Executive Assistant
| Posting date: | 12 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £34,434 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 22 January 2026 |
| Location: | Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX |
| Company: | Suffolk County Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 21916 |
Summary
- Suffolk County Council
- Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid
- Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Contract: Permanent - 3 positions available
Suffolk County Council is different. We're a modern, flexible, and forward-thinking organisation that's constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of our communities. As an Executive Personal Assistant with us, you'll enjoy a dynamic work environment where your ideas are valued, your potential is nurtured, and your work makes a tangible difference. Ready to reimagine what your career could be?
This is a unique exciting opportunity to be at the heart of Children and Young People’s (CYP) service, supporting the Leadership of Children Services to deliver change at pace to ensure that all children and young people in Suffolk live their best lives.
Your role and responsibilities
Day to day tasks will include:
- maintaining realistic, efficient and manageable electronic diaries for the Director of Children Services, Service Directors and Cabinet Members as required.
- effectively managing the coordination of meetings, including developing agendas, minute taking, action logs and overall governance through DCS chaired meetings
- proactively deal with a range of complex enquiries on behalf of the Director of Children Services, Service Directors and Cabinet Members, redirecting activity to meet customer expectation
- managing the Director of Children Services and Service Director mailboxes as required to ensure emails are actioned and tracked
- Work alongside the Executive Assistant Hub to provide a seamless systematic support to the DCS Office, linking in with the Personal Assistant Hub to share information and actions to provide a high-quality service of leadership support.
You will need:
- Exceptional organisational skills, to ensure that competing demands are managed and planned in advance to provide a proactive service
- Outstanding planning skills to approach horizon scanning of future tasks and enabling balance to support reactive short notice tasks.
- Confident ability to work on own initiative to plan, prioritise and manage conflicting deadlines and priorities with minimal supervision in a pressurised environment
- ability to understand, recognise, monitor and escalate risks at corporate, programme or project level
- excellent working knowledge of Microsoft packages, e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc
- to collaborate well with others and be flexible in your approach to meet the demands of the post and team.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The Team
This position sits at the heart of the Executive Assistant Hub, a key component of the County CYP Business Support Services. Working in close partnership with the Personal Assistant Hub, Business Support Coordinators, and the Information Governance Team, it plays an integral role in delivering seamless support to CYP Leadership and ensuring adherence to corporate standards.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Wendy Allen for a casual conversation, by calling 01473 260478 or emailing wendy.allen@suffolk.gov.uk or Kerry Kirkpatrick by calling 01473 260638 or emailing Kerry.Kirkpatrick@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1. Can you describe a situation where you had to influence or negotiate with senior stakeholders to meet critical deadlines? What approach did you take?
2. Can you describe a situation where you had to deal with a particularly challenging or sensitive issue on behalf of your senior manager?
3. Give an example of when you had to coordinate the collection and presentation of complex information from multiple sources for a senior-level report or meeting?
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 22 January 2026
Interview date: 29 January 2026
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
- Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid
- Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Contract: Permanent - 3 positions available
Suffolk County Council is different. We're a modern, flexible, and forward-thinking organisation that's constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of our communities. As an Executive Personal Assistant with us, you'll enjoy a dynamic work environment where your ideas are valued, your potential is nurtured, and your work makes a tangible difference. Ready to reimagine what your career could be?
This is a unique exciting opportunity to be at the heart of Children and Young People’s (CYP) service, supporting the Leadership of Children Services to deliver change at pace to ensure that all children and young people in Suffolk live their best lives.
Your role and responsibilities
Day to day tasks will include:
- maintaining realistic, efficient and manageable electronic diaries for the Director of Children Services, Service Directors and Cabinet Members as required.
- effectively managing the coordination of meetings, including developing agendas, minute taking, action logs and overall governance through DCS chaired meetings
- proactively deal with a range of complex enquiries on behalf of the Director of Children Services, Service Directors and Cabinet Members, redirecting activity to meet customer expectation
- managing the Director of Children Services and Service Director mailboxes as required to ensure emails are actioned and tracked
- Work alongside the Executive Assistant Hub to provide a seamless systematic support to the DCS Office, linking in with the Personal Assistant Hub to share information and actions to provide a high-quality service of leadership support.
You will need:
- Exceptional organisational skills, to ensure that competing demands are managed and planned in advance to provide a proactive service
- Outstanding planning skills to approach horizon scanning of future tasks and enabling balance to support reactive short notice tasks.
- Confident ability to work on own initiative to plan, prioritise and manage conflicting deadlines and priorities with minimal supervision in a pressurised environment
- ability to understand, recognise, monitor and escalate risks at corporate, programme or project level
- excellent working knowledge of Microsoft packages, e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc
- to collaborate well with others and be flexible in your approach to meet the demands of the post and team.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The Team
This position sits at the heart of the Executive Assistant Hub, a key component of the County CYP Business Support Services. Working in close partnership with the Personal Assistant Hub, Business Support Coordinators, and the Information Governance Team, it plays an integral role in delivering seamless support to CYP Leadership and ensuring adherence to corporate standards.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Wendy Allen for a casual conversation, by calling 01473 260478 or emailing wendy.allen@suffolk.gov.uk or Kerry Kirkpatrick by calling 01473 260638 or emailing Kerry.Kirkpatrick@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1. Can you describe a situation where you had to influence or negotiate with senior stakeholders to meet critical deadlines? What approach did you take?
2. Can you describe a situation where you had to deal with a particularly challenging or sensitive issue on behalf of your senior manager?
3. Give an example of when you had to coordinate the collection and presentation of complex information from multiple sources for a senior-level report or meeting?
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 22 January 2026
Interview date: 29 January 2026
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.