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- Tasks: Lead data strategy initiatives to drive meaningful change in rural communities.
- Company: Join the Rural Payments Agency, part of Defra, focused on innovation and data.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to inclusivity and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping a data-led culture in a vital organisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in data management and strong collaboration skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Do you want to be at the forefront of delivering a data strategy to drive meaningful change? We are inviting applications for a Data Strategy Senior Manager to help drive the Rural Payments Agency's Data Strategy objectives, working within the Data and Innovation directorate and in partnership with colleagues across RPA and the wider Defra group. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and provides a range of services to farmers and land managers. It's an exciting moment to join the RPA as we move towards a data-led organisation, rethinking how data, insight and innovation shape the way we serve farmers, land managers and rural communities.
The successful candidate will join a small team with a complex brief. The Defra Chief Data Office (CDO) is committed to delivering a 'whole department' view of data maturity, requiring significant collaboration across RPA teams and liaison across all levels of the business. Using the findings from the 2026 Data Maturity Assessment, the Data Strategy Senior Manager will help the Agency understand data priorities and what they mean in practical terms.
- Support teams to improve how they manage and use data, helping build awareness of the data roadmap, and working with stakeholders to keep things moving in the right direction.
- Lead team analysis of the data maturity assessment.
- Advise on, develop and manage progress of data maturity actions, influencing and engaging teams across the Agency to meet The Defra Chief Data Office (CDO) requirement and wider government priorities including AI readiness.
- Prioritise data roadmap actions through organising and leading the delivery of workshops with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Establish and implement data management governance and standards across the Agency, drawing on best practice from Defra, Arms-Length Bodies (ALBs) and other government partners.
- Develop clear reporting and success measures to communicate progress using tools such as Power BI and Power Automate to add value.
- Support the development of a Data Advisory Service, to ensure RPA colleagues are informed and confident users of data and analysis.
- Champion a positive data culture across RPA.
- Line manage (including remote management).
- Travel between offices as and when required.
About Disability Confident: A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
Data Strategy Senior Manager in Bristol employer: Rural Payments Agency
Contact Detail:
Rural Payments Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Strategy Senior Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Rural Payments Agency on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the RPA's data strategy objectives. We should be ready to discuss how our skills align with their goals and how we can contribute to a data-led culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for data! During interviews, let’s share examples of how we've used data to drive change in previous roles. This will demonstrate our commitment to the role and the agency's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating our enthusiasm for the position can keep us top of mind and show our professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Strategy Senior Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Data Strategy Senior Manager role. We want to see how you can drive meaningful change and contribute to our data-led culture!
Showcase Your Data Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your data management and analysis skills! Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to influence teams and improve data practices.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rural Payments Agency
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest data strategies and trends, especially those relevant to the Rural Payments Agency. Brush up on how data can drive change in agricultural sectors and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to influence decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves significant collaboration across teams, prepare to share experiences where you successfully worked with diverse stakeholders. Highlight your ability to engage and influence others, as well as any workshops or meetings you've led that resulted in positive outcomes.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Governance and Standards
Familiarise yourself with best practices in data management governance. Be prepared to talk about how you would implement these standards within the RPA and how they can enhance data maturity across the agency. Specific examples from your past roles will make your case stronger.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for a Data-Led Culture
Express your enthusiasm for fostering a positive data culture. Think of ways you’ve championed data initiatives in previous roles and how you plan to do the same at RPA. Showing genuine interest in building a data-savvy environment will resonate well with the interviewers.