Chief Impact Officer in Southampton

Shape the future impact of Britain’s national mapping service. Ordnance Survey (OS) is one of the world’s leading geospatial organisations, playing a critical role in supporting government, public services and the wider economy. As we accelerate our contribution to the UK’s digital transformation agenda, we are seeking an exceptional Chief Impact Officer to join our Executive Leadership Team. This is a unique opportunity to operate at the highest levels of leadership, shaping how OS delivers measurable societal, economic and national value through the power of location data.

The role involves maximising the reach, influence and impact of OS across the UK Public Sector. You will define and lead a clear impact strategy that strengthens OS’s role at the centre of government priorities, from growth and housing to infrastructure and national resilience. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in setting enterprise direction, influencing policy, and elevating OS’s reputation as a trusted, insight‑led partner both nationally and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Executive Leadership - Act as a full member of the Executive Leadership Team, shaping strategy, decision‑making and organisational performance. Strengthen OS’s external leadership voice, presence and influence across government and beyond.
• Impact & Public Sector Strategy - Define and deliver a clear Public Sector impact strategy, with the aim of accelerating adoption of OS data, products and services. Work with Product leadership to ensure OS capabilities are aligned to national priorities including economic growth, housing and infrastructure.
• Impact Measurement & Insight - Establish a robust framework to evidence and articulate OS’s societal and economic value. Bring authoritative geospatial insight to inform policy, decision-making and public discourse.
• Reach, Adoption & Partnerships - Expand OS’s reach and influence across government and public services. Lead and sponsor high-impact strategic partnerships (e.g. defence, infrastructure), positioning OS as a trusted partner.
• Cross-Organisational Leadership - Work closely with Customer, Product, Data and Technology leaders to embed impact into strategy, investment and delivery. Represent OS nationally and internationally, enhancing its reputation as a world-leading geospatial organisation.
• Innovation & Ecosystem - Lead Geovation, ensuring it delivers maximum impact as OS’s innovation and accelerator capability. Identify opportunities to scale its reach and broaden its role across Great Britain.
• Communications & Reputation - Provide executive leadership for corporate communications, PR and thought leadership. Ensure a clear, consistent and authoritative OS narrative aligned to strategic priorities. Lead proactive engagement on high‑profile or sensitive issues.

About You

You are an accomplished executive leader with the credibility, presence and strategic capability to operate at the most senior levels of government and industry. You will bring significant executive‑level leadership experience at ELT, Board or equivalent level within or alongside the UK Public Sector, a deep understanding of UK government systems, policy‑making and delivery landscapes, and a proven track record of delivering measurable, system‑level impact across complex, multi‑stakeholder environments. Experience leading or partnering across innovation, communications, partnerships or reputation‑critical functions is essential, along with a strong external profile, confidence to represent an organisation in senior forums, media and international settings, and exceptional strategic thinking, influencing and communication skills.

Why Join Ordnance Survey?

At OS, your work has real‑world impact. From enabling better public services to shaping national infrastructure and supporting economic growth, you will be part of an organisation with a clear purpose and a powerful platform. As Chief Impact Officer, you won’t just shape OS’s future; you will help shape the future of place, data and public value across Great Britain.

The rewards

We want you to love what you do and feel supported to do your best work. The package will include: Competitive salary c.£170k and pension (OS contributes up to 12.07%), annual performance bonus of up to 20%, 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service), life assurance and other health & wellbeing benefits, enhanced family leave, including paid partner leave, and learning, development, and career support.

Security & eligibility

OS conducts pre-employment checks for anyone made an offer of employment, including identity, right to work, employment history and criminal record checks (via Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS). Some of our roles may require additional security vetting. We will advise candidates during the recruitment process if additional vetting may be required for that specific role. This role requires the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, OS cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Inclusion at OS

Research shows that people from underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. At Ordnance Survey, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and welcoming workplace. If this role excites you but your experience doesn’t match every point, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right person for this role or another opportunity at OS. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that people may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during the application process.

Closing date Tuesday 21 July 2026 @23:59

Application criteria

Please upload your CV and Covering letter setting out your suitability for the role, how your skills and experience meet the requirements for the role and OS' Principles.

Interview dates

Introductory calls - w/c 28 July. Opportunity to meet some of the team - August. Interviews – 7th & 8th September.

Skills required for this role: Executive Leadership, Influencing Skills, Senior Leader Engagement, Strategic Thinking.