Private Secretary
Location:
Hybrid (London – minimum three days per week in office)
Salary:
£40,000 – £42,000 per annum
Contract:
Permanent, full-time
Overview
Our client, a leading public body responsible for protecting and promoting England's historic environment, is seeking a
Private Secretary
to support the Chair and Chief Executive.
This is a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation, offering the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and represent the office of the Chief Executive externally. The successful candidate will provide high-level organisational, administrative, and strategic support, ensuring priorities are met efficiently and effectively.
Responsibilities
* Act as the primary support to the Chair and Chief Executive, ensuring their offices run smoothly.
* Represent the Chief Executive's office with professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.
* Manage and supervise the Executive Assistant to the CEO and Chair.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, particularly the Executive Team and their offices.
* Develop external stakeholder relationships, including with government departments.
* Oversee office systems and processes, implementing improvements where necessary.
* Manage complex and shifting priorities with accuracy, judgement, and attention to detail.
Requirements
* Extensive experience managing complex workloads, diaries, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
* Proven ability to work as part of a team at senior level.
* Strong stakeholder management skills, with confidence in building and maintaining relationships.
* Ability to quickly assess and progress new issues, drawing on expertise across the organisation.
* Experience managing administrative systems and implementing improvements.
* Demonstrable ability to manage and guide an Executive Assistant effectively.
* Excellent communication skills with a high level of professionalism and discretion.
Benefits
* Salary of £40,000 – £42,000 per annum.
* Pension scheme with employer contributions starting at 28.97%.
* 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
* Free entry to heritage sites across the UK.
* Corporate discounts and development opportunities.
* Hybrid working arrangements (minimum 3 days in office).
* Supportive and inclusive working environment, with recognition for workplace wellbeing (Gold Award from MIND).
Application Process
Applications are managed through a recruitment platform designed to reduce bias and improve diversity in hiring, focusing on skills-based questions rather than CVs.
Provisional interview dates:
6th October (AM) and 9th October (PM), 2025