Head of Economy and Growth Operations - Surrey County Council : Job Details

This role has a starting salary of £79,260 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.

We are hiring a new Head of Economy and Growth Operation to join our fantastic Economy and Growth team.

This is a unique opportunity to lead Surrey's economic future as part of the Senior Leadership Team. If you are a strategic thinker with expertise in economic development and a passion for driving growth and innovation, we encourage you to apply.

The team is based at Woodhatch Place, Reigate, with flexibility for remote working and regular travel across Surrey.Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 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

The Economy and Growth team focuses on sustainable economic development across Surrey, working as 'One Council' to grow a sustainable economy and ensure no one is left behind. We provide strategic services in business support, innovation, skills, and places for the benefit of Surrey's 1.2 million residents. We collaborate with partners and major employers like Amazon, Asahi, WWF-UK, Samsung, and McLaren to champion and futureproof Surrey's leading regional economy, home to 110,000 businesses contributing £50 billion annually to the UK economy.

With a highly skilled workforce, respected educational and research institutions, and an enviable location, Surrey excels in sectors such as creative industries, cybersecurity, gaming, and health. Our goal is to boost Surrey's productivity (Gross Value Added) and deliver socio-economic benefits, ensuring no one is left behind, by leveraging the county's strengths and ambitions to support a resilient, high-value economy that drives sustainable growth across the UK.

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven individual for the role of Head of Economy and Growth: Operations. This key leadership position within our senior management team focuses on driving operational excellence and supporting the growth and prosperity of Surrey's economy and residents.

As Head of Economy and Growth Operations, you will lead a high-performing front-line operations team, maximising resources through effective cross-functional working practices. You will ensure our services support business growth, innovation, and the development of a skilled local workforce to meet Surrey's business demands.

Your service area will adapt based on projects and funding opportunities. You will oversee a substantial team of in-house staff and specialist contractors to deliver ambitious targets across economic outcomes, including the Careers Hub, Growth Hub services, the Made Smarter programme for the South East, Connect to Work services, and other economic growth initiatives. You will ensure everyone works towards our strategic economic ambitions, supporting businesses, residents, and contributing to key placemaking outcomes.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• A proven track record in delivering cross-cutting operational services at scale and pace and ability to oversee services within a local government setting.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing large, flexible teams and contracts in a matrix-management environment.
• Experience managing complex financial budgets and diverse funding streams.
• Demonstrable ability to develop successful business and stakeholder relationships, influencing at senior level to ensure successful delivery.
• A clear understanding of economic development strategies, business growth, and workforce development within the context of local government.
• Qualified to degree level in an appropriate discipline or equivalent level professional qualification plus relevant experience.

How to ApplyTo apply, please send a copy of your CV and outline your experience and suitability for the role responding to the three following application questions:

• Please outline examples of your previous experience managing large operational teams.
• Please outline examples of your previous experience managing complex financial budgets across diverse funding streams.
• Please tell us about the most successful cross-functional team or partnership you have led and your role in it.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 23/02/2025 with interviews planned for 28/02/2025.Our CommitmentSurrey 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.