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…