At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Corporate Director of Children's Services with high-level executive tasks and decision-making.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, dedicated to making a positive impact on children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment focused on community engagement and positive change.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of strategic leadership and help shape the future for young people in Croydon.
- Qualifications: Experience in executive support and strong organisational skills are essential.
Salary range: Grade 12 £50,085 - £52,194 p.a. plus fantastic benefits
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Croydon
The opportunity
We are looking for an experienced Executive Officer to directly support the Corporate Director of Children, Young People & Education.
Are you an exceptional organiser who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working at the heart of strategic decision-making?
Croydon Council is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Executive Officer to provide high-level executive support to the Corporate Director of Children's Services. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in supporting the leadership of services that make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families across the borough.
As Executive Officer, you will be at the centre of the Directorate, ensuring the Corporate Director's office operates efficiently, responsively and professionally.
You will manage competing priorities, coordinate governance activity, prepare high-quality briefings and reports, and act as a trusted link between senior leaders, Members, corporate services and external partners.
No two days are the same. You'll be required to exercise sound judgement, manage sensitive information with discretion, anticipate issues before they arise and ensure that key priorities and actions are delivered on time.
About The Role
You will:
- Provide high-level, confidential support to the Corporate Director of Children's Services.
- Manage a complex diary, inbox and correspondence, ensuring priorities are effectively coordinated.
- Prepare briefings, reports, presentations and meeting papers to support informed decision-making.
- Coordinate and track actions arising from senior leadership, governance and partnership meetings.
- Support the preparation and quality assurance of Cabinet, Scrutiny, Directorate and corporate reports.
- Maintain oversight of key deadlines, priorities and forward plans.
- Build productive working relationships with senior officers, Members and colleagues across the Council.
- Help drive delivery of directorate priorities by monitoring progress, highlighting risks and supporting improvement activity.
- Lead and support Executive Support Officers where applicable.
About You
- Significant experience providing executive support to a senior leader within a complex organisation.
- Experience managing demanding diaries, inboxes and competing priorities with minimal supervision.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including drafting briefings and correspondence for senior audiences.
- Experience supporting senior leadership and governance meetings.
- The ability to analyse information, identify key issues and present concise recommendations.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to work with senior leaders, elected Members and external partners.
- A high degree of discretion, integrity and political awareness.
Why join us?
This role offers the opportunity to work alongside the Corporate Director of Children's Services at the heart of strategic leadership and decision-making. You'll gain a unique insight into how Children's Services operates, contribute to high-profile priorities and play a key role in supporting outcomes for children and families across Croydon.
- A pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 20%
- 32 days’ annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays
- Investment into your staff well-being
- Great team ethos
- The culture at Croydon is very much about working together to make positive change
- Will have the opportunity to work from home and work flexibly which provides you with more of a work-life balance.
If you are proactive, resilient and thrive in a challenging but rewarding environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Recruitment and selection timeline
- The closing date for applications is 31st August 2026.
- Shortlisting will take place 01 September 2026
- Interviews will take place in person at Bernard Wetherill House on w/c 31 st August 2026
About Us
Croydon Council’s priorities
- Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable
- Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon’s diverse communities and businesses
- Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors
- Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice
- Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities
Key Business Plan Outcomes
- Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning
- Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential
- Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we’re proud to call home
- People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer
- Croydon Council’s new ways of working
Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.
Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
The Successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.
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Executive Officer in London employer: Croydon Council
Croydon Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment where compassion and community service are at the forefront. As a Resource Officer at the South London Coroner’s Court, you will not only play a vital role in assisting bereaved families but also benefit from flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth within a diverse and inclusive team. The council values its employees, providing a meaningful career path in public service that truly makes a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Officer in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Croydon Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Croydon Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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We think you need these skills to ace Executive Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Croydon Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Croydon Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Croydon Council.
