Strategic Programme Manager

This role has a starting salary of £72,108 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. This post?is up to 12-month fixed term contract, with the possibility of further extension subject to ongoing Made Smarter Adoption funding in 2026/27 and beyond. This is a unique opportunity to shape Surrey's economy and the wider South East region. Join our dedicated Economy and Growth Team and make a meaningful impact on businesses and residents. If you're a strategic thinker and experienced operations leader in economic development, passionate about driving growth and innovation, we encourage you to apply. The team is based at Woodhatch Place, Reigate, with flexibility for remote working and regular travel across Surrey. Rewards and Benefits 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave A generous local government salary related pension Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more 2 paid volunteering days per year Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources About the Team The Economy and Growth team is dedicated to driving sustainable economic development across Surrey, working collaboratively as 'One Council' to support strategic priorities that benefit the county's 1.2 million residents. The team provides key services in business support, innovation, skills, and infrastructure, and works with major employers like Amazon, McLaren, and Samsung to strengthen the regional economy, which is home to 110,000 businesses and contributes £50 billion annually to the UK economy. Surrey County Council is the accountable body for the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the South East. The Programme Delivery Team, part of the Economy and Growth team, is responsible for delivering the programme across various counties including Berkshire, Brighton, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Medway, Oxfordshire, Solent (incorporating the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton), Surrey, and West Sussex. About the Role? Surrey County Council is seeking an experienced and dynamic?Strategic Programme Manager?to lead the delivery of the innovative Made Smarter Adoption programme across the South East region. This pivotal role is responsible for driving this strategic initiative funded by the Department of Business and Trade to enhance economic growth, fostering innovation within businesses, and ensuring the programme's success through collaborative partnerships. As the?Strategic Programme Manager, you will be directly responsible for leading the programme delivery team of the?Made Smarter Adoption Programme?working with all the Upper Tier Local Authorities across the region. ?You will play a pivotal role in leading the team of up to 10 FTE, delivering ambitious targets at pace to meet key performance indicators, engaging with and supporting manufacturing SMEs in line with the Regional Delivery Plan agreed by regional partners. Shortlisting Criteria To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following: Senior-level partnership management, including across the political landscape, and experience managing remote or dispersed teams Strong understanding of the business support ecosystem, with proven success leading teams in fast-paced, target-driven environments Excellent planning, organisation, communication, influencing, and negotiation skills, along with financial and contract management experience Extensive project management and programme delivery experience The ability to find innovative ways to problem solve, and demonstrate a proactive approach towards our goal of horizontal working. How to Apply To apply, please send a copy of your CV and outline your experience and suitability for the role responding to these three questions: Please outline examples of your previous experience managing partnerships at a senior level and across the political landscape, highlighting key outcomes achieved.? Please tell us about the most successful example when you have led a large team to deliver quality outcomes in a fast paced, target driven operational environment. Please outline examples of your previous experience managing large budgets, including any examples you have that relate to managing funding for the provision of business support services. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 23/02/2025 with interviews taking place in person at Woodhatch Place, Reigate between 26th February and 7th March 2025. Our Commitment? Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:? The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application? The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form? Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.? We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.?

Location: Reigate, GB

Posted Date: 2/6/2025