Executive Secretary to the Director of Corporate Services.

Company: Government Recruitment Service
Apply for the Executive Secretary to the Director of Corporate Services.
Location: Southampton
Job Description:

Can you keep a senior leader one step ahead with flawless organisation and sharp judgement?

Have you thrived in high‑pressure environments where priorities shift fast and accuracy matters?

Do you excel at building strong relationships and running a private office that just works?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking a highly capable individual to join its Corporate Services Directorate Group, a central function that supports the Agency’s strategic and operational delivery. The group brings together four key directorates — Finance & Transformation, People & Safety, Information Technology, and Corporate Governance — providing expertise across areas such as finance, procurement, HR, estates, IT, audit, security, data, communications, planning and performance.

You’ll be part of the Corporate Governance function, working closely with the Executive Director of Corporate Services and engaging with senior leaders across all four directorates. The team operates at the heart of the MCA, managing high‑profile priorities, enabling informed decision‑making, and ensuring the smooth running of executive‑level activity. It’s a dynamic, fast‑paced environment where strong relationships, sound judgement and proactive support are essential to keeping the organisation moving forward.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

Benefits

  • Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
  • 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday
  • Flexible working options where we encourage a great work‑life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it’s like working at: Maritime and Coastguard Agency – Department for Transport Careers

As an Executive Secretary to the Director of Corporate Services, you will provide high‑level strategic and administrative support at the heart of the MCA’s Corporate Services function. You will manage the Director’s priorities, inbox and diary, coordinate briefings, handle sensitive information, and ensure they are equipped to make timely, informed decisions. Operating in a fast‑paced environment, you’ll build strong relationships and act as a trusted point of contact for senior leaders across the organisation.

Responsibilities

  • Act as the Executive Director’s primary point of contact, coordinating all support needs.
  • Provide strategic advice and horizon‑scan to identify emerging priorities.
  • Drive forward the Director’s priorities, including handling emails and making judgement calls when needed.
  • Manage the Director’s inbox, triaging requests and ensuring deadlines are met.
  • Oversee the Director’s diary, travel and logistics to keep their schedule running smoothly.
  • Commission, review and quality‑assure briefing materials to enable informed decision‑making.
  • Support meetings and committees with high‑quality notes, actions and administrative coordination.
  • Build strong relationships across MCA, DfT and external partners to support effective collaboration.

For further information on the role, please read the attached role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only – whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…

Posted: March 28th, 2026