role supports the delivery of corporate priorities through effective governance, performance oversight, financial management and transformation activity. Acting as a central link between senior leaders, Members and partners, you will coordinate complex work, manage high‑level briefings and correspondence, and support strategic planning and decision‑making.
Responsibilities
Working at the heart of the directorate, you will provide proactive executive and business management support to the Executive Director, acting as a key point of contact for high‑level correspondence and ensuring effective prioritisation of competing demands. You will manage complex diaries, coordinate meetings and events, and oversee the handling of complaints and sensitive enquiries, ensuring timely and high‑quality responses. The role involves preparing briefings, reports and business cases, supporting decision‑making, and keeping senior leaders informed of emerging risks, opportunities and policy developments. You will also oversee performance and risk reporting, monitor budgets, and contribute to transformation and improvement programmes, including leading specific projects where required.
Skills Required
The postholder will demonstrate strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently, using initiative and sound judgement to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment. They will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex and sensitive information clearly and confidently to a range of audiences. They will bring experience in business management, executive support or corporate services, including supporting senior leadership teams and handling complex or sensitive matters. A strong understanding of governance, performance, risk and financial management in the public sector is essential, along with experience of preparing high‑quality reports, business cases and briefing papers. The postholder will have well‑developed interpersonal skills, enabling them to build effective relationships with stakeholders, including elected Members, MPs and senior partners, and to support, influence and negotiate at senior levels. A high level of political awareness and discretion is essential, alongside the ability to handle confidential matters sensitively and act as a key point of contact for senior leaders. They will also have experience contributing to or coordinating transformation and improvement programmes, with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to research, interpret complex information, and identify opportunities for improvement. Good knowledge of administrative systems, executive office procedures, and local and national policy developments is required, alongside an understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and its importance in public services.
Educational Requirements
* The post holder will ideally be educated to degree level or equivalent
* Relevant professional business administration qualification
* Evidence of continuing professional/personal development
* At least 3 years’ experience in Business Administration or Executive support
Equal Opportunities Policy
The council is committed to a policy of equality opportunity in employment, in recruitment and the services we provide. Applications are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post regardless of sex, gender reassignment, race, ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status, domestic responsibilities, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. People with disabilities are guaranteed an interview provided they are suitably qualified and/or experienced. Candidates will be considered for shortlisting on the factual information on their application form. Therefore it is important to give as much detail as possible including information about experience gained outside employment.
Benefits
We offer a competitive pay package and are proud to have the Living Wage accreditation. Norwich City Council supports its employees through the provision of occupational health and employee assistance support. All employees are eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Paid holiday entitlement starts at 26 days per annum and increases with length of service to a maximum of 33 days per annum. This is pro rata for part‑time employees. In addition to the statutory public holidays, we grant an additional statutory day leave at Christmas.
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