At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the operational delivery of Scotland's Census 2031 and manage a dynamic team.
- Company: Join the National Records of Scotland, shaping the future of public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a supportive environment, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's future by delivering vital population statistics.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex operations and workforce planning is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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.
Overview
Do you want to shape the delivery of Scotland’s Census, enabling governments and other public bodies to plan the services we all rely on, and telling the story of Scotland's people for generations to come? If so, this post could be for you. 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.
As part of a large and complex programme of work, you will lead the operational readiness, workforce capability and delivery planning required to support Scotland's Census 2031. This post will report into the C2 Head of Census Operational Design. The exact make up of your team is to be determined and will likely consist of a mix of B3 and B2 team members. You will also work alongside statistical design colleagues to develop the census statistical design and ultimate aim of producing high quality statistics that meet data user needs. In addition you will work with IT and Programme colleagues and a range of stakeholders in ONS and NISRA during the design, build, test, delivery and live operation. The operation includes a large field force of enumerators who follow up non responding houses.
You should note that Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2032 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
- Line management and day to day responsibility for a team of staff to design, build, test and deliver a credible, responsive and professional service.
- Lead and develop teams responsible for operational readiness, workforce capability and operational delivery.
- Own operational planning and readiness activities for one or more census operational workstreams, including field force, contact centre, logistics and fulfilment, management information, household enumeration or communal establishment operations.
- Develop operational processes, standard operating procedures, escalation routes and performance frameworks that enable successful delivery of census services.
- Lead workforce planning, recruitment, training and capability development activities required to support large-scale census operations.
- Ensure operational requirements are represented throughout service design, build and testing activities, providing operational insight and expertise to Product Managers and delivery teams.
- Lead operational testing, rehearsals and readiness reviews to ensure services are prepared for live operation.
- Monitor operational performance through management information and analytics, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Manage operational risks, incidents and issues, ensuring appropriate escalation and resolution.
- Build strong working relationships with colleagues across NRS, ONS, NISRA, suppliers and partner organisations to support successful delivery of shared services.
- Set direction, lead and develop inclusive teams that deliver high-quality operational outcomes and excellent service performance.
- Ensure resources are deployed effectively and efficiently to deliver operational objectives in a complex and changing environment.
Required experience
Demonstrable experience of leading complex operational delivery, operational readiness, workforce planning or service implementation in a large-scale public-facing operation.
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). Vacancy closes at 23:59 on Thursday 30 July. If you have questions about your application please contact Steven.Gilliland@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.
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
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have National Records of Scotland (NRS) is Scotland’s record keeper. Our purpose is to collect, preserve and produce information about Scotland's people and history and make it available to inform current and future generations. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. 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. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service observing the Civil Service Code and 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. Find out more about what we offer.
Working pattern
Candidates should note that Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2032 depending on the role. Staff who are on permanent contracts will remain with NRS after this time whilst a new, suitable role is found. Our standard hours are 35 hours per week, and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. 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 may be occasional travel to other UK agencies. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
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). You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
Equality statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
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. For further information about the vacancy, please contact Steven Gilliland at Steven.Gilliland@nrscotland.gov.uk.
Senior Operations Manager (Census 2031) - C1 in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can make a significant impact on customer service and safeguarding across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development and innovation, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence in public service. Join us in shaping a high-performing organisation that values collaboration and strives for transformative results.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Manager (Census 2031) - C1 in Edinburgh
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