Senior Programme Manager

Overview

In this role, you lead strategic transformation within Surrey’s AND Transformation Team to deliver SEND Reform and the Experts at Hand programme. You’ll work cross-functionally with council services, health partners, and education providers to drive improvement and sustainable change for children with additional needs. The role combines governance, stakeholder engagement, and programme delivery at scale, in a hybrid working environment. You’ll be crucial in aligning activities with the council’s long-term vision and delivering measurable outcomes.

Pay / Benefits

• 26 days holiday (rising to 28, then 31)
• Local government pension
• Carer’s leave (up to 5 days) and volunteering days (2 per year)
• Paternity/adoption/dependents leave
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Learning and development resources

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic transformation initiatives and manage complex programmes focused on AND and SEND Reform
• Oversee programme activities and governance, ensuring progress and remedial actions when needed
• Attend Board meetings to provide strategic updates and maintain alignment with the council’s strategy
• Manage and coordinate resources and staff supporting programme activities
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders and partner organisations to sustain effective relationships
• Embed credibility and agility into new, multi-stakeholder work streams
• Monitor risks and issues, proposing and implementing corrective actions
• Support cross-cutting collaboration with Education, Lifelong Learning, health commissioners, and third-sector partners

Key requirements

• Professional programme management qualification or equivalent senior-level experience
• Extensive experience leading complex transformation programmes
• Strong knowledge of Children’s Services / Education / Health, ideally SEND-focused
• Proven influencing and negotiation skills
• Experience working with senior stakeholders and across partner organisations
• Strong analytical skills to assess problems, risks and solutions

• Influencing and negotiation
• Stakeholder management
• Analytical thinking
• Programme governance
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Change management

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