Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand strategic data requirements and translate these technical delivery roadmaps from a data perspective, including ‘as is’, ‘to be’ and transitional states.
• Help 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 national leads providing specialist input to priority projects including data basics, trustworthy data, data storage, information management and reaching FAIR principles.
• Lead, coach and develop others, sharing technical knowledge and setting work direction.
• Carry out horizon scanning across industry, identifying emerging trends and their potential impact and opportunity for the organisation.

Team and Role Context

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 and Qualifications

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).

Employment Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Engineering and Information Technology

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