Description
Job Description & Person Specification >
There has never been a more exciting time to join Torbay Council. We’re building real momentum, driven by a shared sense of purpose and ambition for our communities. Torbay is a fantastic place to live, work and visit, offering an enviable quality of life for individuals and families alike.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive and highly organised individual to support our Director for Adults & Community Services. This is a pivotal role at the heart of the Directorate, giving you direct access to senior leadership and a unique insight into how a local authority operates at strategic level.
If you thrive in a role where no two days are the same, you’ll feel right at home here. As a small unitary authority, we move quickly, collaborate closely and embrace new ideas. You’ll be part of our friendly and supportive Governance Support Team, working alongside other skilled PAs who share knowledge and work together to get things done.
We’re looking for someone who brings:
* Strong PA experience at senior level.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* A warm, positive and flexible approach.
* Confidence in managing competing priorities with professionalism and discretion.
* Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word and Excel as well as experience using Microsoft Teams for communication and collaboration.
In return, we offer:
* Hybrid or office-based working to suit your preference.
* A flexible working scheme that supports work–life balance.
* A strong commitment to staff wellbeing.
* Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
* The chance to contribute to a healthier, happier and more prosperous Torbay.
There may be occasions where you’ll need to work outside traditional office hours, but our flexi scheme ensures you can take that time back.
If you share our ambition for Torbay and want a role where your work genuinely makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
This position is for a fixed term of 12 months from the start date.
If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/pa-to-director-for-adults-and-community-services/
For an informal chat please contact Teresa Buckley on 01803 207013 or teresa.buckley@torbay.gov.uk.
Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing27th April 2026.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.
Skills
Essential:
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, together with a positive, warm and flexible approach. Persuasive, discreet and able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including high profile partners in the private and public sectors and senior representatives of the Council as well as members of the Public.
* Ability to work with challenging, conflicting and tight deadlines, and to determine appropriate priorities with a flexible approach and ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities to ensure tasks are completed on time without supervision.
* Highly proficient in the use of Information and Communication Technology including MS Office and other relevant systems, as well as excellent keyboard skills.
* Ability to maintain good relationships with colleagues and customers and forge effective working relationships.
* Commitment to providing high level of customer service.
As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Knowledge
Essential:
* Full understanding of the role of Personal Assistant.
* Highly proficient working knowledge of Microsoft Office and associated programmes.
* An in-depth knowledge of a range of specialist administrative and organisational procedures, e.g., production of reports, speeches, letters, presentations, travel arrangements and organisation of meetings and events.
* Ability to quickly understand the relevant terms of reference for meetings within the Council’s constitution to ensure that appropriate constitutional advice can be provided to participants.
* A broad understanding of local government structures.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
* Experience of providing high levels of professional support, e.g., diary management, production of letters, speeches, presentations and other correspondence.
* Experience of supporting meetings, documenting minutes and ensuring actions are recorded.
* Experience of providing high level customer service and working with clients who may be challenging.
* Educated to NVQ Level 4 standard or equivalent.
* ECDL or equivalent experience.
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