Senior Project Manager

• Location: Woodhatch Place, Cockshot Hill, Reigate

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council.

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 £53,713 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.

We have a great opportunity to join the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Implementation team as a Senior Project Manager.

We support hybrid working with the right balance. We come together in person for 1 days per week on average (20% of the working week) and support working from home the rest of the time.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• 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

This is your opportunity to project manage and influence one of the largest transformation programmes ever undertaken in local government in Surrey. As a Project Manager, you'll have the chance to help shape service provision, ensuring we are ready to meet the needs of the future. This role comes with a strong sense of purpose and an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of the communities we serve.

As a key member of our team, you'll be at the forefront of managing the development of strategies, projects and service development activities. Your expertise in needs analysis and evidence-based policy advice will be crucial in making informed decisions that drive the agenda forward. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and you'll work closely with senior officers across directorates, local and national partners to ensure our vision becomes reality.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position your CV and answers to the questions below will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours :

• A self-starter with the ability to work independently on tasks and proactively sharing progress updates
• Strong analytical abilities and vision with excellent communication and engagement skills.
• A good understanding of the national local government policy agenda
• A track record of managing complex change projects and programmes in a public sector setting
• Strong leadership skills and be able to manage effective relationships across the organisation in a complex stakeholder environment
• Good stakeholder engagement and management skills, at all levels of the organisation
• A collaborative approach to delivering change
• Experience working in local government reform, particularly within Adults Social Care, Public Health or Communities Service areas

Application Questions

• Looking at our advert and considering Surrey County Council's commitment to ensuring that "no one is left behind", please tell us what it is about the Project Manager role within the Local Government Reorganisation team that has motivated you to apply?
• Please tell us about the relevant experience or transferable skills you have that will enable you to successfully manage complex change projects and collaborate effectively with senior officers, partners, and stakeholders across Surrey County Council?
• What three qualities do you have that would make you a successful Project Manager, and how do these qualities support Surrey County Council's culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and adaptability during this significant transformation programme?

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

Contact us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

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

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 25/01/2026 with interviews planned to follow.

Local Government Reorganisation

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.

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.