At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to shape the future of the UK's Census and enhance community engagement.
- Company: Join the Office for National Statistics, a key player in public service.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, full training, travel expenses covered, and impactful work.
- Other info: Field-based role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in how communities are represented in future censuses.
- Qualifications: Experience in team leadership and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42791 - 52301 £ per year.
ONS Census Test 2027 | Cardiff or Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Lead the team that helps shape the future of the UK's next Census.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is conducting an important large-scale Census Test in 2027. which will help shape the design and delivery of Census 2031.
AMS Skills Creation are working in partnership with ONS to hire an experienced manager who will lead the operation for this important project.
This is a senior operational leadership opportunity requiring experience of managing teams, using performance information and delivering at pace.
Full role-specific training and equipment will be provided.
- Purpose of the role
- Increase response to the census test.
- Build and protect the census reputation.
- Help deliver a high-quality test and capture operational learning to support Census 2031 planning.
Why Join Us?
What you'll do
- Lead the Household (HH) and Communal Establishments (CE) operations, working with local stakeholders, university and halls of residence managers, and Census Engagement Managers.
- Support HH & CE Team Leaders and Officers to encourage student participation and maximise questionnaire completion.
- Oversee remote teams in the field and act as the main point of contact for Team Leaders throughout the operation.
- Build relationships with Census Engagement Managers and other stakeholders to understand local communities and support participation activity.
- Monitor and analyse operational and team performance, implementing interventions and improvements where required.
- Travel throughout the assigned area, including longer journeys in rural locations where applicable.
- Manage operational resources, budgets, time recording and expenses accurately and on time.
- Capture learning that will help shape Census 2031
This is a field-based leadership role. Travel within your assigned area will be required, with expenses reimbursed in line with ONS travel policies
- Experience leading or coordinating teams in an operational delivery environment, including remote or dispersed teams.
- Strong ability to use data, evidence and management information to drive performance and improve outcomes.
- Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, meet deadlines and communicate clearly.
- Ability to work at pace in live, fast-moving and sometimes pressurised environments.
- Adaptability across different working environments and teams with different operational objectives.
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, with confidence engaging a range of stakeholders.
- Welsh language skills are desirable in Wales.
To be eligible, you'll need
- To hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle with proof of (Business Class 1 use) insurance (evidence of both must be provided before employment begins).
Mileage allowance and travel expenses will be paid in line with ONS expense policy.
- To meet the eligibility criteria for Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
BPSS includes identity, right to work, employment history; and criminal record (unspent convictions) checks.
- A reliable wireless broadband connection at your home address
- To be available to travel to ONS Headquarters in Titchfield for 4-5 days week beginning 14th December
What you need to know
Field working hours are flexible between 9:00am and 8:00pm Monday to Saturday, and between 10:00am and 4:00pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
Locations: Cardiff or Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Contract assignment: 14th December 2026 to 31st May 2027.
- Travel across your assigned area required
- Full training and equipment provided
- Be Part of Something Bigger
The Census helps shape decisions about public services, housing, transport, healthcare and education.
By joining the Census Test team, you'll play an important role in ensuring communities are accurately represented and that future census operations are as effective as possible.
Help deliver a successful Census Test and make a lasting impact on how the UK counts its population in the future.
This is a unique opportunity to combine leadership, community engagement and public service in a role that delivers real impact
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Census Area Manager employer: AMS
At AMS, we pride ourselves on being a global leader in talent solutions, fostering an inclusive and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. Located in Belfast, our team enjoys a flexible hybrid working model, competitive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth within a supportive community. Join us to make a meaningful impact while collaborating with diverse stakeholders in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Census Area Manager
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like AMS. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at AMS.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at AMS.
We think you need these skills to ace Census Area Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at AMS and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at AMS
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like AMS will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to AMS.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at AMS.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at AMS. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
