Senior Executive Assistant to the Mayor

Senior Executive Assistant to the Mayor
West of England Mayoral Combined Authority

Salary: £37,035 - £40,476 per annum (appointment typically made at the lower end of the scale, with annual increments)

Location: Bristol (hybrid working available)

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is seeking a highly capable, discreet, and experienced Senior Executive Assistant to support the newly elected Mayor and the Executive Office at the heart of regional leadership.

This is a rare opportunity to work directly alongside the Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of the Mayor’s priorities, contributing to the strategic direction of one of the UK’s most ambitious and forward-looking regions.

About the Role

As Senior Executive Assistant, you will be a critical and trusted member of the Executive Office team, ensuring the seamless operation of the Mayor’s and wider executive functions. Your role will involve:

• Providing high-level, proactive, and confidential executive support to the Mayor and Executive Office Manager
• Managing a complex and dynamic schedule of engagements, ensuring the Mayor is fully briefed and prepared for all meetings and commitments
• Liaising confidently and professionally with senior internal and external stakeholders, including ministers, senior civil servants, elected officials, and regional partners
• Anticipating and mitigating risks, solving problems in real time, and enabling the Mayor to focus on strategic leadership
• Supporting the delivery of key priorities and the effective governance of the organisation

This position requires sound judgment, political acumen, absolute discretion, and the ability to operate with independence and authority in a high-profile, fast-paced environment.

About You

We are looking for a candidate who brings:

• Demonstrable experience providing executive support at a leadership, CEO or Director level in a complex organisation, preferably with exposure to political or public sector environments
• Outstanding organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities with calm efficiency and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence and presence to represent the Mayor and organisation at all levels
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality
• Flexibility and resilience, with the ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances

This role is ideal for a seasoned professional looking to make a meaningful impact by supporting senior leadership at the centre of regional decision-making.

Our Offer

Alongside the opportunity to lead change, drive strategic initiatives, and make a real difference in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous or reckonable service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 1 day of paid leave each year to volunteer
• Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 15.3%
• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

The West of England is an amazing part of the world to live and work. We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

The salary for this role is £37, 035 - £40, 476. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

Good Employment Charter
As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at [email protected]. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency? We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.