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Job Details

Expires: 4 December 2026

Executive Assistant to the CEO Corporate Services

About The Role

Overview

As the Executive Assistant to our CEO, you will provide high-level, confidential and proactive executive support to the Chief Executive Officer, ensuring the effective management of their time, priorities and daily activities.

The postholder will act as a key point of coordination between the CEO, Board members, Executive Leadership Team (ELT), employees and external stakeholders. They will ensure the CEO is well prepared for meetings, has access to accurate and timely information, and is supported in delivering the organisation’s strategic and operational priorities.

The role requires exceptional organisational skills, discretion, professionalism and the ability to anticipate needs, manage competing demands and operate effectively in a fast-paced senior leadership environment.

Starting Salary: £ Competitive (depending on experience) with performance related incentive scheme and excellent benefits.

Location: You will be working at the Advance Northumberland Wansbeck Workspace, located in Ashington, Northumberland, Rotary Parkway, NE63 8QZ. There will be an expectation that you will need to travel to other locations within Northumberland.

If you would like to have an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Pam Robertson, Head of People and Organisational Development on 0749 4279639

How to apply

To apply for this position, please send us your CV, and a letter of application, stating why you want to work for us, and what you would bring to the role.

Please also complete the application form on our website and send these to workforus@advancenorthumberland.co.uk

Applications will close for this position on 4^th December 2026 at 10.00am

Interviews will be held on Friday 11^th December 2026

This may be closed at an earlier period, if we receive a high number of applications.

Our Values

We are looking for people who embody the Advance Northumberland values; people who are accountable and resilient, who are open to change with strong innovation skills. They will be collaborative; effective in relationship building and stakeholder engagement with the potential to build relationships effectively at all levels. They will demonstrate respect for our colleagues, our customers and our partners and be able to use their initiative in their work. They will be ambitious about their career and for the future success of Advance Northumberland, with a real customer and team focus; motivated and enthusiastic about their contribution to our success.

Who are we?

Overview

We are a diverse property and investment company who deliver opportunities to improve prosperity, tackle inequalities and drive economic growth in support of Northumberland County Council. We collaborate with stakeholders and partners to deliver positive physical and economic development and focus on the needs and aspirations of the county.

We have the recognition of being a Real Living Wage Employer, and other awards such as our Good Work Pledge, and the Ambassador Status for the Better Health at Work Award.

We have a mission to build a better future for people in Northumberland, as we focus exclusively on regenerating the county.

Within Advance Northumberland Group we have several subsidiary companies, including our new build housing team - Ascent Homes, our residential lettings team, our commercial and investment team, our Land and Project team and our newly formed sustainability and ecology team – Advance Green Futures.

Corporate Services

Our corporate services team provide a wide range of services across the business, covering, people, finance, IT, governance and health & safety.

Advance Green Futures

Our newly formed Ecology and Sustainability team is responsible for creating and managing the third largest habitat bank in the country, as well as ensuring that our activities are sustainable.

We have exciting plans for growth in this area of the business and to develop new business opportunities in the sustainability sector.

Ascent Homes

Ascent Homes is an agile developer buying, developing, delivering, and selling across a wide range of projects from the refurbishment and regeneration of buildings. Ascent work tirelessly to develop interesting, innovative homes.

Ascent have delivered over 600 new homes in Northumberland, generated over £97.4 million over the last five years, and 75% of spend has been invested in local companies.

Projects

Our Project team are a critical component of the company’s unique mix of skills. The team manage the delivery of the investment and regeneration.

Projects have £34.5 million projects that are currently in construction, £76.5 million projects in the development stage, and have created over 700 construction jobs in development.

Recent projects that have been delivered are the Ashington, Morpeth and Berwick Leisure Centres, Manor Walks, and restaurants such as The Amble Inn.

Commercial

The commercial team have a diverse portfolio of quality business accommodation to rent or buy, including industrial units, offices, business parks, and fully managed workspaces.

Currently, we have a 96% occupancy rate, 100% statutory compliance, 3 managed workspaces, £148 million portfolio asset value, and over 600 businesses operating from our properties.

