Leadership Support Manager (Leader's Office)
Chief Executives Officer
Grade I : £50,407.50
Fixed term for 6 months/secondment opportunity for 6 months
We are seeking an experienced and highly organised professional to lead the Council's Leader's Office and provide high-quality support to the Leader of the Council.
Working within the Chief Executive's Office and reporting to the Head of Chief Executive's Office, you will ensure the Leader's priorities, commitments, correspondence, briefings and engagements are effectively coordinated and supported. You will act as a key point of contact between the Leader, senior officers, elected members, residents, partners and external stakeholders, helping ensure matters are appropriately prepared, progressed and followed through.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Leader's Office, ensuring the delivery of an effective and resilient support service.
- Coordinate and monitor the Leader's priorities, commitments, correspondence and actions.
- Research, draft, commission and quality assure briefings, speeches, correspondence and other materials on behalf of the Leader.
- Support the Leader's preparation for meetings, visits, events and engagements.
- Work closely with the Chief Executive, senior officers and elected members to ensure issues are appropriately coordinated and progressed.
- Monitor developments across Government, local government and partner organisations, ensuring the Leader receives timely intelligence and briefing on matters relevant to the Council.
- Maintain effective systems for tracking enquiries, decisions, commitments and follow-up actions.
- Build effective relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders.
- Handle sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism, discretion and sound judgement.
About you
You will have experience supporting senior leaders, elected members or other high-profile stakeholders within a complex organisation.
You will be able to demonstrate:
- Excellent written communication skills, including drafting briefings, reports, speeches and correspondence.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Sound judgement and the ability to deal confidently with complex and sensitive issues.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify emerging issues, risks and opportunities.
- The ability to build effective working relationships and coordinate activity across teams.
- An understanding of the respective roles of elected members and officers.
- A commitment to professionalism, integrity and political neutrality.
What we offer
This is an opportunity to work at the centre of the organisation, supporting the Leader and contributing to the effective operation of the Council's leadership arrangements.
If you have excellent communication, organisational and relationship-management skills, and are looking for a varied and challenging role within a high-performing Chief Executive's Office, we would welcome your application.
Closing Date: 23 November 2026
Interview Date: TBC
Leadership Support Manager, Leader's Office in Banbury employer: Cherwell District Council
Cherwell District Council is an excellent employer that prioritises work-life balance, offering a unique three-day weekend every week for its LGV Drivers at the Banbury Depot. With a strong commitment to employee development through in-house training and generous benefits like a robust pension scheme and free annual CPC training, we foster a supportive work culture where team players can thrive and grow. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values safety, flexibility, and exceptional service to the community.
