Skills for Jobs Programme Manager

This role has a starting salary of £61,784 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week. Are you an ambitious programme manager ready to lead the end-to-end commissioning and contract management of county-wide skills programmes? Can you lead and embed high performance in a team to ensure contracted provision improves outcomes for residents and employers? We are excited to be hiring a new Skills for Jobs Programme Manager to play a key role in discharging adult education functions and funding devolved from the UK Govt to Surrey County Council.

The contractual base will be Woodhatch Place, Reigate. The role is hybrid with at least one day in Woodhatch (usually Tuesday), combined with regular attendance at meetings, workshops and events across the county, which will require travel across the county.

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 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 team

This post sits within the Council's Economy & Growth service and plays a key role in driving inclusive and sustainable growth in line with Surrey's wider economic ambitions. The service works across the organisation as One Council to deliver strategic priorities that grow the economy while ensuring no one is left behind. We provide strategic services spanning business support, innovation, skills and employment, working with partners and major employers to champion and future-proof the county's economy. Surrey is home to 110,000 businesses, supports 1.2 million residents and contributes £50bn annually to the UK economy. Working closely with employers, providers and partners, the team delivers the Council's devolved adult education functions, aligning skills provision with pathways into work and empowering residents to achieve sustainable employment.

About the role

This is a high-profile role with significant interest from senior leaders and external stakeholders. As part of the Economy & Growth team, you will lead the end-to-end commissioning and contract management of a county-wide portfolio of skills programmes (including Adult Skills Fund and Skills Bootcamps) valued at over £10m per year. You will develop and deliver a Skills for Jobs delivery plan, ensuring adult skills and employability provision delivers measurable outcomes for residents and employers. You will manage a commissioning and contract management team to plan, procure, mobilise and continuously improve provision in line with economic priorities and funding requirements. The role works horizontally across the Council, contributing to shared Economy & Growth outcomes and connecting with complementary programmes such as Connect to Work and WorkWell.

Key responsibilities and outcomes

• Lead a complex adult skills commissioning programme, delivering on time, on budget and against KPIs
• Manage a commissioning and contract team to drive provider performance and value for money
• Use data and insight to improve employment outcomes and reduce skills gaps
• Build strong stakeholder partnerships to support collaborative delivery
• Ensure robust governance, risk management and compliance across all funding and regulatory requirements

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills:

• Leadership in commissioning, contracts and procurement for skills/employability programmes
• Experience in local or combined authorities with strong knowledge of UK skills funding
• Proven provider performance, financial management and grant assurance
• Strong data literacy to inform performance and decision-making
• Excellent stakeholder influence, communication and inclusive leadership

To apply, please submit your CV and outline your experience and suitability for the role by responding to the following questions (no more than 400 words for each):

• Describe your experience of designing and delivering large scale skills or employment programmes. How did you ensure the programme aligned with local labour market needs, employer demand, and strategic priorities?
• Describe your experience of managing a team or teams with complex contract management responsibilities. How did you ensure performance, quality, effective financial controls and compliance throughout delivery?

This advert will close at 23:59 on Sunday 10th May 2026, with interviews currently scheduled for Monday 18th May.

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.

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.