Programme Manager

This is an integrated, LGR funded role. As a result, this position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council or one of Surrey’s 11 Borough & District councils. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.

This role has a starting salary of £61,784 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.

This is a fixed term contract/ secondment opportunity until 31 March 2027.

We are excited to be hiring a new Programme Manager for the Children, Families and Lifelong Learning Theme of the Local Government Reorganisation. The role will work across CFLL and the Design & Transformation function within the Council, and offers hybrid working with an expectation that at least two days per week will be spent in locations across Surrey.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (prorated for part time staff)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About the Role

As a Programme Manager supporting the Children, Families & Lifelong Learning Local Government Reorganisation programme, you will oversee the delivery of all strands of the complex programme that is the disaggregation of Children’s Services into the new East and West authorities.

You will work closely with the CFLL Programme Lead and the CFLL LGR Working Group, as well as cross-functional teams to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with the Council’s LGR principles and objectives.

You will oversee programme planning, manage resources (including line management of project managers), and mitigate risks to ensure successful implementation of change initiatives. You will lead on work to ensure that dependencies across the programme are understood and effectively managed, as well as ensuring that there is effective governance overseeing the programme. You will really be able to thrive in this role if you have any knowledge or understanding of local government Children’s Services and the challenges they face.

You are able to view the full list of accountabilities in the attached job description, please ensure you refer to this before applying.

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Appropriate professional programme management qualification or equivalent experience operating at a senior level
• Substantial experience of leading and implementing complex, multifaceted transformation programmes
• Substantial knowledge and expertise of Children’s Services structures and pathways
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills
• Demonstrable skills and experience of working with senior stakeholders and partnership working across different organisations
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate problems, assess risk and identify/ suggest solutions

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to role requirements, flexible working requests, transferable skills or barriers to employment.

For an informal discussion about the role please email Suzanne Smith at Suzanne.r.smith@surreycc.gov.uk.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 2nd April 2026 with interviews to follow 3-5 days after the closing date, in person at our Woking office.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.