Location: Croydon Council, Housing Directorate Grade: 9 Type: Full-Time, Permanent Hours: 36 hours per week Reports to: Strategic Support Officer – Housing Croydon is a diverse borough with 13,400 social housing homes. Our vision is to create great homes, places and communities to enhance life opportunities. As part of our vision to transform housing services, we have an exciting transformation plan to make a real difference to the residents of Croydon. If you are passionate about improving services for residents and working in a fast paced and rewarding environment, come and join our team. As the Executive Support Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the Corporate Director and the Senior Leadership Team in housing, to achieve their priorities by being a collaborative partner to facilitate the delivery of their goals. Working closely with other Executive Support Officers across the organisation to ensure smooth operations and effective communication, helping to drive the success of the leadership team and the wider organisation. This is a varied and diverse role in a fast paced environment, which will see you managing complex diaries, constantly changing calendar schedules and working directly with a broad range of stakeholders in a highly political environment. You’ll have experience of building strong relationships and winning the confidence of your team and other stakeholders. There will be a strong emphasis on both verbal and written communication skills. This is a truly great place to work with a collaborative, diverse and supportive culture. We are looking for passionate people with a `can-do` attitude who are driven by the desire to make a difference. Role Overview As the Executive Support Officer, you will work as part of a team to provide proactive, self-directed executive support. Other duties include: Provide proactive and efficient diary management for the Corporate Director and Directors, prioritising meetings, events, and liaising with stakeholders to ensure smooth scheduling and expectations are managed. Comprehensive minute taking at all meetings including tracking actions are completed. Direct enquiries, FOIs, and SARs requiring a specialist response, ensuring that all replies are tracked and completed accurately and on time. Coordinate with officers across the Council to ensure Directors are fully briefed and prepared for meetings, including one-on-ones, Cabinet meetings, scrutiny sessions, and other key events. Implement and manage effective diary management tools for Directors, including flags, reminders, and the use of enabling technologies. Provide professional, empathetic, and confident service in all interactions, ensuring that the office maintains a high standard of professionalism and customer service. About You Political and Governance Knowledge: A solid understanding of the political structures, governance, and decision-making processes within the Council and the Housing Sector Diary and Meeting Management: Extensive experience in diary management, including prioritising key meetings, horizon scanning, and ensuring Directors are fully prepared and briefed for meetings. Executive Support and Partnership: Proven ability to work in close partnership with Directors and Heads of Service, providing tailored executive support that complements their work style and needs. Interpersonal and Influence Skills: Strong interaction abilities, with a track record of influencing, persuading, and building rapport with colleagues and external partners to foster positive working relationships. Resilience and Adaptability: Demonstrated resilience when facing demanding workloads, conflicting priorities, and challenging situations, maintaining professionalism and focus under pressure. The role will involve working from our offices in Croydon at least 3 days a week. Why Croydon Council? We are passionate about our staff and in return we will provide a rewarding career with a commitment to investing in you. Inclusive Culture: Join a team that values diversity and is committed to creating a supportive work environment where all employees can thrive. Career Development: Take advantage of professional growth opportunities and a rewarding career path. We invest in our staff and support their development. Generous Benefits Package: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including a Local Government Pension Scheme, up to 31 days of annual leave (eligibility criteria apply), and a commitment to your well-being and work-life balance. Access to the confidential and free Employee Assistance Programme 24/7 Family Friendly provisions: Generous maternity leave and family leave provisions Make a Difference: Be part of a council that is dedicated to improving the lives of its residents through effective and compassionate housing management. Work Life Balance: Options for flexible and agile working options in line with service demand Closing date 5th January 2025 at 23:59 Assessment Centres: Week commencing 13 January 2025 Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Statement Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.