Deputy Commercial Director - Census

Office For National Statistics; Newport; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A government statistical agency in the UK seeks a leader for their Census 2031 Commercial strategy. The candidate will ensure compliance with UK and EU regulations while developing and delivering the strategy that supports the Census. Key responsibilities include leading the commercial function, orchestrating supplier ecosystems, and integrating commercial delivery with program execution. This position offers a hybrid working model and generous benefits, including a substantial pension scheme and flexible working hours.

Benefits

Hybrid working and flexi-time

Market-leading pension scheme with around 29% employer contribution

Generous holiday allowance of 25 days annually

Employee Assistance Programmes

Qualifications

• Considerable commercial knowledge and expertise, particularly in a central government context.
• Ability to build confidence with key internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Shape and lead the Commercial strategy.
• Build and orchestrate the supplier ecosystem.
• Develop and lead the Census 2031 Commercial function.
• Provide Commercial governance, assurance and value management.
• Integrate Commercial delivery with programme execution.
• Strengthen legacy and institutional capability.

Job description

We are preparing to deliver the UK's next National Census in 2031, continuing the tradition of collecting vital population data every ten years. This is an opportunity to take on a critical leadership role with responsibility for developing and delivering the Census 2031 Commercial strategy. The role has ownership, accountability, and responsibility for the Census Commercial Strategy; ensuring spend adheres to UK and EU Regulations and Directives; and aligns with broader ONS commercial activity, Government Commercial Function (GCF) and Cabinet Office guidelines, policies and procedures and delivers Value for Money (VfM) for the Authority. The successful candidate will have considerable commercial knowledge and expertise, particularly in a central government context, to ensure the right focus and to build a credible and authoritative approach that wins the confidence and support of key internal and external stakeholders and ensures the success of Census 2031.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and lead the Commercial strategy
• Build and orchestrate the supplier ecosystem
• Develop and lead the Census 2031 Commercial function
• Provide Commercial governance, assurance and value management
• Integrate Commercial delivery with programme execution
• Strengthen legacy and institutional capability

Benefits and Working Arrangements

• Hybrid working and flexi‑time so you can work around your life, not the other way around!
• A market‑leading pension scheme – our employer contribution rate is around 29%
• A choice of working patterns for every role: full‑time, part‑time, job‑share
• Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of 26 weeks full pay (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Opportunities to learn new technology & skills on the job, utilising blocked out Protected Learning Time in your weekly schedule and taking advantage of the support of our Communities of Practice
• Employee Assistance Programmes
• Diversity Network Groups
• Mental Health Allies
• Civil Service Sports and Social club
• Generous holiday allowance – 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years service in addition to 9 public holidays