Team Manager

Surrey County Council; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Guildford is seeking a dedicated professional to support its social work team. The successful candidate will manage and develop staff, ensuring they deliver excellent services to children and young people. The role offers a range of benefits, including flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities. Interested candidates should be committed to fostering positive team relationships and supporting the wellbeing of staff and service users.

Benefits

Positive team relationships

Agile working with work-life balance

Opportunities for professional development

Generous annual leave

Local government pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Valid driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Willingness to travel across a wide geographical area.
• Reasonable adjustments for disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Support social workers in providing responsive services.
• Contribute to service strategies and policy.
• Manage and develop the team for safe practice.

Job description

Overview

We are proud of our recent Good Ofsted judgement, which marks a significant milestone for Surrey. The report highlights that our social workers are “skilled at building relationships with children who are subject of children in need or child protection plans.” Creative direct work helps them to build a rounded understanding of children’s daily lives. Overall, “Staff are well-trained and committed, feel highly valued and are proud to work in Surrey.” If you are considering your next professional opportunity and looking for an ambitious and highly motivated employer who is continuously striving for better services for children and young people, then our Surrey Children’s Services would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Support social workers and help the service manager ensure the team provides a forward-thinking, responsive service that meets the diverse needs of children and young people.
• Contribute to service strategies, policy and procedures as required.
• Manage, motivate and develop the team by sharing your professional leadership and support to help them deliver safe practice and effective workload management.

Qualifications

• Valid driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Willingness to travel across a wide geographical area.
• Reasonable adjustments will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long‑term health condition.

Benefits

• Positive team and colleague relationships – you will be part of a team that thrives on positive working relationships.
• Flexibility and work‑life balance – agile working with at least two days per week in the office.
• Opportunities and support for professional development – structured training, coaching, mentoring and supervision.
• A sense of belonging and familiarity – you will be part of a welcoming social work family.
• A focus on wellbeing – reflective supervision where wellbeing is front and centre of the conversation.

Compensation and Perks

• Salary range: £59,636 – £63,953 per annum, inclusive of a newly created market supplement of £5,000.
• Financial package up to £6,000 payable in 3 instalments across the first 18 months in post.
• Competitive relocation package up to £8,000.
• Social worker registration fee paid by the council.
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays).
• Access to a car lease scheme and 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.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing.
• Learning and development hub with wealth of resources.
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts – gym, travel, shopping.
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
• Refer a friend payment of £1,000 as a thank‑you for finding the right social worker.

Application Process

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a short virtual interview (approx. 15‑20 minutes). If successful, you will be invited for an in‑person interview to meet the team and assess the role in more detail.

EEO and Inclusive Recruitment

We are committed to inclusive recruitment. That is why, if you are invited to a face‑to‑face interview, we will share the themes of the questions with you in advance, enabling you to prepare confidently and discuss your skills and experiences. Surrey is a disability‑confident employer and guarantees an interview to applicants who meet the minimum criteria and have shared a disability on the application form.