Senior Personal Assistant

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of over 2.9 million people.

Our vision is ‘Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier’.

This vision and the strategic goals outlined in ‘Our Strategy’ are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Governance and Strategic Planning team as a Senior Personal Assistant. You will provide high-level executive support to the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and lead the Executive Support Team, helping to ensure the effective coordination of executive activity across the Service.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of one of the country’s largest Fire and Rescue Services. Working closely with senior leaders, internal departments and external stakeholders, you will help the CFO and Brigade Managers focus on strategic priorities, represent the Executive Office professionally and drive organisational efficiency and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• provide comprehensive executive support to the Chief Fire Officer, including complex diary management, travel arrangements, meetings and engagements
• act as a key point of contact and gatekeeper for the Chief Fire Officer, prioritising urgent matters and coordinating communications with internal and external stakeholders
• prepare and coordinate high-level meetings, briefings, reports and presentations to support informed decision-making and effective governance
• lead and coordinate the Executive Support Team, ensuring a consistent, professional and effective service to senior leadership colleagues
• monitor and track actions arising from senior leadership meetings, ensuring accountability and timely delivery
• manage sensitive information and confidential communications with the highest levels of discretion and professionalism
• support governance processes, stakeholder engagements and organisational improvement activity, including developing effective systems, processes and ways of working.

• Experience and skills
• Essential skills or experience

• qualification and/or substantial role-related experience appropriate to the requirements of the post
• experience providing executive, personal assistant or senior administrative support to senior leaders
• experience managing complex diaries, meetings, correspondence and logistical arrangements
• ability to prioritise competing demands and manage workloads effectively
• strong written communication skills, including preparing reports, briefings and meeting documents
• strong verbal communication skills and the ability to engage confidently with a wide range of stakeholders
• proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital business systems
• experience coordinating activities and monitoring actions to ensure delivery against deadlines
• evidence of continual professional development
• ability to meet the criteria specified within the WMFS Behavioural Framework.

Desirable skills or experience

• experience working within the public sector, ideally within the Fire and Rescue Sector
• experience of supervising or line managing staff
• experience in Project or Portfolio Management.
• Special Requirements

This role is based at West Midlands Fire Service Headquarters. Whilst predominantly working standard office hours, there will be occasions where flexibility is required, including travel with the Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Officer and attendance at meetings, events and engagements outside normal working hours, including evenings and weekends. A Basic DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.

Benefits

• We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:
• flexible and agile working arrangements
• enhanced family leave benefits, including 52 weeks fully paid maternity and adoption leave
• on-site free gym facilities
• free parking.

We also offer access to an in-house occupational health facility - including occupational health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.

• In addition, employees have access to:
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• wellbeing programmes
• ‘ blue light’ discounts across many retailers through partner schemes
• enhanced family leave benefits including 52 weeks full paid maternity and adoption leave
• Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee) – with access to discounted products and services
• Diversity

We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.

WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.

Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the application questions outlining your skills and experience in line with the job description.

Questions

If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please contact Lucy Lawson on 07973810494 or by email at [email hidden]