Are you highly organised, resilient and confident working at the centre of a busy organisation?
We are looking for an exceptional Senior Executive Officer to provide comprehensive support to the Chief Executive, Strategic Director of Resources and Strategic Head of Finance, helping to ensure the Council's most senior leaders can effectively deliver their priorities.
You will be someone who instinctively understands what needs to happen, can anticipate requirements before they arise and knows how to manage competing demands and priorities. The role requires someone who is highly organised and resilient, with the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, respond positively to changing priorities and be confident in managing challenging situations.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing complex and frequently changing diaries, inboxes and competing demands for senior leaders.
- Coordinating key meetings, reports and briefings.
- Acting as a trusted point of contact for senior officers.
- Anticipating issues before they arise and helping senior leaders navigate challenges effectively.
- Managing the Executive Assistant and ensuring high standards of Executive Office support.
About you
We're looking for someone who:
- Has significant experience of providing executive level support to senior leaders, ideally within a complex environment.
- Understands the expectations and pressures associated with supporting leaders at the highest level.
- Thrives in a busy, fast moving environment.
- Has exceptional organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Can confidently deal with senior stakeholders and challenging situations.
- Remains calm, professional and solutions focused under pressure.
- Is resilient and able to respond positively to robust challenge, changing priorities and demanding workloads.
- Has excellent initiative, judgement, discretion and emotional intelligence.
- Can build effective working relationships with a wide range of personalities and working styles.
- Is comfortable working with highly sensitive and confidential information.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with the Council's most senior leaders and play a key part in supporting the delivery of services across the district.
The work is varied and rewarding, but it can also be demanding. You will regularly work with competing priorities, tight deadlines, complex issues and senior stakeholders with high expectations. Success in this role requires resilience, professionalism, adaptability and a genuine willingness to go the extra mile.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact:
Jenna Malpass, Democratic Services and Elections Manager
We are happy to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements including job shares and would welcome an additional conversation about how these could work for the role.
CLOSING DATE: 9th December 2026
INTERVIEW DATE: 15th December 2026
2nd INFORMAL INTERVIEW WITH CHIEF EXECUTIVE/MEMBERS OF STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP TEAM: 16th December 2026
In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range of staff benefits. Please click here for more information: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/benefits-of-working-for-us
A local government reorganisation is planned for Gloucestershire, which may result in changes to structures and services. A timeline for potential change is currently unknown.
We are committed to supporting all employees through this transition and ensuring continuity of employment wherever possible. Joining us now means you’ll be part of shaping an exciting new chapter for local government.
It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities.
We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates and value the diverse lived experiences they bring. We recognise the wide range of cognitive strengths that contribute to delivering high-quality services. We are committed to ensuring that every applicant can participate fully and fairly in our recruitment process. To support this, we offer workplace adjustments at every stage. Please let us know if you have any additional requirements as we are here to help create a positive, inclusive, and equitable experience for all.
Responsible recruitment practices for safeguarding are in place within the Council’s HR policies and processes. This is part of our commitment as a Council to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people, and children.
Please be advised that the Council is unable to provide sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route. Candidates must be able to demonstrate an existing right to work in the UK.
Stroud District has an energy unlike any other place. It’s green and dynamic, climate conscious and motivated, creative and collaborative, and unapologetically ambitious. To find out more about what makes our place, our people and our businesses so special, please follow the link to our dedicated website: Stroud District – The Natural Place
Senior Executive Officer in Stroud employer: Stroud District Council
Stroud District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in the picturesque Cotswolds while championing sustainability and community engagement. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on professional development, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our staff to make a meaningful impact. Join us in shaping the future of local government and enjoy a rewarding career with excellent benefits, including a robust pension scheme and support for diverse needs.
