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. Southend-on-Sea City Council is looking for an Executive Assistant and Operational Lead to join the customer service team on a full time and permanent basis. This contract is offered on a hybrid working pattern. We are looking for an experienced Executive Assistant and Operational Lead to provide policy and operational support the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive. The key responsibilities of role are to: Provide policy support and research to the Leader and Chief Executive Oversee diary and inbox management, working alongside the Leaders and Chief Executive’s PA’s Prepare briefings and speaking notes for the Leader and Chief Executive Line management of the Leadership Support team You will have a working understanding of relevant areas of local government, including policies, strategies, plans, services and committees and be able to give advice on policy issues. Working alongside the Policy & Performance Team, y ou will monitor local, regional, and national media coverage and brief the Leader and Chief Executive on relevant issues. You will be responsible for analysing, evaluating and interpreting a range of data and ensuring that the Leader and Chief Executive are accurately informed regarding key issues. Working alongside the Leader and Chief Executive’s PAs, you will co-ordinate and manage scheduling, monitor and manage their diaries and inboxes. You will determine priority of matters of attention for the Leader and Chief Executive; redirect matters to the appropriate team, or handle matters directly. Ensure that the Leader and Chief Executive are advised of time-sensitive and priority issues. You will also perform a wide variety of support duties including the compilation of briefing packs for meetings; compose and prepare letters relating to routine correspondence on behalf of Leaders’ and Chief Executive; and ensure that casework is managed. This role is essential for connecting organisations, projects, and critical business information to the Leader and Chief Executive. You will m aintain positive on-going relationships with all parties including members of the public, partners, stakeholders, and council officers where required. You will manage a small team of Leadership support staff who provide support to the Executive Directors within the Corporate Leadership Team and manage councillor queries. To be successful in this role: You will have a working knowledge of relevant Government legislation and upcoming national policy including how they impact on the council and the city. It is essential that you have excellent communication skills and experience of producing briefings, speaking notes, quotes for media releases and reports as directed. The dynamic nature of the role requires that the ideal candidate have exemplary time management skills and the ability to identify and anticipate the Leader and Chief Executive needs as well as the passion to exceed expectations. You will have line management experience. You will have a professional demeanour and work 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.