Street Lighting Officer

The starting salary for this role is 48,698 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

We are recruiting a Street Lighting Officer to join our street lighting service and support the management of the County's long-term Street Lighting Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract.

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
• 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

You will act as the primary liaison between Surrey County Council and its street lighting contractor, M Group, overseeing contract performance, monitoring compliance with agreed standards, and ensuring key performance measures are accurately assessed and managed.

Your responsibilities will include managing issues relating to street lighting and illuminated street furniture, reviewing asset inspections, analysing performance data, identifying service improvements, and providing technical advice to colleagues, Councillors, developers, district and parish councils, and other stakeholders. You will investigate complex issues, prepare reports and recommendations, contribute to service planning, and support the delivery of projects that enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of Surrey's lighting assets.

The role offers a varied workload, balancing contract management, technical problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, performance monitoring, financial oversight, and strategic planning within a high-profile public service environment.

You will help manage and monitor the ongoing performance of Surrey's Street Lighting PFI contract through to its next phase of delivery. Key priorities will include ensuring performance standards are met, managing the inspection and maintenance regime for illuminated street furniture, identifying opportunities for service improvement, supporting long-term asset management planning, and helping ensure investment is prioritised effectively to maintain safety and maximise value for residents.

A key focus for the role will be supporting Surrey County Council's preparations for Local Government Reorganisation and the transition to new unitary authorities in 2027. This will include helping to ensure street lighting assets, data, contracts, processes and governance arrangements are appropriately reviewed, documented and prepared for future operating models. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting a smooth transition while maintaining service performance and helping to shape how street lighting services are delivered under the new authority arrangements.

Street lighting is one of the most visible services delivered on Surrey's highway network and affects every road user. This role provides an opportunity to make a direct impact on public safety, customer satisfaction, and the management of one of the Council's most important infrastructure assets. By ensuring effective contract management, maintaining high operational standards, and driving continuous improvement, you will help support safer journeys, enhance local communities, and deliver value for Surrey residents and taxpayers.

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills:

• Significant experience in street lighting, highway engineering, asset management, or a related technical discipline, supported by a relevant qualification (Degree, HNC or equivalent) or substantial relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of street lighting operations, asset management principles, relevant legislation, standards and industry best practice, ideally within a local authority environment.
• Experience of contract management, performance monitoring and working effectively with contractors, partners and other key stakeholders.
• Proven ability to analyse technical information and performance data, identify issues and develop practical, cost-effective solutions and recommendations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and explain technical matters to a range of audiences, including senior officers, elected Members and external organisations.
• Demonstrable experience of managing projects and delivering service improvements within agreed timescales and budgets, with the ability to prioritise competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

This role requires you to hold a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with appropriate business-use insurance, with the ability to travel across Surrey to undertake site visits, inspections and stakeholder meetings as required. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be explored for successful applicants who have a disability or long-term health condition that prevents them from driving to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

Your Application

To apply, we request that you submit a CV with personal statement and you will be asked the following 3 questions:

1. Please describe your technical knowledge and relevant experience in street lighting, highway engineering, asset management or a related discipline, and explain how it meets the requirements of this role.
2. Please provide details of your experience in managing contracts, contractors or service providers, including how you have monitored performance, ensured compliance and delivered value for money.
3. This role requires building effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including contractors, developers, local councils, Councillors and members of the public. Please explain how your experience has prepared you for this aspect of the role.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 11/10/2026 with interviews planned to follow.

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 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.