Leadership Office Senior Manager

Surrey County Council; Reigate; Hybrid; GBP 71,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Reigate is seeking a Leadership Office Senior Manager to enhance collaboration and service delivery. The ideal candidate will have significant strategic leadership experience, excel in communication, and manage sensitive relationships effectively. Offering a salary of £70,975 per annum with hybrid work options, this role is focused on supporting senior leaders and aligning operations with the council’s priorities. Applications close on 28/12/2025.

Benefits

26 days' holiday increasing with service

Generous pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts

Opportunity for additional leave

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a strategic or leadership role, managing administrative or support services.
• Ability to create and implement long-term plans aligned with organisational goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that team members are well supported and equipped to deliver strong services.
• Align the work with Surrey County Council's wider priorities.
• Provide comprehensive support to senior leaders within the organisation.

Skills

Strategic leadership experience

Excellent communication skills

Sensitive relationship management

Resource allocation skills

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.

This role has a starting salary of £70,975 per annum based on a 36-hour working week.

This is a fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity until 31st March 2027. For internal candidates, please discuss with your current Line Manager before submitting your application.

We are excited to be hiring a Leadership Office Senior Manager to join our fantastic Leadership Office team. The team is based in Woodhatch, Reigate but the role is open to hybrid working and as a team we split our time between collaborating with colleagues in the office for two days per week, and working from home.

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 Role

The Leadership Office plays a central role in ensuring the smooth running of the organisation and aligning its work with Surrey County Council's wider priorities, including the commitment that no one is left behind. As a team we provide comprehensive and dependable support to the Chief Executive, the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT), Cabinet Members and the Chairman, enabling senior leaders to focus on their core responsibilities. In addition to supporting senior leaders directly, we work closely with colleagues and partners across the council, aiming to be responsive, constructive, and solution-focused. We continually look for practical ways to improve our approach and ensure that we add value across all areas of our work.

The Leadership Office is committed to providing an excellent service experience. We have developed a strong internal reputation and strengthened the processes and practices that allow us to support senior leaders effectively and consistently.

The Senior Manager of the Leadership Office will play an important part in sustaining a collaborative and high‑performing culture. In this role, you will ensure that team members are well supported, confident in their roles, and equipped to deliver consistently strong services.

Your Application

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

• Significant experience in a strategic or leadership role, managing administrative or support services and developing high‑performing teams
• Ability to create and implement long‑term plans aligned with organisational goals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and influence at senior levels
• Skilled in managing sensitive relationships, allocating resources effectively, navigating complex organisational environments, and handling multiple priorities in a fast‑paced setting

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 3 questions:

• Please describe your experience in a strategic or leadership role. Explain the work you have led, how you have managed administrative or support services, and how you have helped a team perform well.
• Please give an example of a long‑term plan you created and carried out that supported your organisation's aims. Describe how you decided where to focus time, people, and resources, and how you made sure the work continued to improve.
• Please describe a situation where you needed to handle sensitive relationships or work within a complicated organisational setting. Explain how you communicated with those involved and how you helped guide the situation to a positive outcome.

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

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 28/12/2025 with interviews planned for the first and second week of January 2026.

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, before 22/12/2025, Amy Cosgrave by email at [e-mail]

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

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.

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and has 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.