Job Description
Private Secretary & Strategic Office Lead to the CEO
Location: West London Salary: £51,623 – £53,968 per annum (dependent on experience) Contract: Full-time, permanent
About the Role
We are seeking an exceptional and highly organised Private Secretary & Strategic Office Lead to support a Chief Executive Officer within an FE organisation in West London.
This is a unique and high-profile role combining strategic delivery, executive support, and senior stakeholder engagement. You will act as a trusted advisor and key partner to the CEO, ensuring priorities are translated into clear actions and delivered effectively across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Delivery & Change
* Support the CEO in translating organisational strategy into clear programmes, projects, and delivery milestones
* Track and monitor strategic initiatives, ensuring progress and accountability
* Maintain dashboards, action trackers, and reporting frameworks
* Identify risks and dependencies, escalating issues where required
* Support organisation-wide change programmes and new ways of working
Executive Support to the CEO
* Act as a trusted advisor, supporting decision-making and strategic priorities
* Manage competing demands and act as gatekeeper to the CEO’s office
* Prepare high-quality briefings, reports and decision papers
* Ensure actions from meetings are tracked, delegated, and delivered
* Anticipate emerging risks, issues, and opportunities
Executive Office Management
* Oversee the CEO’s strategic diary, ensuring alignment with key priorities
* Coordinate internal and external meetings, ensuring full preparation and follow-up
* Manage correspondence with professionalism and discretion
* Attend key meetings, capturing decisions and ensuring actions are progressed
Governance & Stakeholder Engagement
Reporting & Information Management
About You
We are looking for a proactive, highly capable individual with strong judgement and the ability to operate at senior level.
Essential:
* Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience
* Significant experience supporting a CEO or senior executive
* Proven experience in strategic project delivery or executive office leadership
* Experience managing complex priorities in a fast-paced environment
* Strong stakeholder management skills, including influencing senior leaders
* Experience preparing high-quality briefings, reports and board papers
* Excellent organisational, analytical, and communication skills
* High levels of discretion, professionalism, and political awareness
Desirable:
* Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM, MSP)
* Experience in education, public sector, or a regulated environment
* Experience supporting governance processes or boards
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary: £51,623 – £53,968 (DOE)
* Excellent benefits package
* Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and shape strategic delivery
* A varied, high-impact role with real organisational influence
* Ongoing professional development opportunities
Apply Now
If you are an experienced executive support professional or strategic project lead looking to step into a high-impact leadership role, we would love to hear from you.