Communications Manager - LGR

Surrey County Council; Reigate; On-site; GBP 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A Local Government organization is seeking a Communications Manager to oversee critical communications during a period of significant change. The role involves managing communications projects, engaging with stakeholders, and leading strategic communication efforts. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in communications, project management, and stakeholder engagement within the public sector.

Benefits

26 days holiday, rising with service

Employee Assistance Programme

Local Government pension

Lifestyle discounts

Volunteering days

Learning and development hub

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a fast-paced communications role, ideally within a large public-sector environment.
• Strong campaign and project planning skills.
• Technical expertise in managing external communications channels.

Responsibilities

• Manage communications projects around Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
• Coordinate activity for the LGR communications & engagement co-ordination group.
• Lead on transitioning external communications channels through LGR.

Skills

Project management

Communication strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

• Location: Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, RH2 8EF

Description

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 role is £45,680 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

This is a fixed term contract/ secondment opportunity until 31st March 2027.

Do you thrive on delivering high-impact communications at pace and guiding audiences through transformational change?

Surrey County Council is embarking on an exciting period through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and we're looking for a dedicated Communications Manager to support our transition to new unitary authorities.

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

You'll join a supportive Communications & Engagement team that values flexibility, work-life balance and collaboration. We socialise, share ideas and focus on delivering outstanding, customer-centred comms.

About the role

You will manage communications projects and campaigns around LGR and co-ordinate activity for the LGR communications & engagement co-ordination group, including the measurement of corporate communications. You will lead on transitioning external communications channels through LGR.

Working closely with both the Head of Communications and the Head of Brand and Marketing, this role offers real variety: you'll liaise with internal stakeholders and partner organisations to share updates on LGR; shape channel policy updates; and champion best practice in channel management and content. You'll also get the chance to coach and develop junior colleagues, helping build their confidence in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be shortlisted for interview, your application must clearly evidence :

• Proven experience in a fast-paced communications role, ideally within a large public-sector or complex stakeholder environment
• Strong campaign and project planning skills, including evaluation and data-driven insight into audience behaviours
• Technical expertise in managing external channels including social media and e-newsletters
• Ability to translate qualitative and quantitative data into strategic recommendations for communications plans
• Experience of budget management and of juggling competing priorities to deliver on time and to brief
• Willingness and ability to travel across Surrey to meet the demands of the role

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.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Richard Neale, Head of Brand and Marketing by email or on MS Teams.

The advert closes on 31/07/2025 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 Values
Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values .

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

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.