Executive Assistant - Managing Director

Executive Assistant to Managing Director

Location: Hybrid Working (4 days per week, office-based), ManchesterRate: £22.39 - £24.85 per hourContract:Start ASAP and until end of December 2026

Executive Assistant to Managing Director

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and highly professional Executive Assistant to provide senior-level support to a Managing Director within a complex public sector organisation.

This is a fast-paced, high-profile role requiring a proactive and resilient Executive Assistant who can operate confidently at the most senior levels of an organisation. Working alongside an existing Senior Executive Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective coordination of the Managing Director's activities through exceptional diary management, meeting planning, preparation of briefings and papers, and comprehensive executive support.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a politically aware environment and must possess previous experience supporting senior leaders within both Central Government and Local Government settings.Key Responsibilities

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• Provide high-level Executive Assistant support to the Managing Director.
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• Manage a complex and demanding diary, coordinating meetings, appointments and engagements.
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• Prepare and coordinate briefing packs, meeting papers and supporting documentation to a consistently high standard.
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• Liaise with senior stakeholders, ensuring information is managed efficiently and effectively.
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• Coordinate internal and external meetings, events and governance activities.
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• Screen, prioritise and manage incoming correspondence and requests.
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• Support the Managing Director in managing competing priorities across a busy portfolio of work.
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• Build and maintain strong working relationships with senior leaders, partners and stakeholders.
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• Work collaboratively with other Executive Support colleagues to ensure seamless support provision.
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• Support the management and delivery of key actions, deadlines and organisational priorities.
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Essential RequirementsWe are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

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• Significant experience as an Executive Assistant or Senior Personal Assistant, providing support to Managing Directors, Chief Executives, Executive Directors or Board-level leaders.
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• Essential experience working within Central Government and Local Government environments.
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• Proven ability to manage highly complex diaries, competing priorities and changing demands.
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• Exceptional organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
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• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging confidently with senior internal and external stakeholders.
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• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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• The ability to work proactively, independently and use initiative to anticipate future requirements.
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• Experience handling highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
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• Strong judgement, resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
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• Advanced Microsoft Office skills including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Teams.
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Desirable Experience

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• Previous experience supporting senior executives within large, complex public sector organisations.
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• Understanding of governance, executive decision-making and stakeholder engagement processes.
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• Experience managing or mentoring administrative support staff and executive support teams.
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What We're Looking For

This role requires a polished and confident Executive Assistant who thrives in demanding environments and can quickly establish credibility with senior leaders and stakeholders.You will be highly organised, politically aware and capable of working at pace while maintaining exceptional standards of accuracy, professionalism and discretion. Your ability to anticipate needs, solve problems proactively and manage relationships effectively will be key to your success.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned Executive Assistant with public sector expertise to work at the heart of a senior leadership function, supporting strategic decision-making and contributing to the successful delivery of organisational priorities.If you have a proven track record supporting senior executives within Central and Local Government and are available for an immediate interim opportunity, we would love to hear from you.

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