Salary & Working Hours
The starting salary for this role is £47,142 per annum, subject to increase with confirmation of the 26-27 financial year pay award. This is based on working 36‑hour a week.
Hybrid Working Arrangement
This role will require some evening and weekend work to support out of school centres, for which time off in lieu will be taken. It is a hybrid role, with the expectation that a minimum of one day a week is spent in the Surrey Arts office in Guildford (Wednesday) and the rest of the time split between schools, out of school centres and home working.
Position Overview
We are seeking an inspiring and innovative Area Manager to join the Surrey Arts wider leadership team, playing a central role in leading high‑quality music education across the East of Surrey. This key strategic post focuses on building strong local partnerships and shaping area‑based music provision that responds to the needs, strengths, and aspirations of young people, schools and communities.
About the Team
Surrey Arts is the Arts Service for Surrey County Council and the lead delivery organisation for the Surrey Music Hub. We provide music lessons, instrument hire, out of school music centres, activities and ensembles for young people, and lead on a range of arts and culture programmes across the county.
About the Role
As an Area Manager within Surrey Arts, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and leading our place‑based work across Tandridge, Reigate & Banstead, and Epsom & Ewell. You will be a visible, trusted leader championing high‑quality, inclusive music and arts opportunities that respond directly to local communities.
You will take a strategic approach, building meaningful partnerships with schools, music centres, and community organisations to deepen engagement and expand sustained musical learning for children and young people at every stage. Acting as Surrey Arts' main point of contact in the area, you will listen carefully to local needs and turn opportunities into action.
You will lead and support an area team to deliver vibrant, relevant programmes across two area centres (currently in Redhill & Oxted) – developing them as welcoming, community‑connected spaces and beacons for music education. With a strong focus on equity and access, you will help ensure a broad and balanced musical offer across instruments, genres, and pathways, including those that are currently underrepresented.
In line with Surrey Arts' ambition to reach underserved communities, you will work alongside local people, schools, and partners to shape programmes together, making participation more meaningful, responsive, and sustainable.
Highly collaborative, this role works closely with the Surrey Arts senior leadership team, fellow Area Managers and your Deputy Area Manager. Together, you will share learning, balance opportunities across the county, and develop joined‑up approaches that strengthen Surrey Arts' collective impact.
You will manage your Deputy Area Manager and a number of instrumental teachers, supporting professional practice through performance conversations, monitoring participation, and developing initiatives that broaden engagement. While this is not primarily a teaching role, you may contribute up to 20% of your time to teaching/delivery on a developmental basis. You will also be part of the safeguarding team as a Deputy DSL.
If you are an experienced music educator or a leader driven by partnership, inclusion and creativity and want to make a place‑based impact, this is an opportunity to lead meaningful change and help shape the future of music education.
Qualifications & Experience
* Qualified Teacher Status or demonstrable experience of operating as a successful music educator and leader, in any musical discipline with extensive experience working in school settings.
* A clear vision for and commitment to high‑quality music education and learning for students, your team and yourself.
* Experience in building partnerships.
* Line management experience with accountability for the effectiveness of delivery by others.
* Project management experience.
* Demonstrable approaches that are innovative and passionate to support young people to achieve outstanding musical outcomes.
Our Offer to You
* 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years and 31 days after 5 years of 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 where you can access 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 residents.
* Opportunities to participate in regional and national music education professional development opportunities.
Local Government Reorganisation
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.
Our Commitment
We are a disability‑confident employer which means if you have a shared disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. From application to your first day, we are committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, valuing inclusion and welcoming you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
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