Executive Business Support Officer

1.0FTE, 37 hours per week

The University operates agile working arrangements. You will be expected to work flexibly across our campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester, with the expectation that you will be on campus at least 3 days per week.

Strategic Governance

The Strategic Governance Team plays a vital role in ensuring the University meets its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities. The team provides expert support across corporate governance, legal services, information governance, insurance, student casework and executive support functions. Working at the heart of the institution, the department enables effective decision-making and supports the University in achieving its strategic ambitions.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly visible and influential team that works closely with senior leaders across the University. The role offers exposure to strategic initiatives, governance processes and executive-level decision-making, making it ideal for an experienced professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment where organisation, discretion, judgement and relationship-building are key.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Governance and Legal, you will oversee a small team of Executive Assistants and ensure the provision of high-quality administrative, organisational and secretariat support to senior leaders, including the Vice-Chancellor and members of the Executive Team.

This is a varied and rewarding role that combines executive support, people management, governance administration and business improvement. In a dynamic environment with shifting priorities you will coordinate senior meetings and committees, manage complex schedules and priorities, oversee executive communications and events, and maintain oversight of strategic actions and commitments. You will also play a key role in driving continuous improvement, reviewing processes and implementing effective systems that enhance the quality and efficiency of executive support services. You will be entrusted with sensitive executive, governance and organisational information, requiring exceptional judgement, discretion and confidentiality

The successful candidate will be confident working with senior stakeholders, managing sensitive information and balancing competing priorities. You will be an experienced organiser with excellent interpersonal skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Experience of leading staff and developing effective administrative services will be essential.

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the University's leadership and governance arrangements while developing your own experience in a strategic and high-profile environment.

How to apply

In formulating your application, please explicitly address within your supporting statement the Essential and Desirable criteria for this post, as set out within the Person Specification. To minimise duplication of your effort, please limit your application to completion of the application form; a cover letter and CV will not be required.

Contact details

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Tanya Collins, Head of Governance & Legal [email protected] or Andrew Browning, Executive Director of Strategic Governance [email protected]

Key dates

Closing date: Monday 9th November 2026

Interview: Tuesday 24th November 2026

Please note that this role does not meet the minimum eligibility requirements for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route.

To avoid disappointment please apply early, should we find a suitable candidate we will close the advert.

For more information about out benefits and working for the University please click here

The University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff community and welcomes applications from currently under-represented sections of our workforce. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that the University is inclusive and accessible. As part of this commitment, we guarantee aninterview to applicants who meet the definition of disability set out in the Equality Act 2010 and who meet the essential criteria within the person specification.

The University has also signed the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged. For applicants, this means we aim to ensure fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process, recognise and value the transferable skills and experience gained through military service. As part of this commitment, we guarantee an interview to veterans and military spouses/partners who meet the essential criteria within the job specification.