At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Executive Team by managing priorities, communications, and key commitments.
- Company: Join a dynamic fire and rescue service committed to community safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Equal opportunity employer welcoming diverse applicants.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of decision-making and make a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Organised, reliable, and a team player with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 38220 - 40777 £ per year.
Contract: FTC/Secondment (6 months)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £38,220.00 – £40,777.00
Location: Kelvedon Park
Closing Date: 4th June 2026
About the Role
The Executive Office works alongside the Chief Fire Officer and the Executive Team to coordinate priorities, information and delivery, providing clear, joined‑up and trusted support. The role will work closely with Directors to anticipate and coordinate priorities, manage the flow of information, and ensure follow‑through on key commitments and decisions. It plays an important part in maintaining grip across Executive priorities, ensuring that activity is aligned, visible and moving forward.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Executive Team to anticipate, prioritise and coordinate commitments, requests and time.
- Prepare and coordinate reports, meeting material and support submissions.
- Manage diaries, inboxes and requests, using judgement to triage, prioritise and progress work.
- Track, progress and challenge next steps, ensuring agreed actions are delivered and do not drift.
- Coordinate executive and governance meetings by managing commitments, next steps, timelines and follow‑through.
- Act as a professional, trusted and confident point of contact between the Executive Team and colleagues across the Service.
- Spot risks, pressures or gaps across priorities and raise these early to support decision‑making.
- Support shared priorities and provide cover when needed as part of the Executive Office team.
- Anticipate needs, intervene early where required, and keep work moving within agreed priorities and ways of working.
Qualifications
- Organised, reliable and calm.
- Comfortable working with people and as part of a close knit team.
- Clear and thoughtful in communication.
- Trustworthy, discreet and comfortable handling confidential information.
- Proactive, able to work autonomously, and confident using judgement to prioritise, challenge and progress work.
- Keen to learn and develop.
- Experience in an admin, business support or executive support role is helpful but attitude and teamwork are equally important.
Benefits
We are committed to prioritising and promoting the wellbeing of our employees. For more information on our benefits, please visit the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service benefits page.
Important Information for Firefighter Pension Scheme Pensioners
If you are currently receiving a pension from the Firefighter Pension Scheme, please note that accepting this role may affect your pension. Under pension abatement rules, if your earnings in this role, when combined with your pension, exceed your pre‑retirement salary (adjusted for inflation), your pension may be reduced. For further guidance, contact the Pensions team.
Safeguarding
Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. You must disclose if you are currently being investigated or have any decisions or sanctions pending or in progress. You agree to inform the Service within 24 hours if you are subsequently investigated by any agency or organisation in relation to concerns about your behaviour toward children, young people or vulnerable adults. The information you provide will be treated as strictly confidential and will be considered only in relation to the appointment for which you are applying. This role will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Equal Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity, Disability Confident, employer who welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Applications are considered solely on merit. You are able to raise any queries or requests for support, including any adjustments you may require, at any stage of the process by email. All information is treated with dignity and respect.
Executive Assistant in Colchester employer: Networking Women in the Fire Service
At Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that prioritises the wellbeing of our employees while fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture. Located in the scenic Kelvedon Park, this role as an Executive Assistant offers not only competitive salary packages but also ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a close-knit team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
Contact Details:
Networking Women in the Fire Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work in executive support roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its leadership team. Knowing their priorities and challenges will help you tailor your responses and show that you're the perfect fit for supporting the Executive Team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Executive Assistant, you'll need to be clear and confident. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable articulating your thoughts.
✨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 and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Executive Assistant role. Highlight your organisational skills and experience in supporting teams, as these are key to the position. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since clear communication is vital for this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to convey information effectively. Whether it’s through your writing style or examples of past experiences, let us see how you can be a trusted point of contact.
Be Proactive in Your Approach:We love candidates who take initiative! In your application, share instances where you’ve anticipated needs or tackled challenges head-on. This will show us that you’re not just reactive but also proactive in managing priorities.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Networking Women in the Fire Service
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Executive Assistant. Familiarise yourself with how to manage diaries, coordinate reports, and support the Executive Team. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
During the interview, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your ability to keep things organised and on track.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As an Executive Assistant, clear communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts and ideas succinctly. Be ready to explain how you would handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality, as this role requires a high level of trustworthiness.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity and Problem-Solving
Employers love candidates who can think on their feet. Prepare to discuss situations where you've anticipated needs or identified potential issues before they became problems. This will show that you can take initiative and keep things moving smoothly within the team.
