Reed
Private Secretary & Strategic Office Lead to the CEO
Location: West London
Salary: £51,623 – £53,968 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
About the Role
We are seeking an exceptional and highly organised Private Secretary & Strategic Office Lead to support a Chief Executive Officer within an FE organisation in West London.
This is a unique and high-profile role combining strategic delivery, executive support, and senior stakeholder engagement. You will act as a trusted advisor and key partner to the CEO, ensuring priorities are translated into clear actions and delivered effectively across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Delivery & Change
- Support the CEO in translating organisational strategy into clear programmes, projects, and delivery milestones
- Track and monitor strategic initiatives, ensuring progress and accountability
- Maintain dashboards, action trackers, and reporting frameworks
- Identify risks and dependencies, escalating issues where required
- Support organisation-wide change programmes and new ways of working
Executive Support to the CEO
- Act as a trusted advisor, supporting decision-making and strategic priorities
- Manage competing demands and act as gatekeeper to the CEO’s office
- Prepare high-quality briefings, reports and decision papers
- Ensure actions from meetings are tracked, delegated, and delivered
- Anticipate emerging risks, issues, and opportunities
Executive Office Management
- Oversee the CEO’s strategic diary, ensuring alignment with key priorities
- Coordinate internal and external meetings, ensuring full preparation and follow-up
- Manage correspondence with professionalism and discretion
- Attend key meetings, capturing decisions and ensuring actions are progressed
Governance & Stakeholder Engagement
Reporting & Information Management
About You
We are looking for a proactive, highly capable individual with strong judgement and the ability to operate at senior level.
Essential:
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience
- Significant experience supporting a CEO or senior executive
- Proven experience in strategic project delivery or executive office leadership
- Experience managing complex priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including influencing senior leaders
- Experience preparing high-quality briefings, reports and board papers
- Excellent organisational, analytical, and communication skills
- High levels of discretion, professionalism, and political awareness
Desirable:
- Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM, MSP)
- Experience in education, public sector, or a regulated environment
- Experience supporting governance processes or boards
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary: £51,623 – £53,968 (DOE)
- Excellent benefits package
- Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and shape strategic delivery
- A varied, high-impact role with real organisational influence
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
Apply Now
If you are an experienced executive support professional or strategic project lead looking to step into a high-impact leadership role, we would love to hear from you.
To apply for this job please visit www.reed.co.uk.
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