Overview
Principal Project Manager - Major Projects role at Local Government Chronicle. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council.
Location: Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, RH2 8EF. This is a hybrid role with a flexible mix of home, office, and site-based working; you can expect to be in the office or on site approximately 2 days per week.
Details
* Reference: SCC/TP/288519/3622
* Positions: 1
* Category: Project Management
* Contract type: Permanent
* Working hours: 36 hours per week
* Posted on: 13 August 2025
* Directorate: PLACE
* Location: Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, RH2 8EF
The starting salary for this role is £61,784 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.
Role and Team
We are pleased to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Principal Project Manager to join our dynamic Infrastructure & Major Projects Team, based in Woking, with the opportunity of working out of other SCC offices.
This is a hybrid role, offering a flexible mix of home, office, and site-based working, tailored to the needs of the projects you'll be delivering.
Responsibilities
* Lead the development and delivery of complex, high-profile capital infrastructure projects.
* Report directly to the Major Projects Team Leader; contribute to achieving service goals and supporting the council's strategic vision.
* Demonstrate strong leadership, including staff development and political sensitivity.
Shortlisting Criteria
Evidence the following skills in your application:
* Relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification/experience in infrastructure/civil engineering/highways.
* Extensive senior-level experience in infrastructure/civil engineering/highways with a proven ability to deliver technically complex programmes of work.
* Strong verbal and written communication skills, including negotiation.
* Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners.
* Advanced problem-solving, analytical abilities and project management application experience.
* Risk assessment and management skills in complex environments.
Requirements
Surrey has both urban and rural areas; you will be required to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle, and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments will be made for applicants with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Application Process
As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions:
* Please describe your experience in leading the development and delivery of complex capital infrastructure projects. Include examples that demonstrate your ability to manage technically challenging programmes and how your work contributed to strategic service goals.
* Tell us about a time you collaborated with internal and external partners to deliver a major infrastructure or highways project. What challenges did you face, and how did you use your communication and negotiation skills to overcome them?
Application Window
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 7 September 2025 with interviews to follow. We look forward to receiving your application.
About Surrey County Council
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation to implement government devolution policies. The Surrey Way behaviours guide our collaboration. Read more about our culture in the Life at Surrey handbook. Our commitment includes disability confidence and allowances for reasonable adjustments in the interview process.
Benefits
* 26 days' holiday (pro-rated for part-time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years and 31 days after 5 years
* Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for health and wellbeing
* Up to 5 days of carer’s leave per year
* Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
* Local government salary-related pension
* Lifestyle discounts (gym, travel, shopping, etc.)
* 2 paid volunteering days per year
* Learning and development resources
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) context: Surrey is transitioning to a smaller number of unitary councils by April 2027; terms and conditions will transfer to the new unitary councils accordingly.
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