Diary Manager - Ministry of Justice - South West UK - Visa Sponsorship Available

This week, we're highlighting a permanent, full-time Diary Manager position with the Ministry of Justice, spanning multiple South West UK locations from Barnstaple to Yeovil. This role is ideal for Nigerian and African immigrants seeking to build a career in UK public service, as visa sponsorship is explicitly available for foreign applicants. With a salary range of £28,064 to £33,549, this opportunity offers a stable career path within a vital government department.

Job Description

The Diary Manager role is an administrative cornerstone within the NPS Divisional headquarters, clusters, or functions, providing crucial secretarial and administrative support to a Deputy Director or Head of Operational Function. Your primary responsibility will be to act as the first point of contact, managing the day-to-day operations through meticulous diary coordination, correspondence management, and meeting organisation.

Key duties include efficiently maintaining the Deputy Director's diary, optimising time management, and acting as a screening point for all communications, highlighting priorities and directing queries as needed. You will also be responsible for producing a range of materials from routine correspondence to complex confidential reports, developing and maintaining robust filing systems, and coordinating all aspects of meetings, from agendas to minute-taking and distribution.

Requirements

• Proven experience in providing high-level secretarial and administrative support, preferably within a complex organisational environment.
• Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage conflicting demands and optimise time effectively.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to deal with highly sensitive issues diplomatically and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Proficiency in developing and maintaining comprehensive electronic and manual filing systems.
• Ability to take accurate minutes at senior management meetings and coordinate complex events.
• For Nigerian and African applicants, the Ministry of Justice offers Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship, making this role accessible to those requiring a UK work visa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of £28,064 to £33,549.
• Generous annual leave allowance and public holidays.
• Access to a Civil Service pension scheme.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within the Ministry of Justice.
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working where business needs allow, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

How to Prepare

For our Nigerian and African immigrant community, preparing for a Support role like Diary Manager in the UK Civil Service requires a strategic approach. Focus on tailoring your CV to highlight administrative excellence, organisational prowess, and experience with confidential information, ensuring it aligns with UK professional standards. Develop a strong LinkedIn profile that showcases your skills and experience to UK recruiters, and craft a compelling cover letter that directly addresses the job description and your suitability, especially your ability to manage complex schedules and communications.

When it comes to the interview, be prepared to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to articulate your experiences, as explicitly requested by the Ministry of Justice. Practice discussing how you’ve managed diaries, handled sensitive information, and supported senior staff. Crucially, as a foreign applicant, confidently address your need for visa sponsorship, highlighting your long-term commitment and enthusiasm for contributing to the UK public sector. Ensure you have professional references ready that can speak to your reliability and administrative capabilities.

• Refine your CV to a UK format, emphasising administrative support, diary management, and communication skills.
• Prepare for interviews using the STAR method, focusing on scenarios relevant to diary coordination and stakeholder management.
• Craft a cover letter that clearly links your experience to the job requirements and expresses your interest in the UK public sector.
• Ensure your LinkedIn profile is updated and optimised for UK employers, showcasing your professional background.
• Be ready to discuss your visa sponsorship requirements positively, demonstrating your readiness to relocate and commit to the role.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa sponsorship is AVAILABLE for this Diary Manager role, making it an excellent opportunity for foreign applicants. Non-UK residents who require a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa are encouraged to apply. If your immigration status is complex or borderline, it is advisable to seek independent immigration advice before applying to ensure full eligibility.