Executive Assistant (Chief Executive's Office)
Southwark Council
Do you see yourself at the heart of local government decision-making, supporting senior leaders to deliver for communities?
Can you use your experience to anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and provide high-level strategic support?
Does the idea of joining a dynamic Corporate Management Team and gaining insight into how a multi-billion-pound organisation operates excite you?
If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Our Corporate Management Team is looking for passionate and dedicated Executive Assistants to join our amazing team and help make a difference today.
About the Role:
We currently have two Executive Assistant opportunities available.
This role goes beyond traditional diary management. As an Executive Assistant supporting our Corporate Management Team, you will provide strategic and proactive support to senior leaders, ensuring they have the right information at the right time to make effective decisions.
You will play a key role in shaping priorities, coordinating activity, streamlining processes, and supporting strategic initiatives that help deliver better outcomes for Southwark's communities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Forward planning and strategic oversight of priorities and emerging issues
- Horizon scanning, research, and identifying risks and opportunities
- Coordinating senior leadership schedules, meetings, and actions
- Preparing briefings, reports, and management information
- Building strong relationships with stakeholders across the organisation and externally
- Driving efficiencies and improving decision-making processes
About You:
We're looking for a highly organised, proactive, and forward-thinking professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working closely with senior leaders.
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
- Exceptional organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- A strategic mindset and ability to anticipate challenges before they arise
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including producing clear and concise briefings and reports
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the confidence to use your own initiative
- High levels of discretion, professionalism, and integrity when handling sensitive information
- Resilience and adaptability when working under pressure and managing competing demands
About the Team:
Our Corporate Management Team sits at the centre of the organisation, supporting senior leaders to deliver against the council's strategic priorities and objectives.
This is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable insight into governance, strategy, policy development, and service delivery while working on some of Southwark's most significant opportunities and challenges. You'll be part of a collaborative, high-performing team that values innovation, continuous improvement, and professional development, with opportunities to broaden your skills and make a meaningful impact on the future of the borough
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.
Contact Information:
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Charlotte Bawden at Charlotte.Bawden@southwark.gov.uk.
Additional Information:
Use this space for highlighting key parts of the role:
- X 2 permanent positions
- Hours of work: 36 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Benefits and more information:
https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/
Recruitment Timeline:
Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 2nd August 2026.
Shortlisting date: Tuesday 4th August 2026.
Interview date: Monday 10th August 2026.
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
About Southwark:
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and we have a young, diverse and growing population.
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.
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