Executive Assistant to Cyber Deputy Directors

Posting date:	15 August 2025
Salary:	£29,727 to £35,865 per year
Additional salary information:	The London pay range is £34,279-£35,865. The Glasgow, Manchester and Bristol pay range is £29,727-£31,518.
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	31 August 2025
Location:	Bristol
Company:	Government Recruitment Service
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	422636/1

Summary

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre for Government, where we are collectively responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital Government. As the GDS Cyber Directorate, our mission is to protect public services and the wider Government from cyber threats. To achieve this we set strategic direction on cyber security, define policies and standards, assess compliance through initiatives such as GovAssure, deliver cyber security services at-scale across government, and coordinate the cross-government response to cyber threats, vulnerabilities and incidents. We also manage the Government Cyber Security Strategy Portfolio to implement our strategy across Government departments.

In June 2025, it was announced that the Government Cyber Directorate will move from the Cabinet Office to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as a part of a machinery of government change. This change aims to bring together the digital transformation of public services into one central department, presenting exciting opportunities and positioning DSIT to lead the government’s digital agenda.

This role is in scope to formally transfer to DSIT when the machinery of government change takes place. If your start date is on the transfer date, when this is confirmed, you will be appointed directly to DSIT and your appointment will be unaffected by the machinery of government change. We are currently consulting with Trade Unions on which policies, terms and conditions will apply on transfer. The statement of changes applied to all other Cabinet Office staff will also apply to you if you are successful.

Role information

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of the Cyber Directorate. You will play an active and key role within the Cyber Private Office and directly support two of our five Deputy Directors in delivering their objectives. As a team, we are the front door to Cyber. Our days are fast paced and we have a unique platform to see the delivery of the Cyber Directorate’s work - you will be privy to key areas such as how we shape cyber policy and respond to cyber attacks.

As Executive Assistant you will manage the organisation and planning of two Deputy Directors’ time. You will manage their diary, engaging regularly with colleagues from across the Cyber Directorate and the Government Digital Service, and with external stakeholders to deconflict and prioritise boards and engagements. You will become confident in communicating with colleagues across a wide range of departments and external organisations.

You will have ownership of key responsibilities as well as working collaboratively with Private Office colleagues to deliver our combined objectives. Previous experience in building positive working relationships, managing priorities and maintaining attention to detail at pace would be beneficial.

As a small and supportive Private Office, you will work with the Chief of Staff and colleagues to provide high quality support to the Directorate leadership. You will support best practice initiatives, working with wider Cyber teams to ensure accurate information management. You will ensure that the Deputy Directors are fully prepared ahead of key board meetings and ministerial briefings. You will have opportunities to lead on projects and play a crucial role in advancing the Directorate’s objectives.

Within the Private Office, we support one another to ensure resilience - you will provide coverage during absences, which in turn will give you opportunities to build your knowledge of different Cyber teams and stakeholders.

We know it can take time to learn about a new role. You don’t need to be an expert in all-things-Cyber to work in our team - we will tailor your learning and development to you and the way you can best deliver in your current and future roles.

As part of our learning and development package, we are committed to supporting you to undertake opportunities across the Directorate and further afield, to develop the skills and knowledge that will help you to progress a career within Cyber or the wider Government. Our roles offer a platform to advance diverse objectives including: shaping the national cyber strategy, driving cyber resilience, managing cyber incidents and developing pioneering policies to tackle emerging threats.

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