Principal Data Architect

Job Description

Natural Resources Wales is looking for an experienced Principal Data Architect to play a pivotal role in shaping how technology enables our organisation to protect and enhance Wales's environment.

This is a senior technical leadership role, working at the heart of our Digital, Data and Technology function. You will be responsible for setting the architectural direction for digital and technology solutions across the organisation, ensuring they align with our digital strategy, customer priorities and future ways of working. Your work will directly influence major transformation initiatives and long-term investment decisions, balancing opportunity, risk and value for money.

Working closely with senior leaders, service owners and delivery teams, you will provide architectural direction across a broad portfolio of change, including customer-focused digital services and large-scale transformation initiatives.

You will play a key role in shaping common building blocks and standards that enable consistent, high-quality services, supporting a shift towards more joined-up, user-centred ways of working. The role involves significant collaboration with external partners and strategic suppliers, as well as public sector organisations and delivery partners. You will help ensure that technology choices support partnership working, data sharing and interoperability, while protecting the integrity of NRW's technical landscape and delivering value for money.

You will also work with major technology vendors, understanding and influencing their product roadmaps to ensure they meet NRW's needs over the long term. You will be part of a small, highly skilled architecture team, providing technical leadership and assurance across the full lifecycle of digital services – from early concept and design through to delivery and live operation.

This role will line manage one Lead Data Engineer and it carries a high level of influence, guiding internal specialists and third-party suppliers and setting clear expectations for solution quality and alignment.

As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to an NRW office within South Wales and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Ian Johns at ian.johns@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

Interviews will take place on 8 June 2026 through Microsoft Teams