Senior Transformation Manager

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

The Government has confirmed that, from April 2027, Surrey's 12 councils will be replaced by two new unitary authorities: East Surrey and West Surrey. Working across all Surrey councils, the Senior Transformation Manager will play a key role in supporting services to deliver Local Government Reorganisation, including disaggregating services, redesigning processes, and implementing changes required for the new organisations.

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

Surrey County Council is seeking a Senior Transformation Manager to work within our Design function supporting services to deliver on the transition of in two new unitary authorities from April 2027. We will not be transforming or re-designing services but ensuring their safe transition. In this context there will still be range of issues to work through and design thinking will be a critical part of this process.

The Senior Transformation Manager sits within the Design function of the Design & Transformation service. It has been developed so that we can directly utilise internal consultancy skills and expertise within our existing teams of design, programme and project management professionals.

As a Senior Transformation Manager, you will play a key role in developing design-led approaches to support the councils' transition, and work alongside programme managers and subject matter experts (SMEs) to apply these approaches. You will work collaboratively with services as an internal consultant to identify the root causes to problems, identify and evaluate transition options and recommend the appropriate implementation approach using a range of consultancy and design tools and techniques. This may include delivering workshops, workstream meetings and steering groups. data analysis and best practice research,

As a Senior Transformation Manager, you will:

• Lead complex, politically sensitive LGR projects from inception to delivery, within the context of the wider LGR programme.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define problems, align objectives, and co-create solutions.
• Use data-driven insights to measure impact and inform decision-making.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation across the organisation.
• Mentor and support junior colleagues, fostering a culture of learning and excellence.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders and contribute to LGR transition planning.

Your Application

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

• A degree or equivalent professional qualification, with significant experience in design or transformation consultancy roles.
• Proven experience leading organisational change using a range of methodologies.
• Design skills and experience of operating models and their relevance to supporting large scale organisational change.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities with experience managing complex projects in a dynamic, political environment.
• A collaborative, agile mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement.

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:

1. Tell us about the key skills and experience you have in design or consultancy within the public sector or a related organisation, and how these would help you succeed in this role.
2. Please provide an example of a design consultancy project you have led, detailing the challenges you faced, any strategies you used, and the measurable outcomes achieved.
3. Please describe a design or transformation project that you are particularly proud of. Explain your role, the impact and outcomes achieved, and how the skills and experience gained would support you in this role.
4. What do you see as the most significant service design priorities arising from Surrey's Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation programme, and how would you help shape the future design of services to support successful delivery?

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.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 02/08/2026 with interviews to follow.

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!

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.