Head of Design Office

Surrey County Council; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 79,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Surrey County Council recherche un 'Head of Design Office' pour diriger l'amélioration des infrastructures, travailler en étroite collaboration avec les équipes internes et les partenaires externes, et gérer des budgets complexes. Ce rôle senior est essentiel pour la mise en œuvre réussie des projets, contribuant à la planification locale et à l'innovation dans le cadre du plan des infrastructures de Surrey.

Benefits

26 jours de congés, augmentant à 28 puis 30

Option d'acheter des congés supplémentaires

Programme d'assistance aux employés

Pension gouvernementale locale

Jours de bénévolat et ressources d'apprentissage

Qualifications

• Expérience en gestion d'équipes opérationnelles dans le secteur public.
• Connaissance des législations et normes techniques.
• Capacité à travailler avec des parties prenantes politiques.

Responsibilities

• Diriger des équipes de conception internes et gérer des entrepreneurs externes.
• Assurer la livraison efficace des projets d'amélioration des infrastructures.
• Collaborer avec les parties prenantes sur les processus de conception et de construction.

Skills

Strong leadership skills

Team management

Budget management

Collaborative working

Education

Degree-level qualification or equivalent

Job description

Description

Surrey County Council is committed to workforce development, and this role is only available to current Surrey County Council employees. We thank you for your interest and encourage you to review other vacancies open to all.

The salary for this role is £79,260 - £87,153 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

We are hiring a Head of Design Office to join our Major Infrastructure Delivery team. This senior role involves leading the design and delivery of highway improvement schemes, including safety, modal shift, and major projects.

You will collaborate with senior managers to shape design and construction processes, embedding innovation and efficiency in line with the Local Transport Plan and Surrey Infrastructure Plan. The role also involves working with the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) team to ensure a smooth transition by Vesting Day on 1st April 2027.

The team is based at Merrow Complex, Guildford, with flexibility for remote work and regular travel across Surrey.

About the Team

Reporting to the Director of Major Infrastructure Delivery, you will be part of the management team, serving as a subject matter expert and collaborator within the wider Highway Improvement service, which manages significant risks and projects for Surrey.

About the Role

The Head of Design Office is a leadership role focusing on operational excellence and highway improvement delivery. You will lead in-house design teams, manage external contractors, and ensure efficient, cost-effective project delivery. The role involves engaging with political stakeholders and maintaining excellent customer service. It also requires adapting the team for future reorganisations and funding changes.

Shortlisting Criteria

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent with relevant experience
• Knowledge of legislation, regulations, and technical standards
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Experience managing complex budgets and resources
• Ability to work collaboratively with partners

How to Apply

Submit your CV and respond to the following questions:

• Examples of managing large operational teams, preferably in local government
• Experience managing complex financial budgets and funding sources
• Your role in delivering a successful high-profile scheme

Contact us

For questions or to discuss flexible working or barriers to employment, please contact us. The application deadline is 23:59 on 20/07/2025, with interviews on 30/07/2025.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday, increasing to 28 after 2 years, and 30 after 5 years
• Option to buy additional leave
• Employee Assistance Programme, carer's leave, and family leave options
• Local government pension, discounts, volunteering days, and learning resources

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey is transitioning to new unitary councils by April 2027. This role will transfer to the new authority with existing terms.

Join us to shape local government and improve community services. Our values guide us, and we encourage you to learn more about our culture and the Surrey Life handbook.

Our Commitment

We are a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview is offered to disabled applicants meeting minimum criteria and who disclose their disability. We are committed to diversity and inclusion.