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- Tasks: Provide high-level support to the Chief Executive and senior leadership team.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation committed to inclusivity and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and free travel across West Yorkshire.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a role that supports key decision-makers in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience, with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Work in modern offices just minutes from Leeds Train Station.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 51000 £ per year.
£44,111 per annum (pay award pending) - Grade 8
Leeds / Hybrid Full time - 37 hours per week
Closing date: Sunday 22 February 2026 at 11:55pm
Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share. We currently have a vacancy for a Senior Executive Assistant to join our Senior Leadership Support team.
As Senior Executive Assistant, you will understand the strategic and political context in which the Chief Executive, Directors and Executive Directors operate, responding appropriately whilst maintaining a professional and politically neutral approach.
You will take a proactive approach to planning the workload of the function, anticipating requirements, identifying solutions and ensuring actions are completed. This includes preparing material that supports the Chief Executive in carrying out their duties.
Using a clear understanding of the Chief Executive’s role and priorities, you will manage enquiries from a wide range of internal and external stakeholders - including Leaders, Councillors, Chief Executives, Senior Civil Servants, Ministers and members of the press - ensuring all interactions are handled with professionalism, efficiency and good judgement. This role requires a Senior Executive Assistant with excellent communication skills and the confidence, discretion and strategic awareness to operate effectively when supporting at the highest levels of the organisation.
Our Offer
- Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
- Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
- Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
- Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
- Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
- Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
- Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
- Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.
The Role
Reporting into the Head of the Chief Executive’s Office your key responsibilities will include:
- Act as the first point of contact for the Combined Authority’s Chief Executive, delivering a high-level, specialist and confidential executive support service.
- Provide professional and discreet secretarial support for meetings involving the Chief Executive and other senior stakeholders, this includes agenda planning, collating and quality-checking papers, and producing accurate, timely minutes.
- Supporting the Head of the Chief Executive’s Office in coordinating and leading the Office and the wider Senior Leadership Support Team, helping to drive performance and embed high standards across the function.
Please review the Role Profile for more information about the responsibilities.
About You
You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:
- Holds a degree or has equivalent relevant experience.
- Previous experience successfully performing within a similar political / government role.
- Experienced in forming and developing effective senior level working relationships with senior officers, members, Government, and partner organisations to achieve the best outcomes for the organisation.
- Comprehensive experience of providing leadership in a complex public-private sector partnership context.
- Proven ability to influence and persuade, using personal credibility.
To Apply
If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form on our website and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile.
Further Information
The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.
Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met. Please note that whilst it is our policy to recruit at SP1 for all appointments, which is the salary stated above, each role includes career salary progression, with incremental increases applicable in most cases on an annual basis.
Senior Executive Assistant in Leeds employer: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Contact Detail:
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Executive Assistant in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or through professional groups. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior Executive Assistant role, and who knows? They might just have the perfect lead for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and its leadership team. Understand their priorities and challenges so you can showcase how your skills align with their needs during the chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. This will help you refine your answers and boost your confidence when it’s time to shine in front of the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you can tailor your supporting statement to highlight why you’re the ideal fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Executive Assistant in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Understand what the Senior Executive Assistant role entails and think about how your experience aligns with those responsibilities. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Be Professional but Personal: While we want you to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your unique experiences and insights that relate to the role. We love seeing candidates who can balance professionalism with a personal touch!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any previous experience that relates directly to the role. Whether it’s managing high-level communications or supporting senior leaders, we want to see how your background makes you a strong candidate for this position.
Follow Our Application Process: Remember to apply through our website! Fill out the application form and include a supporting statement that clearly outlines why you’d be a great fit for the role. We’ve got resources on our Advice for Candidates webpage to help you along the way, so make sure to check them out!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Combined Authority
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, research the key stakeholders you’ll be interacting with, such as the Chief Executive and Directors. Understanding their roles and priorities will help you demonstrate your strategic awareness and ability to manage enquiries effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your excellent communication skills. Think about situations where you’ve had to handle sensitive information or communicate with senior officials. This will show your confidence and discretion in a high-stakes environment.
✨Be Proactive in Your Approach
During the interview, discuss how you anticipate needs and plan workloads. Share specific instances where you identified solutions before problems arose, showcasing your proactive mindset which is crucial for a Senior Executive Assistant role.
✨Demonstrate Political Awareness
Familiarise yourself with the political context of the organisation. Be ready to discuss how you would maintain professionalism and neutrality while supporting senior leaders, as this is essential for the role.
