Animal and Plant Health Agency
Reference Data Manager
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Reference Data Manager
Location: Bristol, Cardiff, Carlisle, Carmarthen, Crewe, Exeter, Itchen Abbas (Winchester), Leicester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Nottingham, Perth, Preston, York
Working Arrangement: Hybrid Working
About the Role
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!
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an excellent place to work, where our people feel valued, have a voice, and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity as it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions.
APHA is 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.
Job Description
We are seeking a Reference Data Manager to join the Data and Information Unit under the Government Digital & Data (GDD) profession, with a focus on data management, governance, and analysis.
Key Responsibilities:
You will be responsible for the management and quality of reference data assets, ensuring they are accurate, consistent, and aligned with business, policy, and legislative requirements.
This role requires collaboration across data, digital, and policy teams to ensure that data is trusted and effectively utilised for decision-making and operational delivery.
Core Duties (including but not limited to):
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Data Management & Governance
- Own and manage reference data assets, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with external standards
- Apply and promote data governance frameworks (including standards, validation, and controls)
- Lead the implementation of reference and master data management practices
- Plan and oversee data quality audits, resolving identified issues
Data Analysis & 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 & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure delivery of data services aligns with business plans, service line agreements (SLAs), and operational priorities
- Identify and implement improvements in data processes, systems, and data flows
- Promote best practice and continuous improvement across all data activities
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with policy teams, digital teams, and external partners
- Communicate complex data issues to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Act as the 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 practices, tools, and standards
- Contribute to team planning and prioritisation
- Foster a culture of data quality, collaboration, and continuous learning
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Person Specification
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate the following:
- Experience in a data-focused role, including management or analysis of complex datasets
- Proven track record in improving data quality, standards, or governance processes
- Experience working with structured and/or unstructured data
- A strong understanding of data quality management and validation techniques
- Comprehensive knowledge of data governance principles, including standards and controls
- Familiarity with data structures, relationships, and database concepts
- Ability to analyse and manipulate data using tools such as Excel
Benefits
- Salary: £34,765
- Civil Service Pension Contribution: APHA pays an additional £10,071 towards the Defined Benefit Pension scheme
- Annual Leave: 25 days (rising by 1 day each year to a maximum of 30 days)
- Professional Development: Access to tailored learning and development opportunities
- Employee Discounts: Extensive retail, travel, and lifestyle discounts
- Staff Bonuses & Recognition: Opportunities for performance recognition and salary sacrifice benefits
- Flexible Working: A range of flexible options available to suit individual needs
To find out more, visit: Reference Data Manager – Civil Service Jobs – GOV.UK
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