Executive Personal Assistant (Director and Leadership Support) in Exeter

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for an Executive Personal Assistant for our client, a local government organisation based in Exeter.

Are you highly organised, proactive and skilled at managing competing priorities?

Do you enjoy building strong professional relationships and helping senior leaders work effectively?

We're looking for an Executive Personal Assistant to provide high-level support to a Director and their Leadership Team, as well as supporting a Cabinet Member with key communications, meetings and priorities.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, managing sensitive information, solving problems and building relationships across a complex organisation.

Previous Executive PA experience is not essential; transferable skills, a proactive approach and the ability to learn quickly will be valued.

This is a permanent position with a generous range of benefits. Hybrid working is available.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to

• Provide effective diary and inbox management for the Director and Leadership Team, resolving conflicts and prioritising incoming issues.
• Coordinate senior leadership meetings, including forward planning, preparation of papers and accurate recording and follow-up of decisions and actions.
• Provide high-level administrative and organisational support to the Director, Leadership Team and Cabinet Member.
• Prepare briefings, presentations and written materials for senior leaders and the Cabinet Member.
• Act as a key point of contact for the Director, coordinating communications with internal and external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, Members, partner organisations, government departments and external agencies.
• Proactively manage unforeseen tasks and issues, using initiative and sound judgement to resolve matters effectively.
• Support the development and communication of directorate strategies, plans and priorities.
• Assist with horizon scanning, business continuity planning and incident response where required.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality when handling sensitive information and matters.

Personal Requirements

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong experience in diary management, meeting coordination, minute-taking and administrative support.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence when dealing with senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Proactive, calm and assertive, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to use initiative.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop effective relationships at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, adapting quickly to changing priorities.
• Strong IT skills, including advanced Microsoft Office capability.
• Political awareness and experience working across multiple organisations or agencies would be desirable.
• Some supervisory experience would be advantageous.

Working Hours

37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Salary

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave per year, rising with length of service, plus Bank Holidays.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme, available 24/7.
• Flexible working opportunities, including home-working, subject to the needs of the role.
• Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme.