4050 - Head of Digital, Data & Technology for the Disused Tips Authority

• Details
• Reference number
• 475815
• Salary
• £61,098 - £78,449

Starting salary: £61,098 per annum. The role sits within a pay range that extends to £78,449, with progression subject to the Authority's pay arrangements.

Please note that, whilst these roles will initially be hosted by the Welsh Government, posts within the Disused Tips Authority are subject to the Authority's own pay and reward arrangements. The Welsh Government salary scales displayed alongside this vacancy do not apply to these roles.

For candidates who can demonstrate exceptional skills, experience and expertise, there may be scope to appoint above the advertised starting salary, up to the maximum of the approved pay range, subject to the Authority's pay arrangements and relevant approvals.

GBP

• Job grade
• Grade 7
• Contract type
• Permanent
• Secondment
• Length of employment
• up yo 2 years
• Business area
• Local Government, Housing, Rural Resilience & Sustainability Group
• Type of role
• Digital
• Information Technology
• Working pattern
• Full-time
• Number of jobs available
• 1
• Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

Location

Merthyr Tydfil (DTA Headquarters). The Disused Tips Authority's headquarters will be based in Merthyr Tydfil. When the Authority is established on 1 April 2027, a number of regional hubs will also be available across Wales; however, Merthyr Tydfil will remain the organisation's headquarters

About the job

Job summary

Important: The Disused Tips Authority for Wales will be established as an independent Welsh Public Body and separate legal entity on 1 April 2027 . Until then, these roles will be hosted by the Welsh Government, providing a unique opportunity to help create and shape a new national organisation from the outset.

Successful candidates will initially be employed by the Welsh Government before transferring to the Disused Tips Authority when it becomes operational on 1 April 2027 , with continuity of employment maintained throughout.

The Disused Tips Authority is a separate organisation from the Welsh Government. Please disregard any Welsh Government guidance, policies or recruitment information linked within this advert and refer to the accompanying Candidate Information Pack for information relevant to this vacancy.

To learn more about the Authority's purpose, ambitions, culture, values, benefits and recruitment journey, please review the Candidate Information Pack and recruitment video.

Help build a new public body for Wales: Disused Tips Authority for Wales

General Candidate Information Pack - 2026 Recruitment Campaign

This is a unique opportunity to establish the digital foundations of a new national organisation, helping create an Authority that is modern, digitally enabled and recognised for the quality of its information, technology and operational excellence.

Help build the digital, data and technology capability behind one of Wales' newest public bodies.

The Disused Tips Authority for Wales is being established as the national public body responsible for overseeing the safety, management and regulation of disused tips across Wales. Operating in a high-profile, safety-critical environment, our success will depend on reliable digital services, trusted information and technology that enables confident, evidence-based decision making.

As Head of Digital, Data & Technology , you will play a critical leadership role in delivering the Authority's digital, data and technology capability. You will ensure colleagues have the systems, information and digital services they need to deliver the Authority's statutory responsibilities while creating modern, secure and efficient ways of working.

Job description

This is a broad strategic delivery role. Working closely with the Director of Data & Assurance, you will lead the implementation of the Authority's Digital, Data & Technology Strategy, overseeing enterprise systems, digital services, national registers, information management, analytics and technology services. You will also manage the Authority's technology suppliers and service providers, ensuring services are resilient, innovative, cost-effective and aligned to organisational priorities.

Beyond the organisation itself, you will work collaboratively with government, local authorities, technology providers, academia and other partners to strengthen digital capability, improve information sharing and support the Authority's ambition to become a recognised centre of excellence in the intelligent use of data and technology.

The role is both inward and outward facing:

• Internally , you will create a digitally enabled organisation where colleagues have access to reliable systems, trusted information and intuitive digital services that support effective operational delivery and evidence-based decision making.
• Externally , you will build productive relationships with technology suppliers, delivery partners and public sector organisations to promote collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

Person specification

Key Tasks

Delivering digital services and technology

You'll lead the delivery of the Authority's Digital, Data & Technology Strategy, ensuring digital services, enterprise systems and technology platforms support organisational priorities and enable the effective delivery of statutory responsibilities.

