Job Title: Executive Support Officer

Salary: £15.66 per hour (Umbrella)

Location: Halifax, Calderdale Council

Contract Type: Temporary

Hours: Full-time (hybrid working – a mix of home and office-based work)

About the Role

Calderdale Council is seeking a highly organised and professional Executive Support Officer to provide confidential and comprehensive administrative support to the Leader of the Council, elected members, Chief Executive, and senior leadership team. This hybrid role requires flexibility to attend the office or external venues as needed. The successful candidate will play a key part in the smooth operation of executive functions, managing meetings, diaries, and communications in a fast-paced political environment. Some evening and occasional weekend work may be required due to the seniority and nature of the stakeholders involved.

Key Responsibilities

1. Act as the first point of contact for the Leader of the Council, senior officers, and elected members, handling queries with professionalism and discretion.
2. Manage multiple senior diaries, ensuring effective scheduling of meetings and prioritisation of time.
3. Produce high-quality documentation including reports, minutes, spreadsheets, and presentations to corporate standards.
4. Plan and coordinate meetings and events: book venues, prepare and distribute agendas, take minutes, and ensure follow-up actions are completed.
5. Support Cabinet and Departmental Management Team (DMT) activity, including preparing and managing documentation and liaising between departments.
6. Respond to and manage correspondence, including emails, complaints, compliments, and FOI requests, ensuring responses are timely, appropriate, and confidential.
7. Maintain manual and electronic records in line with data protection legislation and council procedures.
8. Organise travel and accommodation, prepare PowerPoint presentations, and handle sensitive information with discretion.
9. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including MPs, government departments, and members of the public, often on sensitive or high-profile issues.
10. Provide cross-council business support and executive assistance as required.

Experience & Knowledge

1. Experience in a secretarial, personal assistant, or executive support role.
2. Proven ability to use Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
3. Experience working independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
4. Understanding of professional confidentiality, especially in political or executive settings.
5. Familiarity with working to strict deadlines and under pressure.
6. Strong organisational skills, particularly in diary and meeting management.
7. Experience working in a political and/or unionised environment.
8. Prior involvement in coordinating responses to FOIs or formal complaints.
9. Experience supporting senior leaders or Elected Members in local government.

Skills & Competencies

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
2. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across senior levels.
3. High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and discretion.
4. Confidence managing multiple priorities and adapting to changing demands.
5. Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in sensitive situations.

Additional Requirements

1. GCSE English (Grade C / 4 or above) or equivalent qualification/experience.
2. Willingness to work evenings and occasional weekends, as required.
3. Commitment to upholding Council values and promoting safeguarding and equality.
4. Operate within GDPR and council data protection policies at all times.
5. This post is not subject to a DBS check.

If you are interested in the role and would like to contact for further information, please reach out to Jack at Service Care Solutions on 01772208964 or email [emailprotected].

We also offer a £250 bonus for referrals! If you know someone suitable for this role and they are placed, you will receive £250 after their probationary period.