Investments

Our investments team are the regeneration vehicle to deliver physical regeneration through Northumberland. We contribute significantly to the profit of the property and development portfolios, working with the Advance Northumberland Development team to deliver on significant projects in Northumberland.

One of our major investment sites is the Northumberland Energy Park, which is home to JDR’s wind farm cable factory.

Homes

Homes offer an outstanding range of quality, affordable homes to rent in Northumberland. We are passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and offer accessibility and security for those wanting to rent. We are committed to supporting people throughout their tenancy, which is why we provide services linked with building and maintaining our homes to a high standard.

Working for Advance Northumberland

We care about our colleagues and their wellbeing and have been nationally recognised for this. Apart from the competitive salary, we also have fantastic benefits. We focus on our colleague’s health, wealth, and lifestyle.

Role Profile

Job title: Executive Assistant to the CEO

Reports to: CEO

Team members: PA to the Executive Leadership Team

Location: Wansbeck Workspace and other locations as part of role.

Role Purpose

To provide high-level, confidential and proactive executive support to the Chief Executive Officer, ensuring the effective management of their time, priorities and daily activities.

Key Responsibilities

Executive and Administrative Support

Provide comprehensive and proactive PA support to the CEO.
Manage the CEO’s diary, appointments, meetings and competing priorities.
Organise internal and external meetings, ensuring all relevant information and papers are available in advance.
Prepare agendas, presentations, reports, correspondence and briefing documents.
Manage incoming emails and correspondence, prioritising matters requiring the CEO’s attention.
Draft responses and communications on behalf of the CEO where appropriate.
Coordinate travel arrangements, accommodation and itineraries.
Maintain an effective filing and document management system.

Board and Governance Support

Coordinate all Board and Committee meetings, including scheduling, meeting papers and supporting documentation.
Liaise with Board members, committee chairs and senior stakeholders.
Ensure meeting actions and decisions are accurately recorded and followed up.
Support the preparation and distribution of confidential Board and Committee papers.
Maintain appropriate confidentiality and governance standards.

Communication and Stakeholder Management

Act as the first point of contact for the CEO’s office.
Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Manage sensitive communications with professionalism and discretion.
Ensure enquiries are directed appropriately and followed up in a timely manner.
Represent the CEO’s office positively and professionally at all times.

Strategic and Business Support

Support the CEO in managing strategic priorities and key organisational projects.
Monitor deadlines, commitments and actions arising from meetings.
Proactively identify potential diary conflicts, risks and competing priorities.
Undertake research and gather information to support executive decision-making.
Prepare briefing notes and background information ahead of key meetings and engagements.
Assist with the coordination of leadership events, conferences and organisational activities.

Office and Operational Coordination

Manage the PA to the ELT.
Ensure the CEO’s office operates efficiently and effectively.
Coordinate with other departments to ensure timely delivery of information and actions.
Support the organisation of ELT away days, leadership meetings and corporate events.
Handle expenses, invoices and associated administrative processes.
Working with the Head of Business Operations identify opportunities to improve administrative systems, processes and ways of working.

Personal Specification

Essential Criteria

Proven experience in a Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant or senior administrative support role.
Experience supporting a CEO, Director or senior executive.
Excellent diary management and organisational skills.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines.
Experience handling confidential and sensitive information.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work independently and use initiative.

Desirable:

Experience supporting Board-level meetings and governance processes.
Project coordination experience.
Experience preparing executive reports and presentations.
Knowledge of organisational structures and business operations.

Personal Attributes and Behaviours

The successful postholder will demonstrate:

Discretion and confidentiality: Handles sensitive information with the highest levels of integrity.
Proactivity: Anticipates the CEO’s needs and takes action before being asked.
Professionalism: Demonstrates confidence, diplomacy and credibility when dealing with senior stakeholders.
Resilience: Remains calm and effective under pressure.
Flexibility: Adapts quickly to changing priorities and unexpected demands.
Attention to detail: Ensures work is accurate, thorough and delivered to a high standard.
Commercial awareness: Understands organisational priorities and the wider business environment.
Sound judgement: Makes appropriate decisions, understands when to escalate and works with minimal supervision.

Key Working Relationships