You'll oversee the development, implementation and continual improvement of digital services, ensuring systems are reliable, integrated, secure and designed around the needs of users.

Managing enterprise systems

You'll be responsible for the performance, resilience and continuous improvement of the Authority's enterprise technology estate, including business applications, collaboration platforms, operational systems and digital tools.

You'll ensure technology supports efficient business processes, improves user experience and enables effective organisational performance.

Managing technology suppliers and contracts

You'll lead the procurement, mobilisation and day-to-day management of technology suppliers, managed service providers and digital contracts.

You'll ensure suppliers deliver high-quality services, meet agreed service levels, represent value for money and continually improve performance while maintaining effective commercial relationships.

Managing data and information

You'll lead the operational management of the Authority's information assets, ensuring national registers, operational systems and organisational data are accurate, secure, integrated and maintained as trusted sources of information.

You'll oversee data quality, information governance and system integrity, working closely with the Data Protection Officer and other colleagues to ensure compliance with legislative and organisational requirements.

Developing analytics and business intelligence

You'll develop the Authority's reporting, analytics and business intelligence capability, ensuring operational teams and senior leaders have timely, meaningful and reliable information to support operational delivery, organisational performance and evidence-based decision making.

Delivering digital transformation

You'll identify opportunities to improve organisational effectiveness through digital technologies, automation and process improvement.

Working collaboratively across the Authority, you'll lead digital change initiatives that simplify processes, improve customer experience and enhance organisational capability.

Supporting innovation

You'll work with technology providers, academia and public sector partners to identify emerging technologies and digital solutions that improve monitoring, information management and operational delivery.

You'll support the Authority's ambition to become a recognised centre of excellence through the practical application of digital innovation and continuous improvement.

Leading a high-performing function

You'll build and lead a modern, customer-focused Digital, Data & Technology function, creating an environment where specialists are supported to develop professionally, collaborate effectively and deliver outstanding services across the organisation.

Successful candidates will hold a degree in Digital, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Management, Data Science, GIS or a related discipline, or be able to demonstrate significant relevant experience leading digital, technology, information or data services within complex organisations.

Technical Capabilities

Important: The technical capabilities listed below will be assessed throughout the selection process. Please refer to these capabilities when preparing your application and provide evidence of how you meet them through your qualifications, skills and experience.

Digital Service Leadership

• Delivering organisation-wide digital, data and technology services that support organisational priorities and statutory responsibilities.
• Translating strategic direction into practical digital solutions that improve organisational capability and service delivery.

Enterprise Systems & Technology Management

• Leading the implementation, management and continuous improvement of enterprise systems, digital platforms and business applications.
• Ensuring technology services are secure, resilient, integrated and aligned to organisational needs.
• Developing technology roadmaps and delivery plans that support organisational growth and continuous improvement.

Supplier & Contract Management

• Procuring, mobilising and managing technology suppliers, managed service providers and digital contracts.
• Managing service level agreements, supplier performance and commercial relationships to ensure high-quality, secure and cost-effective services.
• Driving continuous improvement through effective supplier and contract management.

Data Management & Business Intelligence

• Leading the operational management of organisational data, national registers and information assets.
• Developing reporting, analytics and business intelligence that support operational delivery and organisational performance.
• Promoting high standards of data quality, integrity and accessibility.

Information Governance & Digital Security

• Ensuring digital services and information assets comply with information governance, data protection and security requirements.
• Working with specialist providers to maintain cyber resilience, business continuity and disaster recovery arrangements.

Digital Transformation & Continuous Improvement

• Leading digital transformation initiatives that modernise business processes and improve organisational effectiveness.
• Identifying opportunities to apply technology, automation and innovation to enhance operational delivery and user experience.

