Job Description

The Environment Agency (EA) are committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. 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 translate these into a data-focused delivery roadmap, including as-is, to-be and transitional states.
• design, develop and establish data architectural principles, policies and standards, including best-practice guidance, processes, reports and papers.
• understand data modelling approaches to integrate multiple data sources, articulate data models, and define standards to support consistency, accuracy and ease of use.
• work with national leads providing specialist input to priority projects including data basics, trustworthy data, data storage, information management and FAIR principles.
• lead, coach and develop others, sharing technical knowledge and setting work direction.
• carry out horizon scanning across industry to identify 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.

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 with 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.
• Experience collaborating with business and technology stakeholders to advocate for your team and manage different perspectives.

Desirable Qualifications

• Certifications such as TOGAF, Azure Solutions Architect, or Data Management Professional (CDMP).
• Experience in public sector or regulated/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, with a formal office base and 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 details 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