Principal Project Manager, SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL

The starting salary for this role is £61,784 per annum, based on a 36‑hour working week. We are pleased to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Principal Project Manager to join our dynamic Infrastructure and Major Projects Team, based in Woking or Reigate, 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. You can expect to be in the office or on site approximately 2 days per week.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part‑time staff)
• 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 Role

As a Principal Project Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of complex, high‑profile capital infrastructure projects. Reporting directly to the Major Projects Team Leader, your work will be instrumental in achieving our service goals and supporting the council’s strategic vision. We are looking for a proactive, solutions‑focused individual with a proven track record in civil engineering/highways and a passion for delivering major infrastructure projects efficiently and effectively.

Shortlisting Criteria

• Relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification/experience in infrastructure/civil engineering/highways
• Extensive senior‑level experience in infrastructure/civil engineering/highways
• Proven ability to deliver technically complex programmes of work
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including negotiation
• Effective collaboration with internal and external partners
• Advanced problem‑solving, analytical abilities and project management application experience
• Risk assessment and management skills in complex environments
• Political sensitivity and awareness
• Strong leadership skills, including staff development

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and to fulfil the requirements of this role 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 successful applicants who have a disability or long‑term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

Application Questions

• Describe your experience leading multiple, complex infrastructure programmes simultaneously. How did you prioritise delivery and manage interdependencies?
• Tell us about a time you challenged cost estimates or supplier proposals. What was the result?
• How do you design and operate effective governance for large infrastructure programmes?

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 10.05.2026 with interviews planned for week commencing 18.05.2026.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

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 shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. 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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