At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-profile programme supporting employment and health integration across Surrey and Sussex.
- Company: Surrey County Council, committed to community wellbeing and growth.
- Benefits: Generous salary, 26+ days holiday, pension, and wellness support.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional development and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large-scale programmes and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 61784 - 61784 £ per year.
The starting salary for this position is £61,784 per annum based on 36 hours per week. This is a fixed‑term opportunity until 30th March 2029. Surrey County Council are excited to be recruiting a Surrey and Sussex WorkWell Strategic Programme Manager. This is a great opportunity to lead the strategic oversight and coordination of a high‑profile, multi‑year programme operating across Surrey and Sussex. The position is based within Surrey County Council's Economy & Growth service, but will operate across the whole of Surrey and Sussex ICB area. The role is hybrid, with at least one day a week at Woodhatch Place in Reigate (usually Tuesdays), alongside regular travel across Surrey and Sussex to attend meetings, workshops and events.
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 dependants 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 the Lead Accountable Body for the delivery of the WorkWell programme across the Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB) area. Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), WorkWell supports people facing health‑related barriers to remain in or return to work through integrated employment, health and skills support. As our Surrey and Sussex WorkWell Strategic Programme Manager, you will lead the oversight, governance and delivery of this high‑profile regional programme across Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove. The role operates within a complex, fast‑paced and politically sensitive environment and requires a highly collaborative and influential leader who can work effectively across organisational boundaries. Working across NHS, local government and partners, you will ensure the programme is coherent, compliant and delivering outcomes – balancing DWP requirements with local system priorities. You will act as the key link between Surrey County Council (as Lead Accountable Body), the Surrey & Sussex ICB, local delivery partners and DWP, providing the strategic leadership needed to deliver a high‑performing, integrated programme at scale.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing strategic leadership to ensure the programme delivers on time, within budget, and to agreed outcomes and quality standards
- Acting as the primary relationship lead with DWP, including engagement with teams and sharing best practice
- Leading programme governance and assurance, including oversight of boards, reporting and decision‑making
- Working with the ICB and four upper‑tier authorities to ensure aligned and effective local delivery models
- Driving integration with wider work, health and skills priorities across Surrey & Sussex
- Overseeing performance, finance, risk and compliance, ensuring robust programme management
- Managing a small team delivering assurance, improvement and quality across the programme
- Ensuring full compliance with DWP grant conditions, reporting and audit requirements
Key Outcomes
- A coherent, system‑wide WorkWell programme across Surrey & Sussex
- Delivery of agreed employment outcomes on time and within budget
- Strong governance, performance and assurance in place
- Effective partnership working across NHS, local government and stakeholders
- Full compliance with DWP requirements
Qualifications
- Significant experience of leading or overseeing large‑scale employment, health or public service programmes within complex partnership environments
- Demonstrable experience of influencing and working collaboratively across NHS, local government and multi‑agency partnerships at a senior level
- Experience of multi‑agency programme governance, performance management, reporting and risk management within a target‑driven environment
- Ability to provide strategic leadership within politically sensitive and complex organisational settings
- Understanding of employment, health, and skills systems, including how they intersect and awareness of the policy context, particularly DWP‑led programmes and integrated care systems
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.
How to Apply
We invite suitable candidates to submit their CV and a concise statement outlining their experience and suitability for the role, referencing the key responsibilities and qualifications above. Applications will be considered until 23:59 on Sunday 21st June. Interviews will likely take place at the start of July.
Surrey and Sussex WorkWell Strategic Programme Manager in Reigate, Surrey employer: Energy Jobline CVL
Surrey County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With generous benefits including up to 31 days of annual leave, a local government pension, and opportunities for meaningful community impact, this role as the Surrey and Sussex WorkWell Strategic Programme Manager provides a unique chance to lead a high-profile programme in a collaborative environment across beautiful Surrey and Sussex.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Surrey and Sussex WorkWell Strategic Programme Manager in Reigate, Surrey
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Surrey and Sussex WorkWell Strategic Programme Manager in Reigate, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline CVL
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Energy Jobline CVL.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Energy Jobline CVL that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
