Reference Data Manager in Cardiff

Do you want to play a key role in managing and improving critical data that supports national operations and policy? If so, we would love to hear from you! APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions. We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.

We are looking for a Reference Data Manager to join our Data and Information Unit. This role aligns within the Government Digital & Data (GDD) profession, with a focus on data management, governance, and analysis. You will take responsibility for the management and quality of reference data assets, ensuring they are accurate, consistent, and aligned to business, policy, and legislative requirements. You will work across data, digital and policy teams, helping ensure data is trusted and effectively used to support decision-making and operational delivery.

You Will Be Required To Carry Out Duties Appropriate To The Grade And Purpose Of The Role Including, But Not Limited To, The Following:

• Data management and governance
  • Own and manage reference data assets, ensuring accuracy, consistency and compliance with standards
  • Apply and promote data governance frameworks, including data standards, validation and controls
  • Lead the implementation of reference and master data management practices
  • Plan and oversee data quality audits, ensuring issues are identified and resolved
• Data analysis and insight
  • Analyse complex datasets to produce management information and actionable insights
  • Validate, transform and manage data using tools such as Excel
  • Support forecasting, reporting and operational decision-making
• Service delivery and continuous improvement
  • Ensure delivery of data services in line with business plans, service line agreements (SLAs) and operational priorities
  • Identify and drive improvements to data processes, systems and data flows
  • Promote best practice and continuous improvement across data activities
  • Build and manage relationships with policy teams, digital teams and external partners
  • Communicate complex data issues clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
  • Act as a subject matter expert for reference data (e.g. commodity/trade data)
  • Ensure alignment of data practices across APHA, Defra and delivery partners
• Leadership
  • Provide direction, guidance and support to colleagues on data processes, tools and standards
  • Contribute to team planning and prioritisation
  • Promote a culture of data quality, collaboration and continuous learning

Person specification

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Experience working in a data-focused role, managing or analysing complex datasets
• Experience of improving data quality, standards or governance processes
• Experience of working with structured and/or unstructured data
• Experience of data quality management and validation techniques
• Knowledge of data governance principles, including standards and controls
• Understanding of data structures, relationships and database concepts, with the ability to analyse and manipulate data using a range of tools (e.g. Excel).

Alongside your salary of £34,765, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £10,071 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30. An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities tailored to your role. Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts. Staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme. Making it work for you - With so many flexible options, most people can find a work schedule to suit their circumstances.