Personal Assistant to Chief Executive

This opportunity is currently being offered on a fixed term contract basis of 11 months; however, if budgets allow the contract length may be extended, though this is not guaranteed.  If an internal council employee wishes to apply for this role, a secondment opportunity may be considered (please state this on your application).

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual to join our fast-paced team providing support to the Chief Executive.  This role will give you a unique insight into how Medway Council operates, and the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required to support the work of the Chief Executive.

You will provide high-level support to the Chief Executive, providing key administration and diary management.  You will act as the first point of contact for the Chief Executive’s office, coordinating all communications and ensuring the Chief Executive is briefed on urgent issues at the earliest opportunity. 

The position will operate to a hybrid work style. Office attendance will be determined by the Chief Executive, to allow collaboration. 

We are looking for a proactive and resilient individual who excels in ICT skills, can be flexible when working to competing deadlines, can work collaboratively with colleagues both internal and external to the organisation, has the ability to communicate effectively to a range of audiences and understands how to manage various levels of sensitive information.

Medway is a great place to live, work, learn and visit, and the Chief Executive is keen to share our story. You will play a key role in supporting him to do that. 

Interviews are due to take place on 9 January 2025

In return we offer you:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Generous local government pension scheme package
• Access to wider training and development qualifications
• Flexible working scheme
• Travel plan discounts
• Car Benefit Scheme from Tusker
• Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service
• Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers
• The Government has introduced new ways of supporting parents with childcare costs. Further details are available here: - https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/

We're committed to making Medway carbon neutral by 2050. We have developed an action plan to ensure we play our part in addressing the climate emergency.  Our declaration fits into our Council Plan priority of making Medway a place to be proud of. The main outcome being a 'clean and green environment'. All Medway Council staff can access an additional day’s paid leave to undertake a volunteering activity which supports climate change. 

Our organisation:

Medway is a unitary authority in the South East of England, made up of the towns of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham and more rural areas, including the Hoo Peninsula.

Situated in Kent in the South-East of England, the area has plenty of green spaces, excellent facilities and easy access to the national motorway and rail networks, facilitating superb transport links to London.

We provide all local Government services for a quarter of a million people, looking after education, environment, social care, housing, planning, business and much more - everything from frontline services such as rubbish collection and events like the Dickens Festival to work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure services in Medway run smoothly and cost effectively.

Working at Medway Council means that you get to be part of this journey working alongside talented, professional colleagues to drive forward change to transform the lives of our residents and the communities they live in.

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please call Natalie Paterson on 01634 332306

Important Information-

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile.

Equal Opportunities Commitment Statement

Medway Council is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, marital status, family commitments, sexual orientation, age, HIV status, religious or political beliefs, social class or trade union activity or irrelevant spent conviction.

For further information please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted.  All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.