At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Chief Executive and ensure smooth operations in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the innovative Cumbria Combined Authority and shape the future of the region.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a new organisation with real powers and make a difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting senior leaders and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40777 - 41771 £ per year.
Salary: £40,777 - £41,771. Contract hours: 37. Basis: Full time. Job reference: REQ.
Location: Penrith (including agile working and working from home). Contract Type: Permanent.
About this opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the organisation, providing dedicated support to the Chief Executive and helping to ensure the smooth running of a busy and varied senior leadership function. As Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive, you’ll play a key role in supporting the organisation's leadership and priorities. From managing a complex and demanding diary to coordinating meetings, preparing briefings and handling correspondence, you’ll help ensure the Chief Executive has the right information, at the right time, to focus on leading the organisation and delivering for our communities.
No two days are the same. You’ll work closely with elected members, senior leaders, partner organisations and members of the public, building positive and effective working relationships while acting as a trusted point of contact. The role requires discretion, professionalism and sound judgement, particularly when dealing with sensitive or confidential information.
Alongside your day‑to‑day responsibilities, you’ll support the preparation of committee papers, reports and corporate documentation, respond to a range of enquiries and contribute to projects and service improvement activities. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider business support team, you’ll help deliver an efficient, responsive and high‑quality service to the Corporate Management Team. This is a rewarding role for someone who enjoys working at pace, thrives on variety and takes pride in providing outstanding support in a professional and often high‑profile environment.
Who we are looking for …
We're looking for an organised, proactive and professional individual who can build strong working relationships and provide high‑quality support in a complex and fast‑moving environment. You’ll have experience of supporting senior managers or executives and will be confident managing competing priorities, coordinating workloads and delivering accurate work to tight deadlines. You will be comfortable working independently, using your initiative and judgement to respond to changing demands and emerging priorities.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as you’ll be working with a wide range of stakeholders, including elected members, senior leaders, colleagues, partner organisations and members of the public. The ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times is equally important. You’ll have a good understanding of business administration practices and be confident using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint. Just as importantly, you’ll be someone who enjoys finding better ways of working, embraces new technology and is committed to delivering an excellent service.
If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real contribution, work closely with senior leadership and play an important part in supporting the organisation's priorities, we’d love to hear from you.
Why Join Cumbria Combined Authority?
- Be part of a brand‑new organisation with real devolved powers
- Work with passionate partners across public, private and community sectors
- Make a tangible difference to places, people and opportunities across Cumbria
- Leave a lasting legacy by preparing the Authority for long‑term success
If you are inspired by the opportunity to build something new, meaningful and impactful, and to help shape the future of Cumbria, we would love to hear from you. Join us at the start of Cumbria’s journey – and help turn ambition into reality.
Location
This role may be suitable for hybrid working, which means an employee works part of their time in the office and part from home. This is a voluntary and non‑contractual arrangement between you and your manager, and your contractual place of work will remain your office location. If a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for both the role and for you, you will normally be required to spend a minimum of 40% of your working hours in the office. Our main office is at Redhills, near Penrith. We are also able to use offices of our partner authorities across the county to help fulfil this expectation.
Please discuss any caring responsibilities, disabilities, or other circumstances that may affect your ability to meet this minimum office attendance requirement with the recruiting manager.
Application and Interview Information
Final interview date: 30/07/2026. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
Please note that Westmorland and Furness Council is providing recruitment support on behalf of the Cumbria Combined Authority.
Executive Assistant CCA011 in Penrith employer: The Cumbria County Council
Cumbria County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion. As a Lighting Engineer in the picturesque Lake District, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on local communities through innovative lighting solutions.
Contact Details:
The Cumbria County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant CCA011 in Penrith
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We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant CCA011 in Penrith
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!
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How to prepare for a job interview at The Cumbria County Council
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