Deputy Programme Manager (Census 2031) - C1 in Edinburgh

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

We are seeking a Deputy Programme Manager to work closely with the Census Programme Manager in supporting the effective leadership and management of the Census Programme. The role will involve close collaboration with the wider NRS leadership team and building strong partnerships with census offices across the UK to ensure a coordinated and successful approach to census planning and implementation.

We are the trusted producer of Scotland’s population statistics, including taking the Census of Scotland’s population every 10 years. The next Census is in 2031 and will be delivered in partnership with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA). This is one of the largest digital programmes delivered in Scotland, gathering data from every household across a population of c.5.7m. Census data is used by government, local authorities, health boards, the third and private sectors to plan national and local services and informs the allocation of billions of pounds of UK and Scottish Government public funds each year.

You should note that Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2031 depending on the role. Staff who are on permanent contracts will remain with NRS after this time whilst a new, suitable role is found.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor resources, critical milestones, timescales and costs reporting tolerance breaches and other issues to Senior Management, providing options and proposed resolutions as appropriate.
• Establish excellent collaboration with census programmes in the rest of the UK aligning programme deliverables and dependencies.
• Ensure and champion alignment with the programme business case and benefits realisation.
• Provide effective leadership to the programme in partnership with the wider leadership team using your expertise to support the continuing development of programme, project and change management capabilities.
• Provide effective stakeholder management, including internal and external customers, delivery partners, project teams, work-stream leads and senior stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit regular programme progress reports, including but not limited to, overall programme status, underlying project/work-stream progress, budget and resource tracking, RAID log to agreed governance forums.
• Work collaboratively with the NRS PMO and senior leadership team to ensure consistency.
• Identify, assess and actively manage risks, opportunities and issues in line with corporate guidance to maximise the success of the programme and to minimise negative impact to quality, budget, and timeline.

Qualifications:

• Technical / Professional Skills:
• Planning and scheduling – Practitioner
• Resource management – Practitioner
• Stakeholder engagement – Practitioner
• Business case management – Practitioner

Experience:

You should have experience of managing programmes or complex projects and experience of planning and logic modelling to ensure planned investments can deliver desired outcomes.

Working Pattern:

This role is a permanent level transfer position. Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. Candidates should note that office attendance will be needed at points in particular for collaboration sessions but there is currently no fixed set days; in addition, there will be occasional travel to other UK agencies.

How to apply:

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 grade employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words). Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Monday 10 August.

If you have questions about your application please contact claire.lumsdaine@nrscotland.gov.uk.

Selection Process:

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment. Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC.

Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered. Skilled worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require skilled worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

Recruitment Principles:

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

About us:

NRS is a Non-Ministerial Department of the Scottish Government and our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.

Security checks:

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

Equality statement:

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Further information:

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2032 depending on the role. Please contact the hiring manager if you have any further questions.

Apply before: 10/08/2026 (23:59)