Executive Assistant
Government Digital Services -
What you'll do
The Chief Executive Officer of the Government Digital Service is responsible for vision and strategy and overseeing the design and delivery of products, platforms and services that will transform the operation and improve millions of citizens’ everyday experience of government.
The CEO’s Private Office supports and coordinates the work of the CEO, ensuring they are prepared, prioritising the right things and using their time to the most benefit.
We’re looking for an Executive Assistant to join our team to support the Chief Executive. This a varied role, you will be required to display high levels of organisation, often dealing with senior stakeholders on high profile and sensitive matters to maximise the time of the CEO.
As an Executive Assistant at GDS you’ll:
- proactively plan meetings and manage the diary in line with business priorities, ensuring agendas, relevant information and documents are prepared
- prioritise and respond to emails in an appropriate and timely manner
- use initiative, working independently to provide an excellent and consistent service to stakeholders
- ensure efficient and effective use of the CEO’s time, responding to last minute changes and accommodating unexpected, urgent requests
- coordinate, manage and organise the logistics of meetings and visits, including coordinating availability, checking attendance, and managing cast lists
- managing all travel arrangements/hotel booking as required
- manage ad hoc work requests from CEO office, in addition to a core workload
- use initiative, working independently to provide an excellent and consistent service to stakeholders i.e. departments, agencies and external businesses
- liaising with the Director’s private office to complete administrative tasks and support business priorities
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Who you are
This role can offer an excellent development opportunity for a motivated individual looking to gain experience across a range of areas.
You’ll be a reliable and proactive individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment where priorities change, often at very short notice. You’ll be a confident communicator who is comfortable working autonomously and adapts quickly to changing business needs.
We’re interested in people who:
- experience of managing a busy diary and the ability to work with a sense of urgency
- strong administration skills or experience providing executive support, with strong attention to detail and the ability to adapt these skills to a complex and fast-paced working environment.
- excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to communicate concisely and coherently to a variety of audiences
- experience of handling sensitive information, displaying tact and diplomacy whilst maintaining confidentiality
Additional Information
GDS is based in Bristol, London and Manchester, and this role is part of our focussed growth in Manchester during 2021/22. You will be part of a growing community in Manchester, working with colleagues across all three sites. GDS supports flexible working, including a balance between office and home-based working. Normally this will mean 2 days a week in the office, or more if that works better for you and the role.
If we receive a high number of applications, we may decide to include an additional round (this would typically be a short telephone interview or assessment/exercise depending on the type of role).
A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.
Candidates that do not pass the interview, however have demonstrated an acceptable standard will be considered for similar roles at a lower grade.
