Operations Officer

This role has a salary of £41,585 per annum, based on a 36‑hour working week. This is a fixed term contract until 31st March 2027, with the possibility of extension subject to ongoing programme funding in 2027/28 and beyond.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the South East's manufacturing economy. Join our dedicated Economy and Growth Team and play a pivotal role in delivering the Made Smarter Adoption programme across the region. If you are an organised, relationship‑driven professional with experience in programme delivery, business engagement, or operational coordination - and you're passionate about supporting SMEs, students, and universities to collaborate and innovate - we encourage you to apply.

This role offers hybrid working, with regular travel across Surrey and the South East, and weekly anchor days at Woodhatch Place, Reigate.

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 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 Team

The Economy and Growth team is dedicated to driving sustainable economic development across Surrey, working collaboratively as 'One Council' to support strategic priorities that benefit the county's 1.2 million residents. The team provides key services in business support, innovation, skills, and infrastructure, and works with major employers and local partners to strengthen the regional economy, home to 110,000 businesses contributing £50 billion annually to the UK economy.

This role sits within the Made Smarter South East Programme Delivery Team, working alongside Technology Adoption Specialists, Workforce Development Advisors, the Programme Support Officer and the Strategic Programme Manager. The programme supports SME manufacturers to adopt digital technologies, boost productivity, and develop future talent.

About the Role

Surrey County Council is seeking a proactive and detail‑oriented Operations Officer to lead the operational delivery of the Made Smarter South East internship programme and support the wider Made Smarter staff with process improvement, grant support and project management. This outward‑facing role works with the Organisation Workforce Development advisors, SME manufacturers, universities, and students to build a strong internship pipeline, scope meaningful projects, and ensure high‑quality placements that support digital adoption and innovation.

As the Operations Officer, you will:

Build and maintain strong relationships with SMEs, universities, students and partners
Lead the full internship lifecycle within the Made Smarter parameters
Maintain accurate operational records and ensure CRM data is consistently updated
Track internship KPIs and provide data for reporting to the Programme Manager and Steering Group
Manage job postings on university platforms and coordinate shortlisting, interviews and scheduling
Support delivery of events, workshops, and wider engagement activities
Identify and implement improvements to operational processes across the programme
Support marketing and awareness‑raising, including social media and event coordination
Collaborate across Surrey County Council's Economy & Growth team to connect SMEs with wider support offers, including skills, innovation, leadership development and NEET pathways
Maintain documentation standards and contribute to knowledge sharing across the programme
You will be responsible for delivering high‑quality operational support at pace to strengthen the region's manufacturing ecosystem.

Your Application

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

Experience in programme delivery, business engagement, education…