Job Description

Job Overview

Job Title:Programme Manager - Bexley 18 - Interims

Reports To: Chief Executive and Director of Finance & Corporate Services

Location: Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 7AT, United Kingdom

Duration: 3 Months

Job Purpose:

To provide high-level strategic and executive support to the Chief Executive and Director of Finance & Corporate Services, ensuring their time and capacity are optimised for maximum impact. The postholder will act as a strategic partner, trusted advisor, and key interface with the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) and wider Senior Leadership Team (SLT), enabling the delivery of the Council's vision, priorities, and corporate objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Support & Partnership

Act as a key strategic advisor and conduit between the Chief Executive, Director of Finance & Corporate Services, and senior stakeholders.

Build and maintain effective relationships with members of the CLT, SLT, elected members, and external partners.

Support the effective governance and leadership of the Council, contributing to the strategic planning and performance framework.

Executive Support

Provide high-quality, proactive executive support including diary management, meeting preparation, correspondence handling, and agenda setting.

Prepare briefings, reports, and complex documents with minimal supervision, ensuring accuracy and clarity.

Lead on or contribute to the delivery of special projects, research assignments, and internal initiatives.

Prioritisation & Decision-Making

Exercise sound judgement to manage competing demands, escalate issues appropriately, and act decisively on behalf of the Chief Executive and Director when required.

Ensure alignment with rapidly changing business needs, prioritising actions that drive organisational impact.

Communication & Engagement

Produce compelling internal and external presentations, speeches, and communications for senior audiences.

Coordinate engagement between the Chief Executive's office and internal/external stakeholders to ensure messages are aligned with corporate priorities.

Represent the office at meetings, events, and working groups where appropriate.

Governance & Performance

Support the effective functioning of corporate governance structures and processes.

Monitor and report on progress against corporate objectives, contributing to business planning and strategy development.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills & Experience:

Proven experience in a senior executive support, strategic advisor, or Chief of Staff-type role.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and high-stakes information with discretion.

Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at a senior level.

Ability to manage complex workloads under pressure and respond quickly to changing priorities.

Advanced knowledge of public sector governance, policy, or corporate strategy (or equivalent relevant experience).

Desirable:

Experience working within a local authority or public sector environment.

Familiarity with democratic processes and member engagement.

Project management experience or relevant qualifications (e.g. PRINCE2, Agile).

Job Type: Temporary
Contract length: 3 months

Pay: 45.00-50.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person