Census 2011 recruitment has now commenced

Area Managers Full-time (37 hours a week)

About the role You will be responsible for managing and co-ordinating the census operation in an area. Your main focus will be ensuring the maximum number of people return their census questionnaires. Initially you will need to establish links with local authorities and community groups within your area and engage with specific target populations. You will be the primary contact for all local media enquiries in your area and will act as local media census spokesperson, when appropriate (full media training will be given). You will also focus on managing and monitoring your team of Census Co-ordinators (COs) who will in turn manage teams of up to 15 field staff. You will be responsible for ensuring the health and welfare of your team and overseeing any disciplinary, grievance and dismissal procedures.

Essential qualities and skills

• proven managerial experience, including effectively leading and motivating a diverse team and reporting on progress
• excellent organisational skills and the ability to work to deadlines
• a flexible approach to the allocation of resources and dealing with priorities
• excellent written and oral communication skills with experience of dealing with people at all levels
• proven ability to recognise and develop networks and communicate effectively with various stakeholders such as local authorities, communities and community groups using a wide range of techniques, including presentations
• a proven track record of making evaluated judgements, taking a pragmatic approach to finding a solution
• well-developed IT skills with experience of using a variety of software; demonstrable ability to analyse information, produce reports and communicate with others as well as troubleshoot basic IT problems

Desirable (non-essential) qualities and skills

• knowledge of the local area
• ability to communicate in languages in addition to English, including sign language
• media handling and/or interview experience

Welsh language skills - Wales based posts only For some census roles based in Wales the ability to speak Welsh is essential, or at least desirable. Candidates will be required to indicate when applying if they wish to be considered for roles where the ability to speak Welsh is essential. Candidates who are not fluent Welsh speakers will be considered for roles where the ability to speak Welsh is desirable.

What are the working hours and pay? Employment is expected to be from 2 August 2010 to 10 June 2011 (10 months). This is a full time post (37 hours per week). Payment will consist of a basic hourly rate between £14.55 and £18.19 per hour, depending on location.

Where is the work? Area Managers are employed throughout England and Wales and cover geographic areas of varying sizes. See the recruitment website www.censusjobs.co.uk for complete details.

How do I apply? For more information and to apply, visit www.censusjobs.co.uk. You will be able to search for Area Manager vacancies based on your post code or region. If you are unable to apply online or do not have access to the internet, please contact the Capita Census Recruitment Team on 01256 383847.

What is the census? In England and Wales the census is planned and carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) every ten years. Every household is asked to complete a census questionnaire. This information is used by ONS to provide population estimates which government, local authorities and other organisations use to fund, plan and deliver public services such as healthcare, education, housing and transport.

Future recruitment Recruitment for the census will continue throughout 2010 and into 2011. You can register your interest in management and field staff roles via the recruitment website www.censusjobs.co.uk. You will automatically be reminded to formally apply when we begin accepting applications for the role(s) you are interested in.