At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the CEO and Executive Management Team with day-to-day operations and decision-making.
- Company: Join the National Records of Scotland, a key public body in the Scottish Government.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and work in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of senior decision-making and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly organised, resilient, and proactive Executive Assistant to join our Business Management Unit (BMU). This role provides direct support to the National Records of Scotland (NRS) Chief Executive, as well as the wider Executive Management Team. This is a varied and engaging role at the heart of senior decision-making within the organisation. It offers valuable exposure to the leadership and operation of a Scottish Government public body, along with opportunities to develop a broad range of skills.
The role requires strong judgement, discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. You will play a key role in ensuring the effective running of the CEO’s office, supporting decision-making, governance, and engagement with senior internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities- Provide comprehensive day-to-day office support, including visitor coordination and alignment of the CEO’s schedule with organisational priorities.
- Manage a complex and dynamic diary, prioritising meeting requests and preparing timely briefings and supporting materials.
- Oversee inbox and correspondence management, including filtering, prioritising, and coordinating responses to high-level and sensitive communications (e.g. Parliamentary Questions and CEO correspondence).
- Track correspondence deadlines, ensure timely follow-up, and escalate urgent or high-priority issues to the CEO/Director.
- Deliver operational and administrative support, including complaints, FOI, ministerial systems, and organising travel in line with the NRS Carbon Management Plan.
- Provide end-to-end meeting support, including logistics, documentation, briefing packs, minute-taking, and tracking actions to completion.
- Act as a key point of contact, building strong relationships and communicating professionally with internal teams, Ministers, and external stakeholders.
- Support governance processes and drive continuous improvement by promoting efficient ways of working and enhancing processes within the BMU and CEO’s office.
This role is a permanent level transfer position.
How to ApplyApplications for this position will only be accepted from substantive A4 employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).
Selection ProcessAll candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager. Informal discussion dates tbc. Please be advised this vacancy is open only to Priority Movers.
Further InformationIf you have specific questions about the role, please contact Sam.Harrison@nrscotland.gov.uk. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Executive Assistant - A4 in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the heart of Scottish Government operations. As an Executive Assistant, you will gain invaluable exposure to senior decision-making while enjoying a supportive culture that prioritises employee development and engagement. With a commitment to continuous improvement and efficient processes, NRS provides a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to public service in Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant - A4 in Edinburgh
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We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant - A4 in Edinburgh
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 Scottish Government.
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 Scottish Government. 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 Scottish Government
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You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Scottish Government, 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 Scottish Government, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
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Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Scottish Government 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.
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