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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the operational design for Scotland's Census 2031 and manage a large field team.
- Company: Join the National Records of Scotland, shaping vital population statistics.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive environment, and diverse employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's future by shaping essential public services.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector operations and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on one of Scotland's largest digital programmes.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
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. You will be joining the Census 2031 as Head of Operation Design and will be responsible for the development of operational delivery of the 2031 Census data collection operation, whose primary goal is to enable all individuals in Scotland to complete a census return. This will include preparation and delivery of the 2027 Test, 2029 Rehearsal and 2031 Census. It covers the operational management of multiple services including a field operation in excess of 1,000 field officers who will visit non-responding households during an operational period of several weeks in 2031. You should note that Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2032 depending on the role.
Responsibilities
- Lead on the early operational design of Scotland’s Census 2031
- Develop the high-level design for the operational aspects of Scotland’s census in collaboration with Office of National Statistics (ONS) and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) and NRS colleagues.
- Determine the requirements for the building blocks needed to stand up operational capabilities.
- Recruit the operational team to support design work.
- Work alongside statistical and IT design teams to develop the design and delivery plans.
- Produce high level operational requirements to ensure NRS is an intelligent partner and in the best position to collaborate with ONS and NISRA on key contracts.
- Responsibility for field operations during the 2027 Census Test, 2029 Census Rehearsal and 2031 Census itself.
Success profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Technical / Professional Skills (Operational Delivery Profession)
- Connections and communication
- Operational leadership and management
- Data and insight
Experience
- Experience of working in a public sector delivery context and sound financial management of budgets
- Experience of delivering a major operation involving public engagement involving a range of supporting services such as training, health & safety and recruitment.
Behaviours
- Making Effective Decisions – Level 4.
- Managing a quality service – Level 4.
How To Apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1500 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and Presentation.
About Us
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. NRS is a Non-Ministerial Department of the Scottish Government & our staff are part 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.
Working pattern
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.
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.
Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2032 depending on the role.
Head of Census Operational Design employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Detail:
THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Census Operational Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Census project. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Scotland’s Census, its goals, and the operational challenges it faces. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your experience and skills clearly, making you more confident when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Census Operational Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Census Operational Design role. Highlight relevant experience in operational delivery and public sector projects, showing how you can lead the 2031 Census with confidence.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to provide specific examples that demonstrate your skills and experiences related to the success profile. Keep it concise and focused on what makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Be Honest About Your Experience: While AI tools can help, remember to keep your application genuine. All statements should reflect your true experiences. We value authenticity, so don’t be tempted to embellish or misrepresent your background.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Know Your Census Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key aspects of Scotland's Census and its significance. Familiarise yourself with the timeline, especially the 2027 Test and 2029 Rehearsal. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how you can contribute to the operational design.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous leadership roles, particularly in public sector delivery contexts. Prepare specific examples where you've successfully managed teams or projects, especially those involving public engagement. Highlight your ability to make effective decisions and manage quality services.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves collaboration with various agencies like ONS and NISRA, emphasise your communication skills. Prepare to share instances where you've effectively communicated complex information to diverse audiences, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
If you're invited for further assessment, you'll likely need to present. Choose a relevant topic related to operational design or census delivery. Practice your presentation skills, focusing on clarity and engagement, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your capability to lead the operational aspects of the Census.
