This role has a salary of £61,784 per annum, based on a 36‑hour working week. This is a fixed‑term contract until 31st March 2027, with the possibility of extension subject to ongoing programme funding in 2027/28 and beyond.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the South East's manufacturing economy. Join our dedicated Economy and Growth Team and play a pivotal role in delivering the Made Smarter Adoption programme across the region. If you are a relationship‑driven professional with experience in digital transformation, consultancy, engineering, or business engagement, and you're passionate about supporting SMEs to innovate and adopt new technologies, we encourage you to apply.
This role offers hybrid working, with regular travel across the South East, and weekly anchor days at Woodhatch Place, Reigate.
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 with 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 residentsAbout the Team
The Economy and Growth team is dedicated to driving sustainable economic development across Surrey, working collaboratively as 'One Council' to support strategic priorities that benefit the county's 1.2 million residents. The team provides key services in business support, innovation, skills, and infrastructure, and works with major employers and local partners to strengthen the regional economy, home to 110,000 businesses contributing £50 billion annually to the UK economy.
This role sits within the Made Smarter South East Programme Delivery Team, working alongside other Technology Adoption Specialists, Workforce Development Advisors, the Programme Support Officer and the Strategic Programme Manager. The programme supports SME manufacturers to adopt digital technologies, boost productivity, and develop future talent.
About the Role
Surrey County Council is seeking a knowledgeable and people‑focused Technology Adoption Specialist to support SME manufacturers across the South East to identify, understand, and implement digital technologies that drive productivity and innovation. This outward‑facing role works directly with business leaders and technical teams to assess digital maturity, diagnose challenges, and develop tailored technology adoption roadmaps.
You will act as a trusted advisor, helping SMEs explore solutions such as automation, data analytics, AI, robotics, and industrial digitalisation. You will also collaborate with partners, support grant processes, and contribute to workshops, events, and wider programme engagement.
As the Technology Adoption Specialist, you will:
Conduct on‑site and virtual assessments to understand business needs, processes, and digital maturity
Provide expert guidance on digital technologies relevant to manufacturing
Develop tailored technology adoption plans and support SMEs through implementation
Help businesses identify suitable vendors, solutions, and funding opportunities
Maintain accurate operational records and ensure CRM data is consistently updated
Track KPIs and provide data for reporting to the Programme Manager
Support delivery of events, workshops, and wider engagement activities
Identify and implement improvements to programme processes
Collaborate across Surrey County Council's Economy & Growth team and with partners across the South East to connect SMEs with wider support offers
Contribute to knowledge sharing and documentation standards across the programmeYou will be responsible for delivering high‑quality advisory and operational support at pace to strengthen the region's manufacturing ecosystem.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
Experience in digital transformation, consultancy, engineering, programme delivery, or business engagement
Strong understanding of digital technologies relevant to manufacturing
Ability to analyse business processes and identify improvement opportunities
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain accurate records
Experience using CRM systems or similar tools to manage pipelines and track KPIs
Ability to build and maintain relationships with businesses, universities, students and partners
Experience drafting structured documentation such as project scopes or technology roadmaps
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to work collaboratively across teams and independently manage a varied workload
A proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvementTo apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following four questions:
Technology Adoption Specialists often work with SMEs at very different stages of their digital journey. Please describe how you would support a business that is unsure where to start with digital adoption. What steps would you take to understand their needs, build confidence, and help them identify realistic first steps toward adopting new technologies?
Give an example of how you have built and maintained relationships with diverse stakeholders (e.g., SMEs, technical teams, partners, or suppliers). What strategies did you use to keep engagement strong and ensure positive outcomes?
This role requires providing impartial, trusted advice to SMEs. How do you ensure your recommendations are both technically sound and aligned with the organisation's strategic goals and constraints?
Made Smarter supports SMEs to adopt technologies such as automation, data analytics, AI, and industrial digitalisation. Which emerging technologies do you believe currently offer the greatest impact for SME manufacturers, and why?The job advert closes at 23:59 on 15/03/2026, with interviews taking place in person at Woodhatch Place, Reigate between 24th March and 3rd April 2026.
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.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have 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