Senior Executive Support Officer - AR

Job Description

Post Title: Senior Executive Support Officer
Directorate: Resources
Division: Business Support Service
Section: Executive Support
Responsible to: Executive Support Team Leader

Responsible for

• Executive Support Officer (up to 1)
• Senior Management Support Officer (up to 1)

Job Purpose

To provide high-level, responsive, and professional executive support to the Chief Executive and/or Corporate Directors, ensuring effective governance, operational coordination, and strategic alignment across the Directorate.

The postholder will lead on executive administration, governance processes, political liaison, and continuous service improvement within a high-pressure and fast-paced local government environment.

Key Responsibilities Executive Support & Leadership Coordination

• Provide comprehensive executive support including complex diary management, correspondence handling, briefing preparation, and stakeholder liaison.
• Act as gatekeeper, prioritising and managing competing demands on senior leadership time.
• Draft high-quality correspondence, reports, and briefing notes on behalf of the Chief Executive/Corporate Directors.
• Coordinate and service senior leadership meetings, including agenda planning, collation of papers, minuting, and action tracking.
• Ensure complete confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive information.

Governance & Political Interface

• Manage the forward planning cycle for Statutory Officer and Directorate Leadership Team meetings.
• Prepare and quality assure briefing notes and responses to petitions, questions, and motions (PQM's).
• Advise senior leaders on governance requirements, decision making pathways, and constitutional processes.
• Liaise effectively with the Mayor, Cabinet Members, Councillors, Scrutiny representatives, and partner organisations.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and constitutional requirements.

Operational & Process Improvement

• Monitor and improve systems, processes, and workflows to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Maximise the use of digital tools and technology to support modern executive operations.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement and contribute to transformational change initiatives.

Financial & Compliance Oversight

• Support budget monitoring, requisition of goods and services, and financial administration in line with council regulations.
• Oversee compliance with procurement rules, audit requirements, and financial controls.
• Ensure full compliance with GDPR, data protection regulations, FOI processes, and information governance standards.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and support Executive Support Officers and other administrative staff as required.
• Provide coaching, performance guidance, and support professional development.
• Deputise for the Executive Support Team Leader where required.

Project & Corporate Support

• Undertake project work aligned to Council wide priorities, inspections, audits, and major initiatives.
• Provide flexible support during civil contingencies, including Emergency Control Centre duties when required.

Working Arrangements

• The role requires flexibility to work across multiple council locations.
• Occasional evening and weekend working may be required with appropriate notice.
• The postholder must be able to respond to urgent or emergency situations as needed.

Person Specification (Summary)

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Significant experience supporting senior executives within a complex organisation, ideally within local government or the public sector.
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks and political environments.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• High levels of discretion, judgement, and emotional intelligence.
• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Experience supervising or mentoring staff.
• Ability to operate effectively in a high-pressure, fast paced environment.