Private Office Diary Managers

We recognise the challenges that people with protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.

Are you able to effectively communicate through written and verbal communication?

Can you work flexibly, adapting quickly to changing demands?

Do you want the opportunity to work at the heart of DfT’s Private office?

If so, then this is the perfect role for you!

Please note – at time of publication of this advert there are currently no vacant positions. Due to the changing and evolving nature of Private Office, vacancies can open up on a regular basis. Therefore, this campaign will create an active working merit list in order to fulfil demand as it arises.

We are looking for talented individuals with a passion for working with others to join the Private Office team supporting Senior officials, Special Advisors and our Permanent Secretaries. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the very heart of the Department and gain invaluable experience of how Ministers, Parliament and a large government department work. It also enables you to work across government departments and gain an insight into Westminster.

The role in Private Office is varied, challenging and enjoyable. You will work in a fast-paced, high-profile environment and provide vital support both to the team and the Minister, Special Advisor or Permanent Secretary, acting as the interface between them, the Department, and the rest of government.

Hours will vary throughout the year and are balanced with shorter working days during parliamentary recess. A Private Office allowance of 20% on top of basic salary is payable to reflect the extra hours worked.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Liaising with policy officials, press office, parliamentary branch, other offices and your own team to ensure your principal’s diary is suitably organised to deal with a wide range of commitments.
• Leading on logistics for your principal’s visits and trips, such as organising travel and accommodation.
• Monitoring your principal’s inbox daily to respond promptly to all queries and requests.
• Acting in a co-ordination role across the office, leading on elements such as commissioning briefing.
• Leading on invitation processing from external stakeholders, supporting your principal to attend a variety of events, conferences and meetings.
• Completing the transparency return for your principal, keeping account of financial spend and international trips taken.

For more information, please see the attached Role Profile.