Project Manager - Devolution Transition

Division / Department - Police and Crime Commissioner
Grade - M1
Status - Full Time or Happy to Talk Flexible Working
Contract Type - Fixed Term Contract
Salary Grade Range - £49,716 - £54,696
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week
Shift Allowance - No
Politically Restricted - Yes
Location - Sackville House, Lewes

The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro rata if the working hours are less than full time. The Role & Key Responsibilities

We are looking for a highly motivated person to lead the planning and organisation of the transition of the Office of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner to the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority in 2028, following the Sussex and Brighton Mayoral election on a 2 year Fixed Term Contract.

Candidates will need to have experience of managing a successful change project and be adept at using project management tools and processes to ensure the most efficient delivery of the plan. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to work constructively and effectively with external partners involved in the project.

Background to Project Manager Role

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 permitted the creation of new Mayoral Combined County Authorities (MCCA) in England. Sussex was identified as a priority area for this and a new MCCA, the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority (SBSA), was created in March 2026. Elections will be held in May 2028 for a Mayor to lead the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority. At the same time the new Mayor is elected, the function and responsibilities of all Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales will cease to exist and where MCCAs have been created, such as in Sussex, the function and responsibilities of the Police and Crime Commissioner will transfer to the new Mayor.

In practice, this will mean that the existing staff and office of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner will transfer into the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority and be placed under the responsibility of a Deputy Mayor for Policing who will assume the role and functions previously discharged by the PCC. The Deputy Mayor will be appointed by the new Mayor. The Office of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner has established a devolution transition project to oversee the change into the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority and is working collaboratively with the transition leads in the SBSA to ensure that the full roles and responsibilities of the OSPCC are successfully transferred in 2028.

Why Work With Us?

We would be happy to talk flexible working of our current arrangements of working two days from home (Tuesday and Friday).

We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits;

• career progression
• contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
• generous annual leave allowance
• discounts for everyday spend
• on site gyms and a range of sports clubs
• generous and supportive parental leave
• financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support
• discounted contributory healthcare scheme

This is a politically restricted position, to view the Political Restrictions Policy for Police Staff click here

Diversity Statement

We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.

We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.

We are committed to being an anti racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and uphold anti racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. For more information, you can read our full anti racism statement here.

We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.

Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.

This post is being advertised in parallel with Force redeployment processes. Any redeployees who are identified will be given preference. This may result in the post being withdrawn at any point during the recruitment process.

Please note that not all jobs are available for internal candidates across both Forces, the current agreed recruitment principles are;

• vacancies in collaborated units are available to all officers and staff across both Forces
• vacancies in non collaborated units are only available to officers and staff within the Force with the vacancy unless it is advertised externally
• if the vacancy is advertised externally and an officer or member of staff from the other Force is successful it will result in a transfer of employment

Surrey Police and Sussex Police Special Constables, Volunteers and Agency Staff (excluding self employed workers) covered under the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) are eligible to apply for internal advertised posts.