Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference. We are looking for an experienced Senior Executive Assistant and Operational Lead to work at the heart of the council and provide exemplary support to our senior leaders. You will manage and develop a team of Executive Assistants that support members of the Corporate Leadership Team and councillors. Your team will work collaboratively to ensure the council delivers an efficient and effective service to our residents, stakeholders and partners. Your excellent communication and customer service skills will support you in responding to councillor and MP enquires, managing customer complaints, producing quality reporting for the Corporate Leadership Team and developing professional contacts and relationships across the organisation. Working alongside colleagues in the Corporate Strategy and Democratic Services teams, you will manage governance processes for the Corporate Leadership Team, including compilation of agendas and papers; sequencing of reporting deadlines ensuring appropriate sign-off for all items. You will be the professional lead for Executive Support implementing modern ways of working that optimise the use of technology. To be successful in this role, you will have: excellent communication skills. a creative and innovative approach to administrative working practices. line management experience. experience of providing senior level executive support, working within a busy and demanding environment. a strong understanding of working in complex organisations and the importance of public service, ethics and standards, partnership working and customer care a professional demeanour and a high degree of discretion when dealing with sensitive and confidential matters. When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab. If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. If you would like a copy of the Job Description please click here Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.