Scottish Government
Senior Operations Manager (Census 2031)
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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.
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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. Please contact the line manager named in this advert if you have any further questions.
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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.
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