News and Views

Introduction
Cumbria LEP (CLEP) has changed and is now one of the best performing LEP’s in the country. We have developed and are delivering “Restart, Reboot, Rethink – A Plan for Cumbria’s Economic Recovery” to ensure that Cumbria not only recovers from the pandemic but actually moves forward with ambitious growth plans. CLEP is looking for ambitious, high-performing people to join us to deliver our ambitious recovery and growth plans and to support our businesses to become more productive, prosperous and sustainable. Taking the organisation to the next level. If you are as committed to Cumbria’s success as we are, then we would love to hear from you.

Purpose
The PA/Office Manager will be responsible for providing an effective support service to the Chief Executive and Chair of CLEP, managing diaries, organising meetings and preparing communications. The post holder will also be responsible for managing the CLEP office ensuring that this runs effectively and that all systems and processes are in place and maintained and that the wider team is provided with necessary support.

Responsibilities

• Manage the diary of the Chief Executive ensuring that meetings are arranged, briefings prepared and follow up action taken.
• Manage the Chief Executive’s written and electronic correspondence ensuring that all activity is responded to in line with service standards.
• Work effectively with the Chair’s personal PA to co-ordinate CLEP’s activities with his other business interests, ensuring that high-quality briefing is provided for all CLEP related business.
• Provide the Secretariat function for a number of CLEP’s governance meetings, working closely with the Head of Secretariat.
• Produce letter, reports and presentations on behalf of the Chief Executive and wider team and produce routine correspondence independently.
• Ensure that CLEP has effective systems and processes to manage all aspects of its businesses and that all records are retained in line with retention guidelines.
• Provide secretarial support to the CLEP Heads of Teams, as and when required.
• Provide a support function to all members of the CLEP Team.
• Provide a highly professional first point of contact for all contacts to CLEP.

Person Specification

Essential

• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop effective working relationships both internally and externally
• Excellent IT skills and highly proficient in all applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Effective typing skills able to quickly produce high quality documents
• At least 2 years’ experience working as a PA/Office Manager
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment within an ambitious and growing organisation

Desirable

• Relevant PA qualifications (typing, secretarial etc.)

Equality Statement
CLEP is committed to representing the communities that we serve and creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, which allows people to succeed on merit. CLEP aims to go beyond compliance with equality legislation. It aspires to be a champion of best practice in all aspects of equality, diversity and inclusion, and seeks to create an inclusive working where all are equally valued. We therefore welcome all candidates regardless of their sex or gender reassignment; marital status (including civil partnership); sexual orientation; race, language, ethnic or national origins and nationality (including citizenship); religious belief; disability and / or medical conditions; age; and whether they have dependents.

Terms and Conditions
The post will initially be until 31 March 2022, with the possibility of extension. Salary circa £28k. 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays. Contributory pension with employee’s contribution (5%/7% or 10%) matched by the employer’s contribution.

The postholder will initially work from home, but may move to hybrid home/office working at some point. CLEP’s offices are based in Penrith.

Applications
Applicants should submit their CV together with a covering letter outlining why they are interested in the role and why they are suitable for it to info@thecumbrialep.co.uk by Wednesday 12 May 2021. Interviews will take place on Monday 17 May 2021.