Executive Assistant - Leader and Deputy

Join Plymouth City Council, where we are dedicated to providing excellent services to our community. This exciting and essential role sits within the Business Support Service in the CEX and Members Support Spoke. The team is responsible for providing a high quality, efficient and effective Business Service to our elected members.

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Executive Assistant to support the Leader of the City Council. You will be based in a fast-paced office environment based at the Council House, undertaking a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of our Cabinet Office.

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive administrative support to the Leader, managing complex calendars and inbox correspondence, scheduling meetings, managing casework and coordinating travel arrangements. Acting as the first point of contact for the Leader’s Office, the Executive Assistant will manage and prioritise communications with the Cabinet, Senior Leadership Team and external partners, ensuring a smooth and coordinated workflow.

The role involves organising and supporting meetings, including preparing agendas, papers, and minutes, and ensuring follow-up on action points. The role also requires accuracy and attention to detail, drafting and sending written correspondence including ministerial letters and email liaison with a range of stakeholders. The Executive Assistant will also be responsible for researching, reviewing, and presenting information on various topics to support decision-making, whilst maintaining a high level of understanding around the Council’s democratic processes and governance procedures as per the constitution.

The successful candidate will be able to proactively identify and resolve issues on behalf of the Leader, including the management of incoming casework and feedback, as well as being able to prioritise their own and Leader’s workload, demonstrating flexibility, forward-planning and the ability to multi-task.

Essential Experience:

• Experience providing professional or executive support within a large organisation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and web-based software.
• Strong organisational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Desirable Experience:

• Understanding of local government operations and the Council’s constitution.
• Experience working in a political environment and using social media platforms.
• Previous experience in providing executive support to an elected member or politician.
• This role is also responsible for covering roles within the team during periods of absence and continuous collaborative working is vital to ensure a cohesive, joined-up service is provided to the Cabinet as a whole.
• Staff within the team are based at the Council House and due to the need for in-person and ad-hoc support, this role will require the successful candidate to work from the office.
• This full-time role is not suitable for flexible working or job share due to the needs of the service.