Executive Assistant
Trafford Council
Working Pattern: Full time
Working Arrangement: Hybrid Working
Interview Date/Type: Face to face
SMART Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working - giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.
About the Role
Make a Difference - Executive Assistant to the Council Leader & Deputy Leader
This is an exciting opportunity to join us on a permanent basis as Executive Assistant to the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council.
The high-profile role provides professional and confidential support, to help ensure effective strategic leadership and strong organisational performance. The Leader’s office covers a wide range of services and you will play a key role in helping it run smoothly and efficiently.
You will manage complex diaries and correspondence, organise and support meetings and briefings and provide high quality administrative support. This includes taking notes, tracking actions and following up on agreed tasks. You will act as a key point of contact and work closely with the Corporate Leadership Team and Executive Members, Councillors, Directors, Heads of Service, MPs and external partners to help maintain responsive and effective service provision.
You will have responsibility for dealing with all case work enquiries, helping to provide draft responses and tracking them through to resolution.
Working in a fast paced and politically aware environment, you will have the ability to plan ahead, manage competing priorities and demands and make sure information is shared clearly and on time. Your work will support good decision making, governance and service delivery across the Council.
The role also includes providing cover and support to other members of the Corporate Leadership Team during busy periods and when colleagues are on annual leave.
About You
You will be a well-organised and self-motivated Personal/Executive Assistant or Administrator with experience of supporting senior leaders in a fast-paced and politically aware environment. You will have:
- Strong organisation and planning skills, including managing complex diaries, deadlines and competing priorities
- Excellent communication skills, with confidence working with elected Members, senior officers and external partners
- High levels of discretion and professionalism, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
- Effective administrative and digital skills, including meeting support, note-taking, action tracking and use of Microsoft Office systems.
Additional Information
This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.
The role operates on a hybrid working basis and the postholder will be required to attend the office a minimum of 2 days per week and on Friday on a rotational basis (every third week) with flexibility required and given.
Find Out More.
For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with Lauren Hodkinson at lauren.hodkinson@trafford.gov.uk or on 07977650106.
About us...
Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.
Why Trafford?
We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our “residents, businesses and communities thrive.”
Our Culture...
Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day.
They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.
What you'll love about working with us...
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:
- Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
- Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
- Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
- Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
- Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
- Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
- Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.
Key Information...
- Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Some roles may also require a DBS check and/or police vetting, which will be noted on the role profile.
- Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
- Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council
Make an Impact. Apply Today....
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for our residents, businesses and communities then we'd love to receive an application from you.
We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at recruitment@trafford.gov.uk
After reviewing the role profile and submitting your application, successful candidates will be invited to a values-based interview to learn more about your skills and experience. This is your opportunity to show how you connect with our EPIC values and can contribute to our vision.