Data, AI & Augmentation Lead in Newport

The Data, AI & Automation Specialist (Lead) delivers high quality data, digital and automation capability that enables confident commercial decision making across procurement. The role applies specialist knowledge of data, systems and automation to ensure information and tools are accurate, reliable and trusted.

Through hands on delivery and refinement of data and digital solutions, the role strengthens how procurement uses systems, data and automation in practice, ensuring outputs are usable, consistent and adopted.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Deliver and support supply chain digitisation improvements that simplify processes, reduce manual effort and improve data quality across procurement.
• Implement and embed digital and automation solutions in line with Welsh Water best practice, so they operate reliably in day to day procurement activity.
• Take responsibility for making digitised processes work in practice, intervening where tools or automation are not delivering the intended outcome.
• Monitor adoption and performance of digital solutions and automation solutions and drive improvements where quality or usability falls short.
• Support configuration, maintain and improve procurement systems so workflows, controls and data capture operate as intended.
• Manage day to day system configuration, user access, permissions and automation within agreed standards.
• Identify and work with ITS colleagues as appropriate to resolve system issues that affect data integrity, usability or control effectiveness.
• Maintain system configuration and control documentation so processes are repeatable, auditable and understood.
• Maintain the quality of procurement and supplier data so it is accurate, complete and trusted.
• Apply data quality rules and standards in practice, correcting issues at source rather than relying on downstream fixes.
• Identify recurring data quality issues and take action to improve how data is captured and maintained.
• Ensure data supports reporting, controls and commercial intelligence without manual correction.
• Support vendor onboarding processes by ensuring systems, data and digital steps work smoothly and consistently.
• Resolve onboarding related data or system issues that disrupt supplier experience or internal processes.
• Act as a Data Steward for supplier and procurement data, applying data quality policies and standards in practice and maintaining the accuracy, completeness and usability of data.

About you:

The following are essential requirements for the recruitment of the role:

• Qualifications: Degree level or equivalent professional experience in a commercial, analytical, economics, data or procurement-related discipline.
• Experience: Experience of working with data, digital or AI delivering measurable improvement in systems, controls or insight.
• Knowledge & Skills: Working knowledge of data governance, data quality and data architecture; Knowledge of digital procurement systems.

Good to know:

Please note, we may close this role sooner if required. We may also extend the original closing date depending on interest. Due to the nature of the industry, we require satisfactory references, post offer medical clearance, and a criminal records Basic Disclosure check on all new employees joining the business. For some roles there may be additional checks and security clearance required, and this offer is subject to all checks being satisfied.

Flexible Working:

We support flexible working where possible, taking into consideration business and operational needs. If you have any specific requirements, we'd welcome a conversation with you during the recruitment process.

As well as a market competitive salary, 34 days annual leave (pro rata, 26 days + 8 public holiday days), we offer a range of employee benefits and rewards including:

• Variable pay schemes (your salary band will remain the same, but performance depending, you could receive an incremental within-band increase and a yearly incentive).
• Option to buy additional annual leave up to 5 days per year.
• Enhanced employer pension contributions – Up to 11% employer contributions.
• Enhanced family friendly policies.
• Progression opportunities, including the ability to apply for funded training and coaching and mentoring programmes.
• Gym and fitness discounts as well as high street shopping.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discount off all Welsh Water visitor attraction centres and gift shops.
• Car-leasing scheme and free on-site parking at all sites.
• Health CashBack scheme and access to an online GP service.
• An employee assistance programme for employees and their immediate family.
• Many more can be found on our website!