Location
Caxton House, Westminster, London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£45,065 per annum

About the Role
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the UK’s biggest public service department, responsible for welfare, labour market, pensions, and child maintenance policy. We administer the State Pension and a range of working age, disability and ill health benefits to around 23 million claimants and customers. This role is based in the Secretary of State's Private Office, where the smooth running of the Secretary of State’s diary and office is essential to DWP business. The Secretary of State places great trust in the individual managing their time and logistics. The Private Office team is high-performing, friendly, supportive, and inclusive. This is a demanding but rewarding and exciting role for someone interested in working closely with ministers, special advisers, and senior officials.

Key responsibilities include optimising the Secretary of State’s time by planning and coordinating schedules, resolving conflicts, anticipating difficulties, negotiating priorities, and ensuring the Secretary of State is in the right place at the right time with the correct briefing. You will support coordination of the Secretary of State’s ‘box’ by working with Private Secretaries and Special Advisers to provide accurate advice and meeting papers daily. The role involves strong leadership across Private Office, including line management of a Diary Manager and supporting other diary managers in Junior Ministers’ offices, as well as upwards management of senior Private Office members to ensure effective time and request management.

You will ensure meetings run smoothly by coordinating with relevant Private Secretaries, Junior Ministers’ offices, lead officials, and external stakeholders. Active monitoring and management of the Secretary of State’s calendar and inbox is required to swiftly identify and handle urgent enquiries. Liaising with Parliamentary Whips and the Secretary of State’s Parliamentary Office ensures strong alignment between departmental and parliamentary duties. You will also manage travel and accommodation arrangements, considering travel requirements and security considerations.

Successful candidates will enjoy the opportunity to work closely with the Secretary of State, Ministers, Special Advisers, and senior officials in a fast-paced, challenging environment. You will be part of a supportive team with opportunities to learn and develop new skills, broaden your understanding of DWP policy, parliamentary business, and cross-government functions, and gain line management and leadership experience across Private Office.

Due to the nature of the role, full-time office-based working is required, with occasional long hours, especially when Parliament is sitting, for which overtime will be payable.

Experience
Proven ability to manage a high-quality service and competing priorities effectively. Experience working with Ministers or senior leaders is desirable but not essential.

About you
You are proactive, organised, and dynamic with excellent communication skills to work effectively with the Secretary of State, Ministers, Special Advisers, and senior officials. You can manage a heavy workload, prioritise effectively, and thrive in a fast-moving environment. You demonstrate strong attention to detail, excellent judgement, and a self-starting approach, always thinking ahead. Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills are essential, with confidence to engage senior leaders and build trust quickly through delivery. Strong leadership and line management skills are required, including the ability to lead and influence those outside your hierarchy and more senior colleagues. You have a flexible outlook, enthusiasm, personal resilience, and a commitment to high-quality work. Excellent IT skills, especially in Outlook, are essential.

Qualifications
There are no formal qualification requirements; however, candidates must be able to obtain National Security Vetting (Security Check level) clearance. This requires UK residency for at least 3 of the last 5 years, including the 2 immediately preceding years. Candidates must meet all security and vetting requirements before appointment.