Strategic Place Programme Manager

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.

The starting salary for this position is £47,142 per annum based on a 36-hour working week. We support hybrid working meaning you will be expected in the office for 2 days per week but may work from other locations or home for the remainder of your working week. This role is based at our Victoria Gate, our Woking office.

This role is offered as a fixed term contract opportunity for 2 years due to funding.

Are you passionate about making a real difference to systems, to behaviours and to people's lives?

If so, we’d LOVE to hear from you!

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

Active Surrey is looking for an adaptable, curious critical thinker to join the dynamic and passionate Active Surrey team as our new Strategic Place Programme Manager.

In this role you will oversee the development and delivery of a strategic place-based physical activity system-change programme across Surrey - planning delivery of (or procuring) meaningful system change work, to impact on physical activity rates in targeted places experiencing poverty, disadvantage and low physical activity rates.

The role will have overall project management of the Sport England Place-based programme in Surrey including:

• operational management
• budget planning and monitoring
• reporting; steering group coordination and liaison
• line management of project lead and place activator - with potential to grow to 2 project leads and 2 place activators.

You will lead a cross-departmental partnership identifying strategic priorities in up to six neighbourhoods across the county. Your exemplary stakeholder management will engage key partners across a variety of systems which impact on residents lives and work collaboratively to tackle systemic issues impacting on residents physical activity levels.

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• An innovative approach to problem solving
• Well-developed critical thinking abilities
• Experience of successful programme delivery and management
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and experience.

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and respond to our 3 application questions.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 03/04/26 with interviews planned to follow.

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. Please contact Lawrie Baker via email at lawrie.baker@surreycc.gov.uk.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

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.

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! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council

Commitment Wording

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.