Leadership & Professional Judgement

• Providing professional advice and challenge on digital services, technology, supplier management and information management.
• Exercising sound judgement when balancing organisational priorities, technology investment, operational risk and public accountability.

Qualifications

A degree in Digital, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Management, Data Science, GIS, or a related discipline, or can you demonstrate significant relevant experience leading digital, technology, information, or data services within complex organisations

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Our Technical Capabilities Important: Please find our Technical Capabilities noted under Key Tasks
• Please describe the qualifications, professional memberships, chartership and relevant experience you hold that demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for this role.

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Experience and Technical skills.

Welsh Government, like all other Government Departments use Success Profiles when we recruit. For each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job. It raises performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.

The selection process and stages are:

Number of Stages:

• 2 stage process
• Stage 1
• Application Form
• Stage 2
• Interview

Stage One – Application Applying for a role with us is straightforward.

You will be asked to provide:

• A CV
• A Personal Statement (maximum 1,250 words)

Your CV should provide an overview of your career history, including your current and previous roles, key responsibilities, achievements, qualifications and any relevant professional memberships. It should give us a clear understanding of your experience and career progression but does not need to repeat the evidence provided in your personal statement.

Your personal statement should be structured around the technical capabilities outlined in the online job advert. Please explain how your knowledge, skills and experience demonstrate your ability to meet these requirements. You do not need to address every bullet point individually. Instead, provide relevant examples that demonstrate your capability across the key technical areas.

We encourage you to draw on a range of experiences and clearly describe your personal contribution, the actions you took, the outcomes you achieved and the impact you had.

Assessment Weightings

Where more than one appointable candidate is identified, the following criteria will be applied in the order listed below:

• Demonstration of our values, including trust-building and alignment with the organisation's purpose and culture.
• Technical capability across digital service leadership, enterprise systems, technology delivery, data and information management, supplier management, digital transformation, and information governance.
• Relevant experience leading high-performing teams, delivering strategic digital and technology outcomes, managing organisational change, and providing professional advice and judgement in complex environments.
• Desirable criteria listed below.
• Welsh language skills.

Additional Assessment Activities

A presentation on Technical Competence will be required at Interview. More information will be provided in the invitations to that stage.

In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: technical capabilities. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

A degree in Digital, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Management, Data Science, GIS, or a related discipline, or can you demonstrate significant relevant experience leading digital, technology, information, or data services within complex organisations

Our Values

We assess candidates against our TIPS values: Trust-Building, Integrity-Led, Purpose-Driven and Skilled & Collaborative. Full details of our values and culture can be found in the Candidate Information Pack.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for these opportunities. Candidates offered reserve status will remain on the reserve list until the Disused Tips Authority is established in April 2027. Those placed on the reserve list will only be considered for opportunities within the Disused Tips Authority and will not be considered for Welsh Government vacancies.

Desirable

The following qualities are desirable and will only be considered where two or more candidates achieve the same score at the application or interview stage.

• It would be desirable for candidates to hold a professional qualification or membership of a relevant professional body, such as BCS, FEDIP, CILIP, DAMA or an equivalent organisation, and to have demonstrable experience of leading digital services, enterprise technology, supplier management or information functions within the public sector or other complex, regulated organisations.
• Welsh Language Ability. The Disused Tips Authority is committed to operating as a bilingual organisation and providing services in both Welsh and English. We want our workforce to reflect the communities we serve and play an active role in promoting and normalising the use of Welsh in the workplace.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Disused Tips Authority
• Email : DisusedTipsAuthorityJobs@gov.wales

Recruitment team

• Email : SharedServiceHelpdesk@gov.wales

Further information

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. Please see the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles on the Commission's website.

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and wish to make a complaint please email complaints@gov.wales. Please ensure that you refer to the vacancy reference number.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Welsh Government, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: info@csc.gov.uk