Commercial Category Lead - Office for National Statistics - G6
Government Digital & Data -
Location
The ONS operates a flexible hybrid working model across the UK, with colleagues linked to one of our contractual locations working between office and remote throughout the week.
The locations for this role are Newport, Titchfield (Fareham) All colleagues are required to work from their contractually allocated site for at least 40% of their working time. Frequent travel to the Titchfield office will be required as part of this role (if not already contracted there).
The requirements of the programme mean that the need for in-person attendance may vary for some roles overtime, particularly during peak design and operational periods. This may also include travel between sites.
The induction process for the role will be conducted in person.
ONS are committed to flexible ways of working that support a healthy work-life balance. ONS has already considered how this job could be right sized for applicants working flexibly and we are happy to explore options with you about working part time, in a job share or flexibly, in line with our hybrid working policies.
About the job
Job summary
Are you ready to be part of something that shapes the future of our nation? Do you thrive on variety, enjoy working with lots of teams, and want to make a real difference? If so, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK's largest producer of official statistics and home to over 5,000 colleagues. We create the data that drives decisions, from measuring economic growth and tracking population changes to informing policy on everything from housing to healthcare. Our statistics don't just sit in reports; they directly influence how billions of pounds are allocated, how services are planned, and how communities are supported across the country.
Census 2031 represents our most ambitious data collection project yet – a once-in-a-decade opportunity to capture a complete picture of everyone living in England and Wales. Building on the digital success of 2021, we're pioneering new ways to reach every household and community, ensuring no one is left uncounted. This vital work will provide the foundation for policy decisions, resource allocation, and community planning for the next decade.
Your work will support delivery of this transformational project that will shape how we understand and support our nation's future. You’ll be part of a team that ensures everyone is counted—and every voice is heard. We're building a culture that values collaboration, fresh thinking, and respect for diverse expertise. Whether you're a seasoned professional or bringing new perspectives, you'll be part of a team that welcomes bold ideas, works transparently, and thrives on solving complex challenges together.
The Census Commercial Services Division leads all procurement, contract management, and supplier performance activities for Census 2031. Its purpose is to embed robust commercial strategy early in the programme lifecycle, ensuring effective market engagement, cost efficiency, and strong risk management. This approach builds on lessons from the 2021 Census, where early commercial involvement was essential to successful delivery.
Job description
We currently have 3 positions available.
As a Commercial Category lead for Census, you will have responsibility for one of the following areas:
• Design and Integration
• Communications
• Field Collection
• Data & Operational Management
• Technology
You will become a specialist in the category area, with experience applying best practice, developing methods and tools, generating ideas, and advising or leading others across the organisation.
These roles offer a unique opportunity to lead a highly challenging and time critical commercial portfolio. To thrive, you will bring extensive commercial expertise, a track record of delivering impactful results, and the confidence to operate at a senior level. You will have built a credible career and be ready to demonstrate your success across the key areas below.
Key Responsibilities
Category Management
- Develop and implement market facing Category Strategies that maximise innovation, value, and organisational benefits.
- Lead Delivery Model Assessments and secure agreement on recommended approaches.
- Plan, implement, and manage major supplier contracts for Census delivery.
Commercial Management
- Manage a portfolio of contracts, ensuring compliance with commercial policy, sourcing processes, and procurement regulations.
- Provide commercial protection for the organisation by ensuring adherence to legal, financial, regulatory, and government requirements with embedded risk analysis and management.
Leadership
- Lead contract negotiations, including pricing and terms, using a strong understanding of various contract forms (Model Services, Mid-Tier, Short Form, Bespoke).
- Develop structured negotiation strategies aligned with legislation and organisational objectives, understanding the appropriate levers available to develop a structured negotiation plan.
- Provide leadership development support to Commercial team members as part of a wider positive and proactive approach as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
Supplier Relationship Management
- Build strong and effective relationships with existing and potential suppliers through early and ongoing market engagement.
- Work with Government Crown Representatives and Strategic Partnering Managers to embed strategic supplier management practices.
- Ensure supplier relationships support competitive pricing and high-quality solutions.
Stakeholder Engagement & Management
- Promote the organisation’s reputation and vision, inspiring engagement from internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with colleagues, customers and delivery partners to achieve agreed commercial outcomes, inspiring full engagement and alignment with the aims and long-term vision for Census.
- Foster strong working relationships with Category, Finance, and Delivery leads to support cohesive delivery.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
• Extensive knowledge of public procurement regulations (including the procurement act, 2023) and their practical application, providing credible and authoritative commercial leadership that builds stakeholder confidence.
• Proven experience in a senior commercial or procurement role.
• Experience delivering category strategies, leading delivery model assessments, managing major contracts, applying innovative procurement techniques, and engaging stakeholders effectively.
• Experience of managing complex, high value contracts and strategic supplier relationships to optimise performance - including the ability to proactively taking calculated risks in the pursuit of implementing efficient sourcing projects to deliver innovative solutions.
• Able to build trust and influence through clear communication, senior level relationship management, and inclusive leadership that develops and empowers others.
• Can navigate very large complex commercial environments in a time limited environment, translating strategic priorities into clear outcomes while making sound decisions amid ambiguity and pressure.
Qualifications
MCIPS Qualification
