Field Performance Manager (FPM)

the National Centre for Social Research

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Instant Impact, in partnership with NatCen (The National Centre for Social Research), is hiring a Field Performance Manager to lead and support a team of field interviewers and supervisors delivering social research studies. The role focuses on helping team members perform at their best through performance data, coaching, and regular engagement, while improving response rates and ensuring high-quality fieldwork delivery. Working with colleagues across Field and Operational teams, the Field Performance Manager helps ensure surveys are delivered efficiently, ethically, and to high standards. The role is home-based or hybrid from the Ashton Gate or London office, requires travel across England, and reports to the Head of External Field. The allocated team includes Field Interviewers, Fieldworkers, and Supervisors.

Requirements

Experience leading, managing, or supervising people in a performance-focused environment.
Strong coaching and development skills, with the ability to motivate, support, and challenge others.
Experience using data and management information to make decisions and improve performance.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Strong problem-solving ability and a proactive approach to resolving issues.
Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining high standards of service and delivery.
Collaborative working style focused on building positive relationships.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of field operations, interviewer management, or survey delivery.
Previous experience as a field interviewer.

Responsibilities

Lead and support a team of field interviewers and supervisors through coaching, guidance, and regular performance management.
Use performance data to identify trends, monitor delivery against targets, and take action to improve response rates and quality.
Act as the first point of contact for operational queries, survey rules, processes, and pay-related questions.
Identify training needs, support development plans, and help interviewers maximise their performance.
Work with allocation teams and internal stakeholders to resolve issues, manage risks, and support successful delivery.
Lead field engagement activities, including team meetings, field accompaniments, and in-person management meetings where required.
Support recruitment activity by identifying future resourcing needs and participating in interviewer recruitment when required.
Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and service delivery across the field operation.
Ensure compliance with operational standards, survey requirements, and quality expectations.