Job Description

Lead Enterprise Data Architect - 31476

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Lead Enterprise Data Architect - 31476

Number of jobs available
1
Region
National, South West
City/Town
Bristol
Building/Site
DEFRA GRP EA HORIZON HOUSE, BS1 5AH
Grade
Staff Grade 7
Post Type
Permanent
Role Type
Architecture and Data, Digital, Knowledge & Information Management, Strategy
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time/Job Share, Compressed Hours
Salary Minimum
66,301
Closing Date:
04/09/2025, 23:55 hours


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Candidate pack
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Security checks level
Basic Check
Job description
The Environment Agency (EA) are committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.



We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Enterprise Data Architect to lead the development of our data architecture strategy and capabilities. This is a pivotal role within our Data Management team, part of the Chief Data Office, driving the transformation of how we manage, govern, and leverage data across the organisation.



You will help shape our enterprise data architecture, ensuring our data is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) whilst making it ready for our transformation and Ai ambitions. You will lead a small team who play a vital role in developing and delivering our corporate data approaches to deliver data excellence within our organisation.

You will:

collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand strategic data requirements and to translate these technical delivery roadmaps from a data perspective, including 'as is', 'to be' and transitional states. help us to design, develop and establish data architectural principles, policies and standards including developing best practices guidance, processes, reports, papers and presentations. understand data modelling approaches to bring multiple data sources together, articulate data models, define standards to support consistency, accuracy and ease of use. work with our national leads providing specialist input to our priority projects including data basics, trustworthy data, data storage, information management and reaching FAIR principles. lead, coach and develop others sharing your technical knowledge and setting work. carry out horizon scanning across industry, identifying emerging trends and their potential impact and opportunity for the organisation. The team
The Data Management team is a centre of excellence within the Data and Information department, part of the Strategy, Transformation and Assurance directorate. We specialise in data architecture, integration, standards, and quality. Our mission is to empower the Environment Agency to create trusted data, enabling smarter decisions and better outcomes. By delivering expert services, leadership, and best practice, we help teams across the organisation work more efficiently, confidently, and strategically with their data.
Experience/skills required
You will be an experienced enterprise data architect who can demonstrate:



Essential Skills and Experience



Proven experience in enterprise-scale data architecture and strategy development. Strong knowledge of data modelling, metadata management, and data governance. Experience with cloud-based data platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS). Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including at senior levels and non-technical audiences. Ability to lead, manage and influence in a matrixed, cross-functional environment. Developing strategic data approaches and translating these into practical delivery. Evidence of collaborating with business and technology stakeholders to advocate for your team and manage different perspectives and opinions.


Desirable Qualifications



Certifications such as TOGAF, Azure Solutions Architect, or Data Management Professional (CDMP). Experience in public sector or regulated or environment-based industries. Knowledge of FAIR data principles and data mesh or data ecosystems concepts. Familiarity with UK data regulatory frameworks (e.g., GDPR). Contact and additional information
This role requires UK Security Check (SC) clearance. To be eligible, you must:



Have lived in the UK for the past five years Provide a verifiable employment history

We are unable to sponsor Skilled Worker visa applications.



Bristol is the preferred location to support hub-based working, though other locations may be considered based on office capacity. We support blended working, you'll have a formal office base, with flexibility to work from home. Occasional travel may be required. Remote collaboration via Teams and Outlook is expected.



We pay a 19% employer contribution into your pension pot. This role includes incident response duties. Further this and benefits are outlined in the candidate pack.



Interviews will be held in late-September via Microsoft Teams.



Contact: susan.macleay@environment-agency.gov.uk
Competence 1
Manages the Business
Description
Description - Understands the Environment Agency's business processes and how to maximise the use of resources in an efficient and effective way

Question - please show how do you ensure your data architecture work aligns with an organisation's long-term environmental or operational goals of an organisation you have worked for?



PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.



CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection which will be based on your capability answers.



If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.
Competence 2
Delivers Results Through Others
Description
Description - Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.

Question

Please elaborate how do you encourage your team to define the value and quantify the benefits of their work as much as just delivering products and what performance measures do you use to track the success of your team?



PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.



CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection which will be based on your capability answers.
Competence 3
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Description - Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.

Question


Using an example how do you ensure you're addressing the root cause of a problem rather than just the symptoms?



PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.



CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection which will be based on your capability answers.
Competence 4
Communicates Effectively
Description
Description - Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.

Question

Using an example(s) please show what influencing and communication strategies you use when trying to influence people who have different priorities or agendas?



PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.



CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection which will be based on your capability answers.

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know

for more information.