Surrey and Sussex WorkWell Strategic Programme Manager
The starting salary for this position is £61,784 per annum based on 36 hours per week.
This is a fixed‑term opportunity until 30th March 2029.
The role is based within Surrey County Council's Economy & Growth service but will operate across the whole of Surrey and Sussex ICB area. It is a hybrid role, requiring at least one day per week at Woodhatch Place in Reigate (usually Tuesdays) and regular travel across Surrey and Sussex to attend meetings, workshops and events.
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 dependants leave
* 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 residents
About the Role
Surrey County Council is the Lead Accountable Body for the delivery of the national WorkWell programme across the Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB) area. Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), WorkWell supports people facing health‑related barriers to remain in or return to work through integrated employment, health and skills support.
As the Surrey and Sussex WorkWell Strategic Programme Manager you will lead the oversight, governance and delivery of this high‑profile regional programme across Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.
The role operates within a complex, fast‑paced and politically sensitive environment and requires a highly collaborative and influential leader who can work effectively across organisational boundaries.
Working across NHS, local government and national partners, you will ensure the programme is coherent, compliant and delivers outcomes—balancing national DWP requirements with local system priorities.
You will act as the key link between Surrey County Council (as Lead Accountable Body), the Surrey & Sussex ICB, local delivery partners and DWP, providing the strategic leadership needed to deliver a high‑performing, integrated programme at scale.
Key Responsibilities
* Providing strategic leadership to ensure the programme delivers on time, within budget and to agreed outcomes and quality standards
* Acting as the primary relationship lead with DWP, including engagement with national teams and sharing best practice
* Leading programme governance and assurance, overseeing boards, reporting and decision‑making
* Working with the ICB and four upper‑tier authorities to ensure aligned and effective local delivery models
* Driving integration with wider work, health and skills priorities across Surrey & Sussex
* Overseeing performance, finance, risk and compliance, ensuring robust programme management
* Managing a small team delivering assurance, improvement and quality across the programme
* Ensuring full compliance with DWP grant conditions, reporting and audit requirements
Key Outcomes
* A coherent, system‑wide WorkWell programme across Surrey & Sussex
* Delivery of agreed employment outcomes on time and within budget
* Strong governance, performance and assurance in place
* Effective partnership working across NHS, local government and national stakeholders
* Full compliance with DWP requirements
* Success measured by delivering a high‑impact, financially robust and fully integrated programme that improves employment outcomes and reduces health‑related inequalities
Your Application
To be considered for shortlisting you should clearly evidence the following skills:
* Significant experience of leading or overseeing large‑scale employment, health or public service programmes within complex partnership environments
* Demonstrable experience of influencing and working collaboratively across NHS, local government and multi‑agency partnerships at a senior level
* Experience of multi‑agency programme governance, performance management, reporting and risk management within a target‑driven environment
* Ability to provide strategic leadership within politically sensitive and complex organisational settings
* Understanding of employment, health and skills systems and awareness of the national policy context, particularly DWP‑led programmes and integrated care systems
Application Questions
* Please describe your experience of leading or overseeing complex partnership programmes involving multiple organisations or systems. What was your role and what were the key challenges and outcomes?
* WorkWell operates at the intersection of employment, health and local government systems. Please describe your experience of working across organisational boundaries to influence stakeholders and drive collaborative delivery.
* Please provide an example of a programme or service where you have led performance, governance or assurance arrangements in a target‑driven environment. How did you ensure delivery remained on track and risks were effectively managed?
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 1 April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations.
Our Commitment
We are a disability‑confident employer. If you have a disability on your application form and meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Location: Reigate, UK
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