Senior Service Designer (Census 2031) - B3

This post is open to existing B3 substantive staff applying as a level transfer opportunity for a B3 Senior Service Designer to join the Census Programme to support delivery of the programme.

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. 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.

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Senior Service Designer who will support teams in the design of end-to-end services that are user-centred and evidence-based. You will collaborate with teams across the program including user-centred design disciplines, operations, statistics, technology, policy, communications, finance, procurement and commercial. A significant part of the role will also be collaborating with other census taking offices in the rest of the United Kingdom. This is an exciting opportunity to undertake service design work that will support teams to design services for every household in Scotland.

You should note that Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2031 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.

Responsibilities

• Work within agile teams to shape, prioritise and deliver user-centred services, defining scope, outcomes and minimum viable products. 
• Apply strategic thinking to design and improve services that meet user needs and organisational goals. 
• Manage stakeholder relationships and expectations, facilitating discussions and building consensus across teams and senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate across disciplines, creating networks and partnerships that inform better service design.
• Identify and resolve challenges within teams, supporting effective ways of working and decision-making. 
• Understand the wider digital and policy landscape, applying this knowledge within a government context. 
• Design and improve end-to-end services, identifying simple, inclusive solutions across multiple services.
• Use evidence, research and testing to inform service iterations and design decisions.
• Build consensus between services or independent stakeholders. 
• Make and support decisions appropriate to the level of risk and complexity, applying proportionate risk management approaches. 
• Lead and influence design decisions, providing constructive feedback, coaching and support to others.
• Facilitate the best team makeup depending on the situation.  
• Select and apply appropriate service design methods, tools and prototyping approaches. 
• Share best practice and coach others. 
• Lead the development and evaluation of service strategies, ensuring business and user needs are met.
• Identify, communicate and challenge constraints where appropriate. 
• Promote and uphold service design standards and best practice. 

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position. 

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 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).

Selection Process

All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager.  

Informal discussion dates tbc.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact Arooj.Mason@nrscotland.gov.uk 

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.