2 Months Contract with a Local Authority
3 days office
2 days WFH
37hrs / week
£19.64 / hr
Bi-weekly Pay
Location: Grays
Summary
The Leadership Assistant plays a crucial role in delivering professional and high-quality support to the Assistant Director(s), encompassing business support, secretariat services, and assistance with broader directorate projects. This position is integral to the Council's modern, self-service-oriented framework, which increasingly relies on IT and flexible operational structures. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of the directorate's operational context, strategic priorities, and alignment with broader organizational goals. Reporting to the Executive Assistant under the Executive Support Manager, the workload is guided by the Assistant Director with oversight from the Executive Assistant.
Responsibilities
* Provide effective, proactive, and responsive support to the Assistant Director(s).
* Act as the primary contact for complex issues, offering responses on behalf of the Assistant Director(s) when appropriate.
* Manage diaries efficiently and plan proactively to ensure the Assistant Director(s) are well-prepared for meetings.
* Deliver high-quality secretariat support for key operational and strategic meetings, including drafting concise minutes and following up on actions.
* Deputize for the Executive Assistant during absences.
* Collaborate with the Executive Assistant to maintain high standards of performance and reporting for the Directorate.
* Assist in preparing for and attending meetings and engagements with or on behalf of the Assistant Director(s).
* Lead on directorate projects and bespoke work streams, including Cabinet Member reports and organizing directorate events.
* Collaborate with the wider leadership team to ensure high standards of administrative support and integration of Council priorities.
* Provide coverage at DMT meetings, taking minutes and ensuring actions are followed up in the absence of the Executive Assistant.
Requirements
* Strong understanding of the directorate and individual service areas, operational context, and strategic priorities.
* Ability to work collaboratively and maintain high standards of administrative support.
* Proficiency in IT and flexible operational structures.
* Experience in diary management and proactive planning.
* Excellent communication skills for acting as a point of contact on complex issues.
* Ability to draft concise minutes and manage action follow-ups.
* Experience in leading projects and organizing events.
* Commitment to the Council's diversity, equality, and health and safety policies.
* Willingness to work flexibly, including remote and home working as required.