Government Digital & Data

Job Vacancy Census Test Lead (Programme Delivery Manager) - Office for National Statistics - G6

United Kingdom

Government Digital & Data

Job position

Fixed term
As soon as possible
18 months
£68k-75k
Hybrid
United Kingdom
Published on 14/05/2026

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The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is hiring a Census Test Lead Programme Delivery Manager to play a key role in delivering Census 2031.

About the role

You’ll lead the end‑to‑end testing strategy for a complex, high‑profile national programme, ensuring systems and services are ready to perform at scale.

Working across multiple teams and stakeholders, you’ll bring structure, assurance and clarity, helping deliver a reliable, high‑quality service that will impact millions of people across the UK.

What you’ll be doing

  • Leading the end-to-end testing strategy across SIT, UAT, OAT and non-functional testing

  • Providing clear, evidence-based assurance on delivery readiness, risks and performance

  • Managing complex dependencies across teams, suppliers and stakeholders

  • Removing blockers and maintaining momentum across a large, multi-team programme

  • Supporting product owners and leaders to translate strategy into delivery plans

  • Embedding Agile and Lean ways of working to improve delivery outcomes

  • Building strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure alignment and engagement

  • Leading and developing teams to deliver high-quality results at pace

Candidate profile

What we’re looking for

  • Proven experience delivering complex digital programmes at scale

  • Strong expertise in Agile and Lean methodologies, with the ability to coach others

  • Confidence managing risks, dependencies and competing priorities

  • Ability to influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex environments

  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and building strong collaboration

  • Strong communication skills, able to bridge technical and non-technical audiences

  • A proactive, delivery-focused mindset with a passion for continuous improvement

Working environment

Location: Newport, Titchfield

Interested?
This partner post gives you a quick overview

Click through to the full Civil Service Jobs advert to find out more and apply.

London, England, United Kingdom
> 1000 employees
Corporate / Direct Employer
Government Digital and Data is a community of experts leading digital transformation in government, creating more efficient services that have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Government Digital and Data professionals benefit from cross-government events and learning. From webinars from the world’s leading innovators to digital upskilling sessions.They enhance our professionals’ skills and capabilities, which ultimately enables them to be a part of the world-leading advancements in digital transformation and government innovation.

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Census Test Lead (Programme Delivery Manager) - Office for National Statistics - G6

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