Interim Project & Executive Support Officer

Interim Project & Executive Support Officer

Organisation: Local authority

Supporting: A senior executive

Contract dates: 28 September 2026 - 14 March 2027 (24 weeks)

Hours: 36 per week

Day rate: £279.30

IR35 status: Inside IR35

Working pattern: 3-4 days per week in the office

About the Role

A local authority is seeking an experienced, highly organised and proactive professional to provide dedicated project and executive support to a senior executive.

Working across a varied portfolio, you will support strategic priorities, transformation programmes and corporate initiatives. Combining executive support, project coordination and stakeholder management, you will help senior leaders manage competing demands and maintain progress across key programmes.

As a trusted member of the team, you will ensure priorities are effectively coordinated, decisions are supported by high-quality information and actions are followed through to completion.

Key Responsibilities

·Provide comprehensive executive support, including diary management, meeting coordination, correspondence and briefing preparation.

·Support strategic projects, programmes and transformation activity across the portfolio.

·Coordinate leadership meetings, programme boards and governance arrangements, recording and tracking actions and decisions.

·Prepare high-quality reports, presentations, briefings and communications for senior leaders and stakeholders.

·Maintain and monitor project plans, risks, issues, actions and key milestones, highlighting concerns promptly.

·Conduct research, analysis and information gathering to support strategic decision-making and service improvement.

·Build effective working relationships with senior leaders, elected members, partners and other stakeholders.

·Coordinate engagement activities, workshops, events and programme communications.

·Anticipate priorities, identify potential risks and support the timely resolution of issues.

·Support more efficient ways of working and continuous improvement across the directorate.

About You

You will be an adaptable and motivated professional with experience supporting senior leaders and coordinating complex work programmes in a fast-paced environment.

You will bring:

·Experience providing high-quality executive or senior management support.

·Strong project coordination and programme support skills.

·Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

·Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting reports and briefings for senior audiences.

·The ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and build effective professional relationships.

·Sound judgement, professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive information.

·Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

·Confidence working independently, taking initiative and maintaining close attention to detail.

Important Information

·Local government or wider public sector experience is preferred.

·Applicants must be UK residents.

·No visa sponsorship or options are available for this role.

·This role is hybrid working, with no fully remote option.

*Rates depend on experience and client requirements