Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team - 12 Month FTC

Are you an experienced Executive Assistant seeking your next challenge?

Do you thrive in a fast paced environment where your work plays a critical role in how effectively an organisation operates?

Would you relish the opportunity to support a committed Chief Executive and senior leadership team at the heart of a forward thinking council?

If so, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

The Chief Executive and senior leadership team are friendly, approachable and focused on delivering high quality services and continuous improvement. As our Executive Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in making this happen.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, you will manage a busy and dynamic workload, co-ordinating diaries, planning meetings, ensuring actions are completed, preparing briefings and supporting communication with staff, councillors and partners. You will also provide EA support to senior leaders when required.

You will be at the centre of the organisation, keeping things running smoothly, helping the team stay focused on priorities and ensuring key issues and deadlines are met.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Enthusiasm, discretion and a proactive approach.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to anticipate needs.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and juggle competing priorities.
• Strong communication skills and confidence dealing with senior stakeholders.
• A keen eye for detail, sound judgement and confidentiality.
• The ability to build trust, working with sensitivity and professionalism

Experience in local government is helpful, but not essential. We welcome applicants from all sectors who bring strong transferable skills and a commitment to delivering excellent support.

What we offer

When you join us your expertise, skills and experience will be valued and your career development will be our priority.

We are committed to creating a collaborative and innovative environment which empowers you to thrive. You will be part of a friendly, supportive One Team culture with the chance to make a real difference.

We believe in balancing hard work with fun. Our active social team organises two to three events a year, ranging from Staff Awards, quiz nights to rounders in the park, helping the workplace to be productive and enjoyable.

We use Viva Engage to keep you connected and engaged and we hold regular face to face meetings, such as Chief Executive briefings to keep you in the loop.

We are conveniently located close to Oxted Station and have some on-site parking.

In addition to the stated pay, we offer membership and contributions towards the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working (giving you the opportunity to work from home for up to three days a week), flexi-time, payment of a relevant professional subscription and access to a discounted health scheme.

Please visit our website for more information about working for us www.tandridge.gov.uk/jobs and download our Working for Tandridge guide.

Diversity statement

At Tandridge District Council, we pride ourselves on maintaining an inclusive workplace, ensuring equality, fairness, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do and good practice is embedded in the Council’s culture and services.

We welcome applications from all sectors of our community, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and all groups protected under the Equality Act.

Tandridge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Want to know more?

If this sounds like your kind of role and you want to be part of our friendly and supportive team, we want to hear from you.

If you’d like to find out more, please read our role profile and specification, or for an informal discussion about the role, please e-mail David Ford, Chief Executive at dford@tandridge.gov.uk, or call 01883 732999.

Local Government Reorganisation

The government is reorganising local councils in Surrey. The current two tier system where services are split between Surrey County Council and district or borough councils, will be replaced by two new unitary councils - East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council

East Surrey Council will cover Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge District managing all local services, including housing, planning, waste, education, roads and social care.

Although this may lead to some uncertainty for anyone considering a role with us, we need to continue to provide services.

When the new councils are created in April 20027, most staff will transfer to the new council on their current terms and conditions. Being part of a larger organisation may offer additional opportunities for career development and variety.

The majority of the roles we currently have will still be needed whether that is for planning, housing, recycling and waste, finance, IT, HR etc. Find out more about what local government reorganisation means for us.