Executive Assistant in Norwich

We are seeking a highly organised, professional, and politically aware Executive Assistant to provide high-level executive support to the Leader of the Council. This pivotal role is responsible for managing the Leader's schedule, communications, engagements, and priorities, while acting as a key liaison between elected members, senior officers, external stakeholders, and the public. The successful candidate will operate in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating excellent judgement, discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism.

Reporting to the Head of Legal and Governance, the Executive Assistant will provide comprehensive administrative and executive support to the Leader of the Council. The postholder will ensure the smooth operation of the Leader's office, enabling effective decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and delivery of strategic priorities.

Working collaboratively across the Council, the Executive Assistant will support corporate objectives, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and help foster a culture of excellence, accountability, collaboration, and integrity. This role requires a proactive individual with exceptional organisational and communication skills, capable of managing sensitive information and supporting high-profile meetings, events, and civic functions.

Responsibilities

• Executive Support: Provide proactive and professional support to the Leader of the Council, ensuring their time is managed effectively and priorities are delivered efficiently. This includes managing diaries, coordinating meetings and travel, preparing briefing materials, and handling correspondence on their behalf.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as a key liaison between the Leader, councillors, senior officers, external organisations, and members of the public. The role requires building strong working relationships, facilitating effective communication, and ensuring actions are followed through to completion.
• Meeting & Governance Support: Coordinate high-level meetings and provide administrative support to ensure smooth and effective decision-making. Responsibilities include preparing agendas and papers, taking accurate minutes, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with governance and data protection requirements.
• Events & Engagement: Support the planning and delivery of civic events, public engagements, and official functions attended by the Leader. The postholder will help coordinate logistics, prepare supporting materials, and ensure events are delivered professionally and successfully.
• Corporate Contribution: Work collaboratively across the Council to support strategic priorities, organisational projects, and service improvement initiatives. The role contributes to promoting a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across the organisation.

Skills Required

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate complex or sensitive information to a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong project and performance management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of political awareness and experience supporting or working with elected members.
• Exceptional discretion, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience organising senior-level meetings, producing minutes, and maintaining action trackers.
• Good understanding of local government governance, legislative, and regulatory frameworks.

Educational Requirements

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
• Relevant professional qualification in Business Administration.
• Evidence of continuing professional and personal development.
• At least 3 years' experience in a Business Administration, Executive Assistant, or Executive Support role.

Our council is full of people who have chosen to work in local government because they want to help others and make a difference to their lives or the environment in which local people live. We offer our employees a competitive pay and benefits package. Whether you’re looking for a new career, promotion, flexible working opportunity to fit with your home life or a sideways move – we have a variety of challenging employment opportunities for everybody.

The council is committed to a policy of equality opportunity in employment, in recruitment and the services we provide. Applications are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post regardless of sex, gender reassignment, race, ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status, domestic responsibilities, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. People with disabilities are guaranteed an interview provided they are suitably qualified and/or experienced.

Benefits include eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), paid holiday entitlement starting at 26 days per annum, increasing with length of service, and additional statutory leave at Christmas.