Connect to Work Programme Delivery Manager

Job Introduction

Surrey County Council is committed to the development of its workforce and as such this role is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in Surrey County Council and would encourage you to review our current vacancies which are available to all.

The starting salary for this role is £59,868 per annum based on a 36-hour working week. It is a 2-year fixed term post, with the potential for extension when funding is confirmed. 

This is a unique opportunity to support Surrey County Council to establish and deliver an ambitious new Connect to Work supported employment programme as part of a national roll out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Part of the government’s ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper and plans, this also fits with a broader range of programmes being established and led by the council. Responsibilities will include project management of the programme, including budgets, contract management and engaging with stakeholders. This role is ideal for those passionate about driving meaningful change and having local impact supporting people into employment through effective leadership. 

The role is hybrid with at least one day a week in Woodhatch Place, Reigate (usually Tuesday). The job will require some travel to other locations in Surrey and occasionally further afield. The post reports directly into the Head of Economy and Growth Operations. 

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days’ holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years’ service
• Annual leave allowance (for bank) or remove for term time
• 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 day per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the team 

The Economy and Growth team focuses on sustainable economic development across Surrey, working as 'One Council' to grow a sustainable economy and ensure no one is left behind. We provide strategic services in business support, innovation, skills, and places for the benefit of Surrey's 1.2 million residents. 

We collaborate with partners and major employers like Amazon, Asahi, WWF-UK, Samsung, and McLaren to champion and futureproof Surrey's leading regional economy, home to 110,000 businesses contributing £50 billion annually to the UK economy. 

We have a highly skilled workforce, respected educational and research institutions, and an enviable location. We're home to world-leading sectors - including creative industries, cybersecurity, gaming, and health - who we're proud to champion and support. 

About the Role

The role will lead the establishment and delivery of the Connect to Work programme in Surrey which has a value of up to £3.6m annually, for up to five years. At peak, support will be provided to 900 participants via established employment support models, centred around Employment Specialists who will work with individuals and employers. As part of a more localised approach, local authorities have been confirmed as Accountable Bodies for this programme and Surrey County Council is developing a hybrid model to include a new internal delivery team alongside some procured delivery. 

The role will include assisting in the establishment of a new Connect to Work team within Economy and Growth, operationalising a detailed Delivery Plan and budget agreed with DWP, commissioning and managing contracts and engaging with stakeholders and employers. The role will drive the successful delivery of this significant new programme. 

Shortlisting Criteria 

To succeed in this post, you will need substantial experience of managing and overseeing employment support programmes and the ability to provide leadership. 

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• Experience in establishing and overseeing employment support programmes and budgets.
• Experience working with stakeholders and government departments.
• Strong understanding of the employment support landscape, with ideally experience in its commissioning and a focus on innovative approaches.
• Expert communication skills.
• An ability to navigate complex issues and challenges and provide solutions.

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 of managing employment support or similar programmes from concept to delivery.
• Please outline examples of your previous experience of commissioning third parties to deliver innovative approaches. 
• Please tell us about your experience managing teams and external stakeholders. 

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.

For an informal discussion please contact us by e-mail at louise.aitken@surreycc.gov.uk.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 07/05/2025 with interviews planned for mid-May.

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

Our Values

Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook also attached provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council. 

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.