At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Corporate Director with executive tasks and manage a dynamic diary.
- Company: Join Kent County Council, a compassionate and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your executive support skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting senior managers and strong IT skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32140 - 35035 € per year.
If you are an exceptional organiser who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working at the centre of a Directorate Management team, we would love to hear from you. We are looking for a highly capable Personal Assistant to provide first-class executive support to the Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health (ASCH). You will help enable strong, timely decision-making and the delivery of services that make a real difference to people’s lives across Kent. This is a fantastic opportunity to build your experience in executive support, governance and working at pace within a high‑profile Corporate Director’s Office. Familiarity with Kent County Council (KCC) systems, ways of working and decision-making processes would be an advantage. This role is a fixed term opportunity covering maternity leave.
What you will be doing:
- Playing an integral role in welcoming the new Corporate Director and guiding them through how Kent County Council works, including setting up key introductions.
- Managing a complex, constantly changing diary, ensuring priorities are balanced and the Corporate Director is fully briefed and prepared.
- Handling sensitive correspondence and information with absolute confidentiality and excellent judgement.
- Coordinating internal and external meetings and events, planning logistics, agendas, papers and follow-up actions.
- Taking accurate minutes and action notes, tracking progress and ensuring deadlines are met.
- Acting as a professional first point of contact for the Corporate Director’s Office, responding to queries, handling complaints and resolving issues efficiently.
- Processing purchase orders on behalf of the Corporate Director, ensuring approvals and records are completed accurately and on time.
- Researching and pulling together information from multiple sources to provide clear, timely updates and access to key data.
- Creating and maintaining practical tracking systems to keep actions moving and support good governance.
In your supporting statement, please show how you meet the criteria in the person specification, using examples that demonstrate your executive support experience, attention to detail and ability to work with discretion. Applicants who have a disability and who meet the criteria will be shortlisted. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Person specification:
- Demonstrating proven experience of supporting a senior manager in a busy, high‑profile environment.
- Being a motivated individual with the ability to organise a complex diary, using initiative to anticipate needs and juggle competing priorities.
- Remaining calm and working efficiently when priorities change at short notice, with excellent communication skills.
- Using strong IT skills, including confident use of Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Word and Excel, and producing high‑quality documents and reports.
- Drafting correspondence and producing accurate notes, minutes and action logs.
- Understanding confidentiality and data protection requirements and handling sensitive information appropriately.
- Being educated to GCSE level (or equivalent), with a Secretarial/Business Administration qualification at NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent experience).
For an informal discussion, please contact Karen Edwards on 03000 416721 or email.
Why Kent County Council?
You will join a team that is brave enough to do the right thing, curious to improve and innovate, compassionate and inclusive in how we work, and strong together as we deliver our services for the people of Kent. This is a pivotal support role where your organisation, judgement and attention to detail will directly enable senior decision‑making and leadership across ASCH and the wider council. KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county’s working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work. Work that works for you and us – let’s talk flexibility!
Salary and contract details:
- Salary: £32,140 to £35,035
- Grade: KSF
- Contract: Fixed Term Secondment/Contract
- Hours: Full time
- Location: Hybrid working – Sessions House
Personal Assistant to the Corporate Director in Kent employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an exceptional employer that values bravery, curiosity, compassion, and inclusivity in its work culture. As a Personal Assistant to the Corporate Director, you will play a vital role in supporting senior decision-making while enjoying opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment. With a commitment to flexibility and diversity, KCC fosters a workplace where every employee can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant to the Corporate Director in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to Kent County Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Personal Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experience aligns with the fast-paced environment of the Corporate Director’s Office. We want you to shine when discussing your organisational skills and ability to juggle priorities!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your tech skills! Be ready to discuss your proficiency with tools like Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint. We know these are crucial for the role, so let’s make sure you’re confident in demonstrating your abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant to the Corporate Director in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Organisational Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience in managing complex diaries and juggling priorities. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've kept things running smoothly in a busy environment.
Keep It Confidential:Since you'll be handling sensitive information, it's crucial to mention your understanding of confidentiality and data protection. Share instances where you've successfully managed confidential matters with discretion.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your supporting statement, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key achievements stand out, especially those related to executive support.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant to the Corporate Director. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as managing a complex diary and handling sensitive information. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed competing priorities or organised complex schedules. Be ready to discuss how you remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances. This will highlight your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, which is crucial for this role.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Confidentiality
Since you'll be handling sensitive correspondence, it's essential to convey your understanding of confidentiality and data protection. Share specific instances where you've dealt with confidential information and how you ensured it was handled appropriately. This will reassure the interviewers that you can be trusted with important matters.
✨Familiarise Yourself with KCC Systems
If you have any prior experience with Kent County Council systems or similar environments, make sure to mention it. If not, do a bit of research on their ways of working and decision-making processes. Showing that you're proactive about understanding the organisation will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
