Overview

Deputy Director, Social Surveys Telephone and Ports Collection. Join to apply for the Deputy Director, Social Surveys Telephone and Ports Collection role at Office for National Statistics.

ONS’s social surveys are central to delivering top quality, trusted, relevant and independent statistics and analysis. This role provides senior operational leadership and management of two Field Data Collection Operations (the International Passenger Survey operation and the Telephone Operation), two core survey enabling services (the Survey Validation team and Survey Enquiry Line), and key continuous improvement projects within the Surveys Improvement and Enhancement Plan, including the Telephone Services Review.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior operational leadership and management of: the IPS operation (approx. 100 interviewers), and the Telephone Operation (growing to ~200 interviewers).
• Oversee two core survey enabling services: the Survey Validation (SV) team and the Survey Enquiry Line (SEL).
• Lead key continuous improvement projects within the Surveys Improvement and Enhancement Plan, notably the Telephone Services Review now in implementation.

What we’re looking for

• Proven track record in large-scale operations with data-led approaches, risk and issue management, and sound judgement.
• Strong experience delivering transformation, organisational change, continuous improvement, or business change into live operations.
• Inclusive leadership with strong people management skills and a history of developing capability and building large, diverse, high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage staff at all levels and foster a culture that values employee voice.
• Ability to build constructive, collaborative relationships and influence across a complex stakeholder landscape.

Why join

• Hybrid working and flexible hours to suit your life.
• Market-leading pension scheme with employer contribution around 29%.
• Flexible working patterns for every role (full-time, part-time, job-share).
• Parental leave of 26 weeks full pay (subject to criteria).
• Opportunities to learn new technology and skills with Protected Learning Time and Communities of Practice support.
• Employee Assistance Programmes, Diversity Network Groups, Mental Health Allies, Civil Service Sports and Social club.
• Generous holiday allowance – 25 days rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus 9 public holidays.

Details

• Location: Newport, Titchfield (Fareham) and Manchester.
• Working patterns: Flexible option of Full time, Part time, Flexible working, Job Share.
• Closing Date: Apply before 11:55pm on Sunday 28th September 2025.
• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Management
• Industries: Government Administration