Scrutiny Business Manager

Civic Recruitment Limited; Reigate; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is looking for a seasoned Scrutiny Business Manager to lead the Council's scrutiny operations and support democratic decision-making in Surrey. This 7-month contract role demands strategic oversight and strong governance expertise.

You will work with Members and senior officers, guide committees, and ensure compliance with statutory duties while delivering service improvements and effective governance across Democratic Services.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Democratic Services, Governance, Scrutiny, or Committee Services.
• Thorough knowledge of local government governance, legislation, and constitutional processes.
• Experience in managing staff and service delivery.
• Experience serving as a Statutory Scrutiny Officer and leading transformation.

Responsibilities

• Direct the execution of the Council's scrutiny function.
• Oversee Democratic Services teams and staff development.
• Prepare high-level reports, recommendations, and governance documents.
• Lead Select Committees and co-ordinate agendas.
• Represent Democratic Services at senior meetings.
• Drive service improvement initiatives and governance best practices.

Skills

Democratic Services

Governance

Scrutiny

Committee Services

Budget management

People management

Stakeholder management

Report writing

Leadership

Political awareness

Education

Degree or equivalent

Job description

Reigate, United Kingdom | Posted on 18/08/2026

• Industry Business & Professional Services
• City Reigate
• Province Surrey
• Country United Kingdom
• Postal Code RH2

About Us

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

Scrutiny Business Manager – 7 Month Contract

Location: Surrey

Contract: 7 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Summary

We are in search of a seasoned Scrutiny Business Manager to spearhead the Council's scrutiny operations and facilitate the seamless execution of democratic decision-making processes. This pivotal leadership position within Democratic Services is tasked with ensuring that scrutiny meetings and committee activities adhere to statutory mandates, governance standards, and best practices. The role demands navigating a highly intricate political landscape, offering support to Members, overseeing Democratic Services personnel, and providing strategic direction for the Council's scrutiny and governance functions. The appointed individual will also serve as the Council's Designated Statutory Scrutiny Officer, guiding policy review efforts, assisting Select Committees, and ensuring robust governance frameworks are established.

Responsibilities

• Direct the execution of the Council's scrutiny function.
• Serve as the Council's Designated Statutory Scrutiny Officer.
• Oversee and cultivate teams within Democratic Services.
• Offer strategic leadership in scrutiny, governance, and committee services.
• Lead and synchronize the work agendas of Select Committees.
• Prepare and deliver high-level reports, recommendations, and committee documents.
• Provide independent policy, research, and scrutiny support to Committees.
• Manage statutory consultations and track outcomes.
• Ensure adherence to constitutional mandates and governance protocols.
• Facilitate the flow of business among Cabinet, Council, Select Committees, and Regulatory Committees.
• Supervise the Council's Political Assistants.
• Deliver leadership, coaching, performance management, and staff development.
• Represent Democratic Services at senior internal and external meetings.
• Drive service improvement initiatives and integrate best practices.

Requirements

Requirements:

• Extensive experience in Democratic Services, Governance, Scrutiny, or Committee Services.
• Profound understanding of local government governance and decision‑making processes.
• Thorough knowledge of:
  • Local Government legislation
  • Constitutional processes
  • Scrutiny arrangements
  • Committee procedures
  • Corporate governance
• Experience in managing staff and service delivery.
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• Experience in supporting elected Members within a political context.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships.
• Experience in drafting high-level reports, recommendations, and governance documents.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Strong political awareness and sensitivity.
• Capacity to work independently within a complex and evolving environment.
• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Experience serving as a Statutory Scrutiny Officer.
• Experience leading democratic services transformation or improvement initiatives.
• Experience in managing budgets and resources.
• Project management or change management experience.

What's on Offer?

• 7 Month Contract
• Location: Surrey
• Bi-weekly Pay
• Senior leadership role within Democratic Services.
• Highly strategic position supporting governance, scrutiny, and decision‑making processes.
• Opportunity to collaborate closely with senior officers, elected Members, and key stakeholders.

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Scrutiny Manager, Scrutiny Business Manager, Democratic Services Manager, Governance Manager, Committee Services Manager, Principal Democratic Services Officer, Governance Lead, or Senior Scrutiny Officer.