At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior leaders with admin tasks, research, and project work.
- Company: Join a dynamic council team focused on community impact and leadership.
- Benefits: Earn £21.45 per hour with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture change while developing valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration and strong Microsoft Office skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working and collaboration with diverse teams are key aspects of this role.
Executive Support Officer Lewisham Contract £21.45 per hour Our client is looking for an experienced Executive Support Officer. Provide efficient, modern and appropriate administrative and organisational support to the Council’s Senior Leadership Team, through direct support to a number of Directors. Develop strong relationships with senior officers and colleagues across the Council, working strategically to ensure Directors are fully briefed, organised and equipped for day-to-day management of the organisation. Draft regular reports, briefings and correspondence on behalf of the Director to a high quality standard. Regularly undertake research, information gathering and policy work on a range of complex issues relating to the activity of the Directorate. Undertake minor project work on behalf of Directors as appropriate. Support Directors to effectively manage their divisions, utilising strong understanding of Directors’ priorities to forward plan agendas, ensure key actions are followed up, synthesise and understand complex information relating the business of the division. Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Chief Executive’s division; internal communications, policy, strategic transformation to support the Senior Leadership Team to model best practice and be ambassadors for culture change. _______________________________________________________________ Summary of Responsibilities and Personal Duties: 1. Draft reports, briefings, communications materials (for staff, Councillors, partners and residents as required) and other documents to a high quality standard. 1. Routinely carry out research, obtain information and prepare briefings for, and on behalf of, the Director, or other appropriate officers. 1. Participate in multi-disciplinary projects as required and provide regular feedback on progress. 1. Proactively maintain an awareness and understanding of matters, priorities and key issues affecting the Directorate and its services. 1. Advise Directors on key issues within the division, directorate or Council that require attention or focus. 1. Attend a range of meetings for and on behalf of Directors taking notes and reporting back as necessary. 1. Effectively use Microsoft tools such as PowerPoint and Word to ensure high quality, professional output for presentations and other documentation for Directors and own work. 1. Maintain diary and plan workloads of Directors, liaising with other Support Managers and Officers to ensure proper co-ordination across the directorate and the Council. 1. Set up and maintain administrative systems to ensure the effective forward planning, record keeping, organisation and retrieval of business, including SharePoint, filing systems, absence and leave recording, and processing and input of invoices. 1. Service meetings chaired by the Director through the preparation and dispatch of papers, producing a record of actions and ensuring appropriate follow up action. 1. Process and draft Council questions, freedom of information requests, complaints, casework and members enquiries. 1. React effectively and in a timely manner to the varying demands and deadlines set/requested by Directors and by prioritising own workload. 1. Work flexibly and provide cover for colleagues within the team and for Executive Support Officers as required. 1. Participate in the development of team priorities and objectives. 1. Develop and update procedures within own work area as required to comply with changing needs. 1. Work tactfully and professionally with both internal and external contacts at all levels including the Mayor, elected members, the Chief Executive, senior managers and officers within the Council and in other external organisations, MPs, Trade Union officials, public sector partners and community representatives. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES colbernlimited co uk The first part of our recruitment process is to send your CV. Should you be short listed Colbern Limited will contact you within 5 days or we may contact you about other job opportunities. Colbern Limited along with our clients are an equal opportunities employer
Business Support / Administrator / PA employer: Colbern Limited
Contact Detail:
Colbern Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support / Administrator / PA
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the public sector, especially those who work within local councils. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with individuals who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and priorities of the Lewisham Council. Understanding their current projects and initiatives will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your organisational and communication skills by volunteering for roles that require similar responsibilities. This experience can be invaluable and will give you concrete examples to discuss in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would handle complex information and prioritise tasks effectively. Think of specific scenarios from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple demands, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Support / Administrator / PA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of the Executive Support Officer role. Emphasise your administrative skills, ability to draft reports, and experience in managing workloads.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses how your background and skills make you a great fit for supporting the Senior Leadership Team. Mention your ability to build relationships and manage complex information effectively.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since the role requires proficiency in Microsoft tools like PowerPoint and Word, be sure to mention any relevant experience you have with these applications. Provide examples of how you've used them to produce high-quality documents or presentations.
Highlight Your Research Abilities: Given the emphasis on research and information gathering in the job description, include specific examples of past projects where you successfully conducted research and prepared briefings or reports for senior management.
How to prepare for a job interview at Colbern Limited
✨Research the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to research the Council and its Senior Leadership Team. Understand their priorities, recent projects, and any challenges they may be facing. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with administrative tasks, particularly those relevant to the job description. Highlight your proficiency in Microsoft tools like PowerPoint and Word, and provide examples of how you've successfully managed diaries, organised meetings, and maintained records in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities
As an Executive Support Officer, effective communication is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've drafted reports, briefings, or correspondence in the past. Emphasise your ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely, as this will be crucial in supporting Directors.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle multiple priorities. Think of scenarios where you've had to react quickly to changing demands or manage conflicting deadlines. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.