4037 - Director of Data & Assurance for the Disused Tips Authority

Job summary

The Disused Tips Authority (DTA) will become fully operational on 1 April 2027. We are recruiting now for a number of senior leadership roles to help shape the organisation, build its capability and culture, and prepare the Authority to assume its statutory responsibilities from day one.This is a unique opportunity to join the DTA during its formative stages and play a key role in establishing a new public body for Wales.

Important: 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 the information relevant to this vacancy.
Employment Arrangements

As the Disused Tip Authority will not formally exist until 1 April 2027, these roles will initially be hosted by the Welsh Government.Successful candidates will be employed by the Welsh Government until 31 March 2027 while working exclusively on the establishment of the Disused Tip Authority. From 1 April 2027, employees will transfer to the new Authority as it becomes operational.

Throughout this transition, continuity of employment will be maintained. Successful candidates will initially be employed on Welsh Government terms and conditions. The DTA's proposed terms and conditions are included within the Candidate Pack, and employees will have the opportunity to move onto these arrangements following the Authority's establishment.Build Wales’ New National Regulator. Protect Communities. Leave a Lasting Legacy

Everyone in Wales deserves to feel safe from the risks posed by unstable disused tips.

The Disused Tips Authority is being established under the Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Act 2025 to provide national leadership for the safety, management and regulation of disused tips. As Wales' new national regulator, the Authority will deliver a consistent, evidence-led and risk-based approach to managing disused tip risk and helping to protect communities across Wales.

Within this context, the Director of Data & Assurance plays a pivotal executive leadership role in ensuring that the Authority understands risk clearly, acts on evidence confidently, and demonstrates that risks are being actively managed across Wales.

Job description

This role is fundamental to creating an organisation where:

• The national risk position is clearly understood and communicated
• Data is accurate, trusted and informs all decision-making
• Technology enables effective monitoring and insight
• Management Plans and maintenance programmes are effectively developed and delivered
• The organisation operates as a recognised centre of excellence in data, evidence and technical leadership

As a member of the Executive Team, the postholder plays a critical role in shaping organisational confidence, supporting evidence-based decision-making and reinforcing a culture of accuracy, transparency and continuous learning.

For further information about the organisation, please see: Help build a new public body for Wales: Disused Tips Authority for Wales

For full details of the role, the assessment process, and guidance on what to expect at each stage of selection, please refer to the Candidate Information Pack available at: Director of Data & Assurance Candidate Information Pack - 2026 Recruitment Campaign

Person specification

As Director of Data & Assurance, you will provide executive leadership for the Authority's data, digital, research, standards and assurance functions, ensuring that the organisation has the evidence, intelligence and technical capability required to manage risk effectively and fulfil its statutory responsibilities.

As one of the Authority's founding Executive Directors, you will play a leading role in establishing a new national regulator, shaping both the organisation and the systems that support decision-making, public confidence and long-term resilience across Wales.

You will:

• Lead the development and management of the Authority's national register, data systems and information assets.
• Ensure Wales has a clear, accurate and evidence-based understanding of disused tip risk.
• Provide strategic leadership for digital innovation, research, standards and technical assurance.
• Oversee the development of management plans and maintenance programmes, ensuring they are informed by risk and evidence.
• Provide assurance to the Chief Executive, Board and Welsh Government regarding the Authority's understanding and management of risk.

You will help create a trusted, evidence-led and high-performing public body that provides confidence that disused tip risks across Wales are understood, monitored and managed effectively.

What we're looking for

We're seeking an experienced executive leader with a strong background in data, digital, research, assurance or analytical environments and a proven track record of leading complex functions within safety-critical, regulatory, technical or infrastructure settings.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading data, digital, research or assurance functions.
• Experience managing complex information systems, evidence bases or technical programmes.
• A track record of driving organisational improvement through evidence-based decision-making.
• Experience working with Boards, Government and senior stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, influencing and communication skills.
• A commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement and public service.
• Chartered status or membership of a relevant professional body (for example data, digital, technology, information, engineering or geospatial disciplines) is desirable.

For full details of the role, the assessment process, and guidance on what to expect at each stage of selection, please refer to the Candidate Information Pack available at: Disused Tips Authority for Wales , Candidate Information Pack , 2026 Recruitment Campaign

Qualifications

a degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Data Science, Information Management, Computer Science, Geospatial Analysis, Engineering, Environmental Science, Programme Management or a related field) or significant equivalent professional experience

Technical skills

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

• Data, Intelligence & Evidence-Based Decision MakingLeading data, analytical, intelligence or assurance functions within complex organisations.Using information, evidence and insight to support strategic decision-making ,organisational performance.
• Risk, Assurance & Information Integrity•Developing and maintaining trusted information systems, datasets, registers or assurance frameworks.•Providing confidence in the quality, accuracy and integrity of information used t