At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Chief Executive in driving strategic ambitions and enhancing organisational performance.
- Company: Join the RNLI, a respected charity dedicated to saving lives at sea.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal development in a high-profile role.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of a vital organisation.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting senior executives and strong communication skills required.
Salary: £62,623 to £73,674 (dependent on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Location: Poole, Dorset, England
Location Description: Hybrid role, with a minimum of 3 days per week in Poole
Interview Location: Lifesaving Support Centre, Poole
Interview Date: 1st round: Tues 25th Aug. Final: Wed 2nd Sept 2026.
Closing Date: 17-08-2026
Reference: 21797
Join us in shaping the future of the RNLI. We are seeking an exceptional Special Adviser – Executive Operations to work alongside the Chief Executive in a newly created, high-profile role that will strengthen the effectiveness of the Chief Executive's Office and support the successful delivery of the RNLI 2040 strategic ambitions.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the charity operates with pace, coherence, clarity and discipline. You will drive alignment across the Executive Team and senior leaders, strengthen governance, improve organisational performance and ensure strategic priorities are translated into action.
As a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive, you will act as a key connector and coordinator between the Executive Team and Senior Leadership Team, promoting synchronisation, collaboration, accountability and effective decision-making. You will also lead the Executive Assistant function, ensuring the Executive Team receives consistent, high-quality operational support.
Working in close partnership with the Senior Adviser – Executive Engagement, you will help build a resilient, high-performing Chief Executive's Office, enhancing the RNLI's ability to deliver its strategy and represent the organisation at the highest levels.
The Role
As Special Adviser – Executive Operations, you will lead the effective operation of the Chief Executive's business office and help to ensure organisational priorities are delivered successfully. Your responsibilities will include:
- Driving effective coordination across the Executive Team and Senior Leadership to support the effective delivery of the RNLI's 5-Year Plan and long-term strategic ambitions.
- Overseeing and integrating the Chief Executive's and Executive Team’s operational, business and engagement commitments to maximise organisational impact and ensure priorities remain aligned.
- Acting as a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive, providing strategic advice, anticipating issues, drafting correspondence, and exercising delegated authority and discretion where appropriate.
- Leading the Executive Team's governance and correspondence management processes, ensuring effective planning, decision-making and alignment with the Company Secretariat.
- Managing the people administration, recruitment, and coordination of the Chief Executive's direct reports.
- Identifying opportunities to improve processes, coordination, governance and operational effectiveness across the Chief Executive's business office and Executive Team.
- Managing and leading the Executive Assistant function across the organisation, promoting continuous professional development and consistent standards.
About You
You will be an experienced senior professional with excellent organisational awareness, judgement, communication skills, and the ability to influence at the highest levels. You will bring:
- Significant experience supporting senior executives or executive leadership teams within a complex organisation.
- A strong track record of organisational planning, governance, strategic delivery and leading change.
- The ability to operate confidently under pressure, balancing multiple priorities while maintaining focus on strategic outcomes.
- Excellent influencing and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively and provide objective advice to senior leaders.
- Outstanding judgement, discretion and integrity when dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality papers, briefings and correspondence.
- A collaborative leadership style and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Some of the benefits
- Salary of £62,623 to £73,674 (dependent on experience)
- Flexible working
- From 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Competitive pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Health cashplan option
This is a high-profile role with an outstanding opportunity for personal development at the highest levels of the Institution.
About the selection process
First interviews will be held at the RNLI Lifesaving Support Centre in Poole on Tuesday 25th August 2025 and will consist of a structured panel interview and a written task. Final interviews will be held at the RNLI Lifesaving Support Centre in Poole on Wednesday 2nd September 2026 and will consist of a structured panel interview, including the Chief Executive, and the opportunity to meet with members of the Chief Executive’s Office.
Safeguarding
The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role.
Diversity at the RNLI
Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable) and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.
Special Adviser - Executive Operations in Poole employer: RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a life-saving mission while enjoying a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on employee growth and development, RNLI provides comprehensive training and career advancement opportunities, all within a flexible hybrid working model based in the beautiful city of Perth. Join us to make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond!
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Adviser - Executive Operations in Poole
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like RNLI.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like RNLI.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Adviser - Executive Operations in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to RNLI.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of RNLI. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at RNLI
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with RNLI, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at RNLI, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for RNLI could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at RNLI as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
