Executive Private Secretary

Working at the heart of Ofgem, we are looking for an experienced Executive Private Secretary to play a pivotal role in supporting our Chief Operating Officer (COO) and wider executive leadership team.

This is far more than a traditional executive support position; it is a strategic role requiring exceptional judgement, influence and organisational capability.

You will act as a trusted adviser and key conduit between the COO, executive leaders, internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring priorities are aligned, decisions are informed and organisational objectives are delivered effectively.

Managing a complex and fast-moving portfolio, you will oversee competing demands on senior leaders’ time, anticipate risks and emerging issues, coordinate high-quality briefings and submissions, and drive forward priority projects on behalf of the COO.

A critical requirement of this role is proven experience supporting C-suite executives and senior leaders in a large, complex organisation, with the confidence and credibility to build trusted relationships, influence at the highest levels and represent senior leaders in meetings and engagements when required.

You will need outstanding communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills, together with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, maintaining grip across multiple priorities while ensuring the smooth operation of the Private Office and enabling senior leaders to focus on the issues that matter most.

If you are a highly organised, resilient and proactive professional with a track record of partnering with executive-level leaders, navigating complexity and driving organisational delivery, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to Ofgem’s mission of delivering a cleaner, more affordable and secure energy future for consumers across Great Britain.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Support: Align COO’s time and priorities with organisational objectives; provide advice on urgent, sensitive or complex matters and ensure decisions are informed by the right evidence, context and judgement.
• Administrative Excellence & Logistical Support: Proactively manage competing priorities across the COO’s portfolio, ensuring the COO is well prepared, key risks and choices are surfaced early, and time is used to maximum effect.
• Stakeholder Management: Lead day-to-day stakeholder engagement for the COO Office, using judgement to triage, resolve and escalate issues, manage competing interests, and maintain confidence in the group.
• Information Flow & Co-ordination: Filter, synthesise and advise on incoming information, acting as a trusted adviser and conduit between senior leadership, teams and external stakeholders.
• Relationship Building: Develop and maintain effective working relationships across the organisation, government departments, industry stakeholders and consumer groups, using those relationships to unblock issues and support delivery.
• Representation and Influence: Represent and act on behalf of the COO or other senior leaders in meetings as required, providing reliable steers, exercising judgement on escalation, and tracking actions through to completion.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the private office network, supporting shared objectives, setting clear expectations and mentoring colleagues where appropriate.

Key Outputs and Deliverables

• Effective management of senior leaders’ time and strategic priorities ensuring focus on the highest-value issues and decisions.
• A well-briefed COO and senior leadership team who receive clear, accurate and timely advice, information and recommendations.
• Delivery of priority coordination projects and support for organisational objectives.
• Strong, resilient and trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, supporting delivery and effective senior engagement.

Key Skills and Capabilities

• Demonstrates strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate issues, assess risk, align competing priorities with organisational goals and exercise judgement on what requires senior attention.
• Exceptional organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to maintain grip across a complex and fast-moving portfolio.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building capabilities with confidence to influence and manage senior relationships internally and externally.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information clearly and handle sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment including the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £49,542, OFGEM contributes £14,352 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Ofgem can offer you a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes; 30 days annual leave after 2 years; Excellent training and development opportunities; The opportunity to join the generous Civil Service pension which also includes a valuable range of benefits; hybrid working (currently 1 day a week in the office but this is kept under review), flexible working hours and family friendly policies.