At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch support to the Executive Director in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at County Hall, Preston, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of decision-making and influence positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting senior leaders and excellent organisational skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and innovative setting.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
Salary £32,061 - £36,363 per annum | 37 hours per week | Permanent, Full time | Preston, Lancashire
We are recruiting for a high‑calibre Executive Director Senior Personal Assistant to provide exceptional professional support to the Executive Director of Adults, Health & Wellbeing. This temporary post is offered for a fixed period of two years, with an end date of 31 December 2027. The role forms part of the wider Senior Leadership support function and will involve working alongside a team of a fellow Executive Director Senior Personal Assistant, and Director Personal Assistants, ensuring seamless, high‑quality support across directorates.
About the Role
The Executive Director's Senior Personal Assistant will play a pivotal role in supporting a complex, fast‑paced service area. You will provide a confidential, effective, and highly organised PA service to the Executive Director, working proactively to manage priorities, coordinate information, and ensure the smooth running of daily operations. You will frequently handle sensitive issues, manage competing priorities, and represent the Executive Director in interactions with internal and external stakeholders. A high level of initiative, excellent communication skills, and the ability to pre‑empt needs are essential. This role requires a confident and experienced professional who can work collaboratively with others, contributing to strong leadership and supporting high‑quality service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the first point of contact for the Executive Director, managing correspondence, phone calls, and enquiries.
- Proactively coordinate and manage complex diaries, ensuring meetings are well‑planned, prioritised, and supported with relevant briefings.
- Plan and organise travel, accommodation, and logistics where required.
- Maintain effective filing and data systems, including email management and retrieval processes.
- Provide a full range of PA duties: drafting correspondence, minute-taking, handling enquiries, and maintaining oversight of workflow.
- Coordinate key meetings, including SLT meetings, ensuring agendas, papers, minutes, action logs and follow‑ups are fully managed.
- Lead on arrangements for meetings with internal and external partners, ensuring smooth and professional delivery.
- Develop a strong understanding of the Executive Director's priorities, contacts, and workload to support effective decision‑making.
- Build positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders to support joined‑up service delivery.
- Adapt to changing business needs and undertake duties aligned with the role as required.
About You
- Has substantial experience supporting senior leaders or directors in a complex organisation.
- Demonstrates excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks.
- Is confident, composed, and capable of handling sensitive matters discreetly.
- Communicates clearly and effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- Can work flexibly, collaboratively, and with initiative.
- Brings strong IT skills (particularly Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Shows commitment to our organisational values of being Supportive, Innovative, Respectful, and Collaborative.
Contact for Further Information Details
If you wish to discuss the role further, please contact: Lucy Jackson, Exec Support Office Manager Tel: 01772 537807 Email: lucy.jackson@lancashire.gov.uk
Executive Director Senior Personal Assistant | Full time | Preston, Lancashire employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director Senior Personal Assistant | Full time | Preston, Lancashire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or even in person. Let them know you're on the hunt for an Executive Director Senior Personal Assistant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its leadership style. Understand their priorities and challenges, so you can showcase how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out as the perfect fit for the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a PA, you'll need to convey information clearly and effectively. Try mock interviews with friends or family to refine your responses and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director Senior Personal Assistant | Full time | Preston, Lancashire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience that aligns with the role. We want to see how your skills match the needs of the Executive Director's Senior Personal Assistant position.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since this role is all about managing priorities and keeping things running smoothly, give us examples of how you've successfully handled complex tasks or supported senior leaders in the past. We love a good story!
Be Professional Yet Personable: While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Show us that you can build positive relationships with stakeholders while maintaining discretion and composure.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Executive Director
Before the interview, take some time to research the Executive Director's background, priorities, and recent initiatives. This will not only help you understand their needs better but also allow you to tailor your responses to show how you can support them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed complex diaries or coordinated multiple tasks in previous roles. Highlight your ability to prioritise and handle competing demands, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism
Since you'll be dealing with sensitive information, it's important to convey your understanding of confidentiality. Share experiences where you've successfully handled sensitive matters discreetly, showcasing your professionalism and trustworthiness.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
During the interview, emphasise your ability to build positive relationships with various stakeholders. Discuss how you've collaborated with different teams or departments in the past, as this role requires strong interpersonal skills to ensure seamless service delivery.