Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive

Service: Chief Executive's Unit

Closing Date: Thursday, 9th April 2026

 

Argyll and Bute is one of Scotland’s most unique and varied areas, stretching from busy mainland towns to some of the country’s most remote and distinctive island communities. That diversity shapes the work we do every day. As a council of around 5,000 colleagues working across more than 300 locations, we are focused on delivering high‑quality services in a challenging, fast‑moving environment where collaboration, innovation and clear decision‑making really matter.

We are looking for a high calibre Personal Assistant to provide proactive, confidential, and highly organised support to the Chief Executive and the wider CE Unit. This is a role for someone who wants more than a traditional PA position, someone keen to gain insight into how a local authority operates at its most strategic level, and who is motivated by the opportunity to work at the centre of complex, high‑profile activity.

In this role, you will manage a busy and dynamic portfolio of responsibilities, including high‑level diary and correspondence management, preparing briefings and documentation, supporting key meetings, and helping coordinate responses across services. You’ll act as a first point of contact for a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, exercising sound judgement, political awareness, and professionalism at all times.

You’ll also play a role in improving how the CE Unit works, helping to streamline processes, maintain effective information management systems, and enhance the flow of business across the organisation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys making systems run smoothly, is confident with Microsoft 365 tools, and thrives in an environment that is varied, challenging and influential.

Our employees make good things happen in the day-to-day life and for the longer term future of Argyll and Bute. We want you to feel valued working for us. We offer various benefits to support you, such as a competitive salary, pension scheme, generous leave entitlement, cycle to work scheme, discounts on gym memberships and leisure centres, wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for learning and career growth. We also embrace a modern approach to work, offering a flexible first approach where possible to requests from our employees to how they work

We care about our people and the world around us and always aim to do the right thing. From employee recognition schemes to environmental policies we have many initiatives in place to help us look after the things we all care about.

Learn more here Argyll and Bute Employee Recognition Programme, Disability Confident, Armed Forces, Fair Work First Statement, Equality and Fairness, Climate Change, Hybrid and Flexible Working Policy

Argyll and Bute Council recognises the numerous benefits of a positive work-life balance to the wellbeing and productivity of our employees. We will take a flexible first approach to requests from our employees to change the way that they work. While we must balance such requests with the need to ensure the quality of the important services we deliver are not compromised, we will ensure that each request is given careful consideration with a view to achieving a positive outcome wherever possible.

If you are organised, discreet, forward‑thinking and ready to step into a pivotal role with real breadth and exposure, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Applicants should note that:-

• This role is predominantly office based, however there may be some flexibility to work from home on occasions.

To apply for this vacancy, please click on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.

If you would like clarification on any information contained within the vacancy advert and/or the job description please contact the recruiting manager, who is:

• Gillian McKay, Corporate Support Officer
• Telephone: 01546 604150
• Email: gillian.mckay@argyll-bute.gov.uk
• Reference: ARB17719 / 038782

Please note that you cannot apply for this vacancy by contacting the recruiting manager, applications must be made by clicking on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.

Please also note that we do not accept CVs, only applications completed and submitted via the Apply Now button on this page.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about our commitment to this please visit Equality & Diversity Policy.