At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and data strategy for the Surrey Pension Team.
- Company: Join Surrey County Council, a forward-thinking public service organisation with a £6 billion pension fund.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, lifestyle discounts, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing services for over 130,000 members through innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in digital roles and strong understanding of data governance and analytics.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of local government.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 51000 £ per year.
Job Description
This role has a salary range of £47,142 – £51,175 per annum, working 36 hours per week.
Are you passionate about digital innovation and data strategy? Do you want to make a real impact in a forward-thinking public service environment?
We are looking for a Digital and Data Manager to lead the digital transformation and data strategy for the Surrey Pension Team (SPT). This is a pivotal role that will shape how we use technology and data to deliver secure, compliant, and innovative services to over 130,000 members and 500 employers, helping us 'elevate the customer'.
You'll work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders to modernise systems, improve digital engagement, and harness data to drive better decision-making and customer outcomes.
Rewards and Benefits:
- 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), 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
- 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 Surrey Pension Team is responsible for administering the Surrey Pension Fund, which is part of the national Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Surrey County Council acts as the administering authority, overseeing investment, funding, governance, and the day-to-day administration of the fund.
With a value of over £6 billion, the fund supports more than 130,000 members and around 500 participating employers, including councils, universities, colleges, academies, and private sector organisations delivering public services. The team manages the full pension lifecycle-from onboarding new members to processing retirements and dependents' benefits.
Our mission is to deliver a first-class customer experience while maintaining the long-term financial sustainability of the fund. We foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, working closely with stakeholders to ensure our services are efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of our members.
About the role
As the Digital and Data Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a digital roadmap that aligns with the strategic goals of the Surrey Pension Team. You will lead on digital innovation projects, introducing automation and exploring new technologies to enhance service delivery. A key part of your role will be to define and embed data governance frameworks that comply with regulatory standards, ensuring data is managed effectively and ethically.
You will oversee the architecture of data systems, as well as analytics and reporting functions, to support continuous improvement across the service. Managing digital tools and platforms such as Tableau and Asana, you will ensure the team remains at the forefront of emerging technological trends. Collaboration will be central to your work, as you engage with internal teams and external partners to deliver transformation goals. Throughout, you will champion a data-driven culture and act as a trusted advisor on digital and data opportunities.
Shortlisting criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
- Proven leadership in digital or data roles
- Strong understanding of data architecture, governance, and analytical tools.
- Experience with digital platforms, CRM/CMS systems, and cloud technologies (e.g. Azure).
- Knowledge of agile methodologies and digital product development.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, especially with non-technical audiences.
- A proactive, collaborative approach and a passion for continuous improvement.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions:
- Please describe your leadership experience in a digital or data-focused role. What were your key responsibilities, and how did your work contribute to organisational goals?
- Tell us about a time when you implemented or improved a data governance framework. How did you ensure compliance with regulatory standards and promote ethical data management?
- Give an example of how you have used digital platforms, CRM/CMS systems, or cloud technologies (such as Azure) to deliver a successful transformation project. What challenges did you face, and how did you address them?
- This role involves working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Can you share an example of how you communicated complex digital or data concepts to a non-technical audience to gain buy-in or support?
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 31/08/2025 with interviews to follow.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.
Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
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
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.
Digital and Data Manager employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Digital and Data Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in digital innovation and data strategy. Being able to discuss current technologies and methodologies, such as cloud computing and data governance frameworks, will show your passion and expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public service sector, especially those involved in digital transformation. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within the Surrey Pension Team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of your leadership experience in digital or data roles. Be ready to articulate how your contributions have aligned with organisational goals, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your communication skills, particularly in explaining complex digital concepts to non-technical audiences. Practising how to convey these ideas clearly will help you gain buy-in from stakeholders, which is essential for the Digital and Data Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Digital and Data Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience in digital or data roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate how your work has contributed to organisational goals, especially in relation to digital transformation and data strategy.
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully: When responding to the application questions, provide detailed examples of your experience with data governance frameworks and digital platforms. Clearly outline the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role involves working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, include examples in your application that illustrate your ability to communicate complex concepts effectively. This will demonstrate your stakeholder management skills.
Highlight Continuous Improvement: Emphasise your proactive approach to continuous improvement in your application. Discuss any initiatives you've led or been part of that have enhanced service delivery or data management, aligning with the Surrey Pension Team's mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles in digital or data-focused positions. Highlight specific responsibilities and how your contributions aligned with organisational goals, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead the Surrey Pension Team effectively.
✨Demonstrate Data Governance Knowledge
Expect questions about your experience with data governance frameworks. Share examples of how you've ensured compliance with regulatory standards and promoted ethical data management, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Complex Concepts Simply
Since you'll be working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, practice explaining complex digital or data concepts in simple terms. Prepare an example where you successfully gained buy-in from a non-technical audience to showcase your communication skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Technologies
Brush up on your knowledge of digital platforms, CRM/CMS systems, and cloud technologies like Azure. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects, including any challenges faced and how you overcame them, to illustrate your hands-on experience.