Opportunities for Growth Manager

This role has a starting salary of £55,485 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. The role is fixed term up until September 2027 with possibility for further extension subject to funding.

We are looking for an Opportunities for Growth Manager to help deliver integrated economic growth and careers programmes that support businesses to thrive, connect residents with opportunities, and ensure every young person can access high-quality careers education. This is an exciting opportunity to lead services that make a real difference to Surrey's communities, businesses and economy.

The contractual base will be Woodhatch Place, Reigate. The role is hybrid with at least one day in Woodhatch (usually Tuesday), combined with regular attendance at meetings, education settings, workshops and events across the county, which will require travel across the county. The post reports directly into the Operations Manager and you will be expected to work horizontally with colleagues across the wider Economy & Growth function of over 80 people.

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 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.About the Team

The Economy and Growth team focuses on growing Surrey's economy working as 'One Council' to deliver a sustainable economy and ensure no one is left behind. We provide strategic leadership and direct delivery of services in business support, employment support, innovation, skills, and places for the benefit of Surrey's 110,000 businesses and 1.2 million residents.

Our work is driven by the belief that we can support our communities and businesses to thrive by supporting residents into the exceptional range of skills, training and employment opportunities that Surrey offers.

We are committed to the cross-team consolidation of activity across our area of work and therefore the full integration of economic growth programmes is the fundamental principle on which the post will operate. By working in this way, you will lead the delivery of seamless cross-function economic growth and careers programmes services through a single coherent front door of support for residents, businesses and employers.

This post has been created to lead success through the alignment of programmes and to deliver cohesive engagement with businesses and education institutions to maximise impact of the support available and streamline operational processes. This includes Surrey Careers Hub which supports 98 schools, special schools and colleges, and brings together education, training providers, businesses and careers professionals to ensure every young person receives outstanding, relevant careers education, and Surrey Growth Hub which provides free and accessible support for Surrey's small and medium enterprises, through the provision of expert advice and mentoring, targeted resources, programmes and events. Business Surrey is the name of the business facing service and the online portal for businesses accessing economic growth services in Surrey. This role is essential to maintaining delivery quality and ensuring compliance with programme requirements.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, the Opportunities for Growth Manager provides the day-to-day oversight and management of integrated operations of economic growth and careers programmes in a fast-paced target driven environment. In this role, you will be responsible for all operational workflows and for supporting & managing delivery staff, driving consistent, high‑quality operational delivery across the programme, and creating the foundations that enable effective strategic direction, governance, and external stakeholder engagement.

As part of the operational oversight, you will be responsible for the Senior Opportunities Coordinator and associated Opportunities Coordinators delivering positive careers education outcomes for young people across Surrey. You will also manage the Triage, Data and Reporting Officer, ensuring compliance and a high-quality data-informed approach to our work. Finally, you will manage the Enterprise Mentor, providing robust business support to SME's in the county.

Your application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our

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