At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality support to Assistant Directors and manage complex issues.
- Company: Thurrock Council, a supportive and well-resourced organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rates, weekly payments, and a flexible working environment.
- Other info: Great transport links and a collaborative team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic role with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior admin support and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 11218 - 14753 £ per year.
Thurrock Council is seeking a Leadership Assistant to provide professional, high-quality business and secretariat support to Assistant Directors within their executive support service. Based in Grays, Essex (RM17 6SL), this is a temporary day-rate role paying £112.18–£147.53 per day, starting 17 August 2026.
The post holder will act as a key point of contact for complex issues, manage diaries proactively, arrange briefings and background papers, and provide high-quality minute-taking and action-log management across operational and strategic meetings. You will deputise for the Executive Assistant during absences, lead on directorate projects and bespoke workstreams, assist with Cabinet Member reports, and help organise directorate events.
The role sits within a restructured, self-service-oriented organisation with an increasing reliance on IT and flexible working. You will collaborate closely with the wider Executive Support team to ensure consistency and seamless delivery across the directorate.
Ideal candidates will have proven experience in senior administrative or executive support, strong diary management and secretariat skills, excellent written communication, and the ability to handle complex and sensitive issues on behalf of senior leaders. Comfort with IT-driven, agile working environments is essential.
What’s on offer:
- Excellent, competitive pay rates – paid weekly
- Supportive management team with approachable, experienced leaders
- A desirable location with great transport links
- A stable, well-resourced, and encouraging working environment
Leadership Assistant – Admin & Clerical – #OR111455 in Grays employer: Semester.co.uk
Durham County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive management team and a stable, well-resourced working environment in the desirable location of Seaham, County Durham. With competitive pay rates and opportunities for hybrid working, employees can thrive both professionally and personally while contributing to meaningful service development and transformation in children's care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Leadership Assistant – Admin & Clerical – #OR111455 in Grays
✨Leverage Your Network
Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like Semester.co.uk can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.
✨Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities
Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like Semester.co.uk; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.
✨Join Corporate Management Forums
Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like Semester.co.uk.
We think you need these skills to ace Leadership Assistant – Admin & Clerical – #OR111455 in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.
Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at Semester.co.uk and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.
Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research Semester.co.uk's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Semester.co.uk
✨Show Off Your Leadership Stories
For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.
✨Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks
In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.
