Surrey County Council
Scrutiny Business Manager
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This role has a starting salary of £63,823 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. The role is offered on a fixed term contract to 31 March 2027.
We are excited to be hiring a Scrutiny Business Manager to join our fantastic Democratic Services team. The team is based in Woodhatch Place, Reigate and the role is right at the heart of the council’s political and strategic decision making.
This is a hybrid role and the Council operates an agile working policy. You will be expected to be in the office on average one to two days per week and there will be opportunity to work flexibly from different locations according to business need around this.
We are a flexible, friendly team used to working together to solve problems and come up with new ideas. Our work can be high profile and subject to pressure so we always aim to support one another and share our knowledge and experience.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (pro rated for part time opportunities)
- 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 plus 1 team volunteering day per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About The Role
Working at the heart of the decision-making process in Democratic Services, you will provide support and guidance to Members in their local, strategic and civic roles. The role will involve day-to-day contact with county councillors and senior officers.
In this challenging and varied post, you will be managing a team that supports meetings of the Council’s scrutiny/select committees plus the Surrey Police and Crime Panel. This will include overseeing and advising on inquiries, carrying out research and collecting evidence, drafting reports and briefing papers, advising on policy options, and providing procedural advice to Members and officers. In addition to this you will also be responsible coordinating task groups linked to the Council's select committees. You will also have the opportunity to co-ordinate and contribute to training for committee members and officers across the organisation.
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Working as part of the Democratic Services Senior Management Team, the post holder is responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the Democratic Services function.
This post is varied and requires the holder to use their initiative and be a practical problem solver. A can-do attitude alongside excellent communication skills is vital.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- Excellent political awareness, influencing and negotiating skills.
- The ability to manage a diverse workload to deadlines, develop and work to agreed procedures and translate complex information into clear, concise reports will be vital.
- Strong research, analytical and policy development skills.
- Experience of working with councillors and an understanding of their support needs.
- An understanding of the law relating to local government decision making and scrutiny, political management issues and culture.
- Experience of line management and supporting teams to reach their full potential.
- You will also need sound judgement, good networking skills and a creative, innovative approach to the job. For more information please refer to the full job profile attached.
This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and personal statement.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.
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Contact us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
For an informal discussion please contact Vicky Hibbert, Assistant Director – Governance and Democratic Services e-mail and/or telephone at Vicky.hibbert@surreycc.gov.uk or 07811 248441.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 26th July 2026 with interviews planned for 5th and 6th August 2026.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
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.
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! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council
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 shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, 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.
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