Head of Data Management and Governance

Do you excel at influencing others and providing leadership across business, data, and people management? Are you skilled at data management, promoting strong governance and achieving excellence while guiding your team towards a common strategy?

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is a pivotal executive agency of the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and is dedicated to safeguarding the UK's animal and plant health. With a team of over 3,000 professionals operating across 85 sites including laboratories, offices, and field depots, we are committed to advancing research and regulatory practices that protect both the environment and economy. Our role is critical in maintaining the UK's biosecurity standards alongside facilitating trade worth Billions to the UK economy.

Reporting to the Head of Data and Information Unit within the Strategy, Innovation & Planning Directorate, you will help lead the implementation of APHA's Sustainable Futures Strategy. This is a critical role focusing on transforming the agency into a data-driven organisation that can identify emerging threats, manage risk, and optimise resources to respond to animal and plant disease. The Sustainable Futures strategy represents a significant transformation for APHA, and your leadership will be essential in achieving its objectives. Further details can be found in the attached candidate pack.

The role offers the opportunity to collaborate with senior leaders in a newly established Data and Information Unit. The Head of Data Management and Governance provides strategic leadership in data governance, ensuring compliance with DEFRA and Central Digital & Data Office (CDDO) standards, while driving APHA's data strategy, performance, and business objectives. This senior role involves leading the establishment of policies, managing data risks, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.

The Head of Data Management is a senior, strategic delivery role requiring a talented and driven individual. With your expertise, you will guide APHA in transforming its data strategy in line with secure governance ensuring best practices are followed and you'll play a key role in improving data management and exploitation across the agency.