At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the LGR Programme Director and coordinate key projects for Suffolk's councils.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council in a transformative change programme.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a focus on community impact.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of local government change and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in executive support and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 40777 £ per year.
Future Suffolk / Suffolk County Council
Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX, Hybrid working
Salary: £34,434 - £40,777 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
Contract: Fixed Term or Secondment until 31 March 2028
Suffolk's councils are working together on one of the most ambitious change programmes the county has ever seen. Through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), we're creating three new unitary councils and building the foundations for the future of local services across Suffolk.
We're looking for talented people to join our programme team and play a key role in making that happen. As the Executive Assistant and Project Support, you'll be at the centre of the LGR Programme, helping coordinate priorities, connect people and support the effective delivery of objectives. Working closely with the Programme Director, you'll play an important role in helping the programme operate efficiently and effectively across multiple organisations.
Your role and responsibilities
- Manage complex diaries, priorities, correspondence and competing demands on behalf of the Programme Director.
- Coordinate meetings, boards and events, preparing agendas, reports and other documentation while ensuring actions, deadlines and logistics are effectively managed.
- Coordinate information, reporting and updates from across multiple workstreams and organisations.
- Lead delegated pieces of work and support delivery of programme priorities.
- Provide high-quality project and administrative support to help keep the programme organised, connected and on track.
- Manage correspondence, enquiries and escalations, ensuring timely responses and follow-up activity.
- Build effective relationships with senior leaders, partners and stakeholders across Suffolk's councils.
You will need
- Experience providing executive, secretarial or administrative support at a senior level.
- Experience supporting complex programmes or projects, ideally involving multiple organisations or partners.
- Excellent planning, organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing demands and changing priorities.
- Strong communication, relationship-building and influencing skills, with the confidence to work effectively with senior leaders, elected members and stakeholders.
- The ability to work independently, use initiative, solve problems and operate effectively in ambiguity.
- Political awareness and sensitivity, ideally gained within local government or the wider public sector.
- A collaborative, flexible and solutions-focused approach, with a commitment to supporting successful outcomes for Suffolk's residents, communities and public services.
The team
Although hosted by Suffolk County Council, this is a genuinely system-wide role working across the full LGR system, bringing together multiple councils, disciplines and partners behind a single shared objective. The team act on behalf of all Suffolk councils and are accountable to the Future Suffolk Implementation Board. You'll join a newly established programme team, united by a shared commitment to delivering change that protects services for residents and creates strong, sustainable new councils.
For more information on LGR in Suffolk, please visit the Three Councils for Suffolk and the Future Suffolk websites.
Applications from Suffolk's five councils
Colleagues currently working for one of Suffolk's five councils are encouraged to apply. Where possible, appointments will be made on a secondment basis, allowing you to retain your substantive role.
Empowering Everyone
We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Lysanne Eddy, Programme Director for LGR, for a casual conversation. You can reach them by emailing Lysanne.Eddy@suffolk.gov.uk.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 31 August 2026
Provisional interview date: Week commencing 7 September 2026
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
LGR Executive Assistant and Project Support in Ipswich employer: Suffolk County Council
At Sendsory, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our team of Cognition and Learning Practitioners. Located in Ipswich, Suffolk, we offer competitive salaries, six training days per year, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with SEND. Our commitment to professional development and a child-focused culture ensures that every employee can grow and thrive while contributing to a nurturing educational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land LGR Executive Assistant and Project Support in Ipswich
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace LGR Executive Assistant and Project Support in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Suffolk County Council.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Suffolk County Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.