Lead Assessment and Income Manager

The starting salary for this role is 63,823 per annum based on a 36-hour working week. This is a 9 month fixed term / secondment opportunity.

We are seeking two new Lead Assessment and Income Managers to join our fantastic team. We offer a hybrid working model with a minimum of two office 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

We are looking for an ambitious and innovative Lead Assessment and Income Manager to provide strategic leadership in income collection, and debt recovery services, driving continuous improvement, maximising income recovery, and ensuring financial sustainability. The role leads the development of policy, strategy, and service improvement initiatives, providing expert advice and recommendations to support organisational priorities and performance.

This role sits within the Financial Assessment & Income Collections service, which is part of the Adults, Wellbeing and Health Partnerships Directorate.

You will be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovation, collaboration, and compassion.

What you will be doing:

• Leading a team of approximately 30 staff, including 5 direct reports with the primary aim of delivering a high-quality service.
• Driving continuous improvement through performance monitoring, reporting, and the adoption of digital solutions.
• You will have an in-depth understanding of legislation, lead on performance, and identify areas for improvement
• High level interpersonal skills liaising with key stakeholders including legal teams to resolve complex cases and to lead on solutions
• Be self-aware, respond constructively to challenges and turn them into opportunities

Your Application

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

• Significant experience leading and managing complex services, functions, or teams within a large organisation, including developing and motivating staff through coaching, performance management, and workforce development.

• Proven ability to develop, implement, and review policies, procedures, and service improvements that support organisational objectives and drive positive outcomes.

• Demonstrable success in evaluating service performance, delivering innovation, and leading organisational change, transformation programmes, and new ways of working.

• Experience of developing operational and strategic plans, leading major projects from inception to delivery, and ensuring effective implementation of service improvements.

• Proven ability to manage budgets and resources effectively while building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, partners, and external agencies, and representing services at a senior level.

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:

1. Please describe a time when you identified a financial risk, pressure, or opportunity within a service area. How did you assess the impact, influence decision-making, and implement actions to achieve a positive outcome for the organisation.
2. Give an example of where you have led the development or review of a policy, strategy, or operational framework within your area of expertise. How did you ensure your recommendations were evidence-based and aligned to organisational objectives?
3. Describe how you have used performance data, financial information, and service intelligence to drive improvement, maximise income, or reduce debt exposure. What actions did you take and what were the results?
4. Tell us about a significant change programme or transformation initiative you have led. How did you engage stakeholders, manage resistance, and ensure the successful implementation of new ways of working?

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description.

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 Natalie Gaynor-Turner by email.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 06/09/2026 with interviews planned to follow.

Please note, the office location can be discussed at interview as there is flexibility around this.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

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.

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.