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 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 Maidstone employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an exceptional employer that values diversity, inclusivity, and the well-being of its employees. By joining our team as a Personal Assistant to the Corporate Director, you will be part of a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and innovation while making a meaningful impact on the lives of Kent residents. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee development, this role offers a unique opportunity to thrive in a dynamic environment at the heart of local governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant to the Corporate Director in Maidstone
✨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 the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Corporate Director’s Office and understanding their priorities. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills can directly support their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Personal Assistant, you’ll need to convey information clearly and professionally. Try mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨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!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant to the Corporate Director in Maidstone
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 Professional:When drafting your application, remember to maintain a professional tone while still being yourself. This role is all about supporting the Corporate Director, so show us you can communicate effectively and handle sensitive information with discretion.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make it personal by aligning your experiences with the criteria in the person specification. We want to see how your skills and background make you the perfect fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Kent County Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your Stuff About KCC
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Kent County Council's systems and decision-making processes. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the role but also help you answer questions more confidently and demonstrate how you can hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed complex diaries or handled competing priorities in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgement and discretion, especially when handling sensitive information. Think of scenarios where you had to make tough decisions or maintain confidentiality, and be prepared to explain your thought process.
✨Bring Your IT A-Game
Since strong IT skills are crucial for this role, brush up on your knowledge of Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Word, and Excel. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools to create high-quality documents or manage projects effectively.
