Location
Central London, with main locations in Newport (South Wales) and Fareham (England).

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£56,861 per annum plus £16,472 employer contribution towards Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

About the Role
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK’s largest producer of official statistics, covering key economic, social, and demographic topics. We are transforming how data is used to better understand and measure the UK’s economy and society, driving better decision making and improving citizens’ lives. A core part of this work is developing our Geospatial Strategy and capability to maximise the value of geospatial methods across the organisation.

In July 2025, HM Government commissioned ONS to conduct a mandatory, questionnaire-based, whole-population census of England and Wales in 2031. We are preparing for an inclusive, digital-first Census 2031, building on Census 2021 experience and working with devolved governments for coherent UK outputs.

The Head of Census Location Services will lead a small team of geospatial analysts to design and deliver addressing and geospatial products supporting census collection and outputs. This key leadership role drives innovation and shapes how geospatial data supports high-impact data collection and decision-making across government. You will set direction, champion new approaches, and foster a culture of excellence, combining technical expertise with strong leadership in a multidisciplinary team.

The role provides strategic leadership in applying geography and spatial data, overseeing a broad portfolio of geospatial activity, ensuring quality, consistency, and innovation in outputs. You will work closely with senior stakeholders across government to translate complex spatial data into meaningful insights that inform policy and operations.

Responsibilities include leading cross-disciplinary projects, managing geospatial products and services, engaging with internal and external stakeholders, representing ONS at national and international forums, and supporting capability building within the geography profession.

Experience
- Expert level experience in geospatial analysis and problem solving, including manipulation, integration, and aggregation of spatial data.
- Knowledge of geographic compliance, including national and international geospatial frameworks, legal and ethical issues related to geospatial data.
- Ability to develop geographic strategies, plans, and roadmaps for policy, research, or product delivery.
- Quality assurance and control skills to maintain precision and accuracy in datasets and methods.
- Practitioner level experience in data preparation and linkage, including cleansing, modelling, transforming, and assuring data quality.

About You
- Accomplished geospatial professional with strong leadership skills.
- Ability to influence, collaborate, and translate complex data into meaningful insights.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.
- Skilled in stakeholder engagement and able to represent the organisation at external forums.
- Committed to continuous improvement and capability building within the team and wider geography profession.

Qualifications
- At least a master’s degree or equivalent relevant to the role.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a role or study relevant to the job description.

Behaviours
- Leadership
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
- Seeing the Big Picture

Technical Skills
- Expert level use of geospatial software and systems for managing, analysing, and displaying geospatial data.
- Expert level geospatial coding skills, including use of coding libraries for analysis, automation, and optimisation of geospatial processes.