Job Title: Executive Assistant
Contract: 6 Month Fixed Term Contract
Working Hours: 37
Salary: £35,745 - £38,223 (annual equivalent salary)
Location: Service Headquarters, Kelvedon Park/ hybrid*
Closing Date: 20th September 2024, 12pm
*We are open to discuss working arrangements including flexibility over hours and location
This role is a fixed-term opportunity. If the role is extended the extension or permanent position may be offered to the successful applicant ahead of any further recruitment process / If the role is made permanent, a further recruitment process will be required.
The Role
The Executive Office within Essex County Fire & Rescue Service is the central hub that supports the Senior Leadership Team in ensuring the efficient operation of Essex County Fire & Rescue Service. The Executive Office plays a pivotal role in coordinating key initiatives and maintaining clear communication channels across the organisation. As an Executive Assistant in this department, you will work alongside peers and closely with senior leaders, to provide essential administrative and organisational support.
This role is critical in ensuring the Leadership Team can focus on high-level priorities by managing day-to-day operations, overseeing schedules, and assisting in the running of the Executive Office. Your work will directly contribute to the smooth functioning of the department and the overall success of the service’s mission.
What You Will Be Working On
Diary Management: Coordinating and managing complex schedules for senior leaders, ensuring efficient use of their time.
Meeting Coordination: Organising high-level meetings, preparing agendas, and ensuring timely follow-up on actions.
Communication Liaison: Acting as the key point of contact between the SLT and internal/external stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication flow.
Document Preparation: Drafting and proofreading reports, presentations, and correspondence on behalf of the SLT in readiness for Governance Boards.
Confidentiality Handling: Managing sensitive information with discretion and ensuring all communications are secure.
Project Support: Assisting in the coordination of key strategic projects, monitoring progress, and providing administrative support.
Event Planning: Assisting with the organisation of conferences, workshops, and departmental events.
Data and File Management: Maintaining accurate records and documentation, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
Research and Briefing: Conducting research and preparing briefing materials for meetings and presentations.
Team Collaboration: Working closely with other members of the Executive Office as well as other departments to facilitate cross-functional initiatives and support the SLT's objectives.
This role requires a proactive, highly organised individual with excellent communication skills and the ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
Eligibility
Experience of assisting at Director/ Senior Management level
Experience of working in a busy environment
Experience of working both autonomously and collaboratively
Knowledge and experience of the MSOffice
Team oriented and able to work flexibly to best support the whole team environment
Demonstrable experience in dealing with sensitive and confidential information
How to apply
You are required to submit your CV and a Supporting Statement of up to 1000 words detailing how you meet the essential criteria for the role. It is important that you provide as much evidence as possible as to how you meet the essential criteria of the person specification as this statement will be used to shortlist your application.
Assessment and selection:
The assessment and selection approach will be:
Stage 1:
Application & shortlisting (assessment of your supporting statement will be made against the essential criteria). Please include a copy of your CV and Supporting Statement detailing your skills, the skills and experience you will bring to the team; don’t be afraid to also include any other information your think it would be good for us know that would support your application.
Stage 2:
Role specific panel interview to explore the opportunity and your application further. Please come prepared with some questions!
Should you wish to have an informal discussion with regards to the role, please contact Vickie.bennett@essex-fire.gov.uk
This role will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
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.
