At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-level support to the Chief Executive and manage a busy diary.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Waltham Forest, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic team supporting top management.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, high-profile role while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and ability to handle sensitive information.
The predicted salary is between 42771 - 45750 £ per year.
Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Salary: PO2 £42,771-45,750
Contract Type: Full time - Fixed term (12 Months Maternity Cover)
Working hours per week: 36
Application Deadline: 03/07/2026
Proposed Interview Date(s): 07/07/2026
Reference: 2189
About the role
We are looking for a motivated and experienced individual to take on the role of Senior Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover. The successful candidate will be confident, proactive and able to think ahead, working in a fast‑paced and high‑profile environment. You will need to handle sensitive information with discretion and have a good understanding of political awareness. Working closely with the Chief Executive, you will provide high‑level support and help ensure the smooth running of day‑to‑day activities. You will also work with Directors and other senior colleagues, offering flexible support across a range of priorities and stepping in where needed. You will need a flexible approach to your workload, be able to work on your own initiative, and manage changing priorities calmly and effectively. Strong organisational skills and solid administrative experience are essential. We are looking for someone who can manage competing demands, stay calm under pressure and keep things moving. You will need to be a confident communicator, able to work with elected members, senior officers and external partners. You should be comfortable drafting reports and correspondence, producing clear and accurate minutes, and putting together presentations. You will also need to be confident using a range of IT systems and managing busy inboxes and diaries. This is a fixed‑term position to provide maternity cover, anticipated to last for 12 months. However, applicants should be aware that the duration of the contract may be subject to change. In the event that the employee currently on maternity leave decides to return to work earlier than originally indicated, the contract may be terminated with appropriate notice in accordance with the terms of employment.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing high‑level, proactive executive support to the Chief Executive
- Managing a complex and demanding diary and high‑volume inbox effectively
- Coordinating meetings, including preparing agendas, briefings and papers
- Ensuring actions are tracked and followed up in a timely manner
- Acting as a key point of contact for elected members, senior officers and external stakeholders
- Managing communication professionally and with appropriate sensitivity
- Drafting correspondence, reports and presentations to a high standard
- Producing clear, accurate minutes at a senior level
- Supporting the smooth running of senior leadership activity
- Anticipating needs, prioritising competing demands and ensuring the Chief Executive is fully briefed at all times
- Working flexibly to meet the needs of the Chief Executive and service demands
- Attending the office on a predominantly office‑based basis, in line with the Council’s hybrid working policy, to support effective in‑person working, collaboration and responsiveness, with some flexibility agreed in line with service requirements
You will report to the Leadership Office in the Resources Directorate. You will work as part of a dynamic team who support the Council’s top tier of management. Previous Senior Executive Assistant experience is not essential but the ability to work in a fast‑paced environment is desirable.
Qualifications and Requirements
Numeracy and literacy qualification e.g. GCSE English and Maths or equivalent. Relevant professional qualifications are encouraged but not essential.
Terms and Conditions
Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks. Satisfactory declaration of interest. As a public authority, we must ensure that members of staff in public‑facing roles are able to speak fluent English. This means that they must have a command of spoken English, with confidence and accuracy, sufficient for the effective performance of their role. This requirement does not refer to any particular English language qualifications, regional or international accents, dialects, speech impediments or the tone of conversations. It does not require staff to speak only in English.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications online by pressing the ‘Apply’ button below. This includes a supporting statement that outlines to us how your skills and experience make you a good candidate for this vacancy. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and, as the largest employer in the area, works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives:
- Promoting equality of opportunity
- Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage
- Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels
- Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all
Respecting Diversity is a core Council value. To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting. The council also operates a scheme whereby, for jobs graded up to and including scale SO2, internal candidates are considered first. This includes those candidates who self‑identify as having a disability for the purposes of the Disability Confident scheme. For more information, please refer to our recruitment and selection policy.
We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Therefore, wherever possible, we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual's personal circumstances whilst still meeting the needs of the Council. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below or feel free to discuss this during your interview.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Lisa Shukla, Business Manager lisa.shukla@walthamforest.gov.uk. If you have any technical issues when trying to apply for this post, please contact our Recruitment Team via email at recruitment@walthamforest.gov.uk. The Council’s preference is for online application. However, if you have a disability and are unable to complete an online application, please email recruitment@walthamforest.gov.uk so we can arrange an alternative application method.
Fraud Awareness Notice
The London Borough of Waltham Forest only advertises vacancies via our official website and approved recruitment platforms (e.g. Jobsgopublic). We will never ask for payment or request sensitive personal or financial information as part of our recruitment process. If you are contacted by a third party claiming to represent the Council, please verify the vacancy via our official careers website before sharing any information. If you have concerns about a job advert or communication, please report it to: fraud@walthamforest.gov.uk
Senior Executive Assistant - Internal Applicants Only in Walthamstow employer: LBWF
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. As the largest employer in the area, we provide our employees with meaningful roles that contribute to the community, alongside opportunities for professional growth and flexible working arrangements. Join us in a dynamic team where your contributions will make a real difference in the lives of our residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Executive Assistant - Internal Applicants Only in Walthamstow
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
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Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
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If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Executive Assistant - Internal Applicants Only in Walthamstow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at LBWF
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from LBWF.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show LBWF that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
