Executive Assistant – Cumbria Combined Authority
Salary: £40,777 to £41,771
Location: Penrith (including agile working and working from home)
Contract Type: Permanent
Shape the Future of Cumbria
Cumbria is entering a bold new chapter.
The creation of the Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock the full potential of one of England’s most distinctive places. With devolution bringing new powers, new investment and a directly elected Mayor from May 2027, the Authority will play a central role in driving inclusive growth, improving public services and championing the needs of communities across Cumbria.
As we establish the organisation, we are seeking an Executive Assistant to join us on our journey.
About this opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the organisation, providing dedicated support to the Chief Executive and helping to ensure the smooth running of a busy and varied senior leadership function.
As Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive, you'll play a key role in supporting the organisation's leadership and priorities. From managing a complex and demanding diary to coordinating meetings, preparing briefings and handling correspondence, you'll help ensure the Chief Executive has the right information, at the right time, to focus on leading the organisation and delivering for our communities.
No two days are the same. You'll work closely with elected members, senior leaders, partner organisations and members of the public, building positive and effective working relationships while acting as a trusted point of contact. The role requires discretion, professionalism and sound judgement, particularly when dealing with sensitive or confidential information.
Alongside your day-to-day responsibilities, you'll support the preparation of committee papers, reports and corporate documentation, respond to a range of enquiries and contribute to projects and service improvement activities. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider business support team, you'll help deliver an efficient, responsive and high-quality service to the Corporate Management Team.
This is a rewarding role for someone who enjoys working at pace, thrives on variety and takes pride in providing outstanding support in a professional and often high-profile environment.
Who we are looking for…
We're looking for an organised, proactive and professional individual who can build strong working relationships and provide high-quality support in a complex and fast-moving environment.
You'll have experience of supporting senior managers or executives and will be confident managing competing priorities, coordinating workloads and delivering accurate work to tight deadlines. You will be comfortable working independently, using your initiative and judgement to respond to changing demands and emerging priorities.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as you'll be working with a wide range of stakeholders, including elected members, senior leaders, colleagues, partner organisations and members of the public. The ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times is equally important.
You'll have a good understanding of business administration practices and be confident using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint. Just as importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys finding better ways of working, embraces new technology and is committed to delivering an excellent service.
If you're looking for a role where you can make a real contribution, work closely with senior leadership and play an important part in supporting the organisation's priorities, we'd love to hear from you.
Why Join Cumbria Combined Authority?
- Be part of a brand-new organisation with real devolved powers
- Work with passionate partners across public, private and community sectors
- Make a tangible difference to places, people and opportunities across Cumbria
- Leave a lasting legacy by preparing the Authority for long-term success
If you are inspired by the opportunity to build something new, meaningful and impactful, and to help shape the future of Cumbria, we would love to hear from you.
Join us at the start of Cumbria’s journey – and help turn ambition into reality.
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the Role Profile.
If you have any queries or would like an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Jon Alsop via email - [email protected]
Location
This role may be suitable for hybrid working, which means an employee works part of their time in the office and part from home. This is a voluntary and non‑contractual arrangement between you and your manager, and your contractual place of work will remain your office location.
If a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for both the role and for you, you will normally be required to spend a minimum of 40% of your working hours in the office. Our main office is at Redhills, near Penrith. We are also able to use offices of our partner authorities across the county to help fulfil this expectation.
Please discuss any caring responsibilities, disabilities, or other circumstances that may affect your ability to meet this minimum office attendance requirement with the recruiting manager.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 22/07/2026
Final interview date: 30/07/2026
Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
Please note that Westmorland and Furness Council is providing recruitment support on behalf of the Cumbria Combined Authority. As part of this process, applicants will complete a Westmorland and Furness Council application form.
