Director Of Data & Assurance

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help establish a new national public body and leave a lasting legacy for the people of Wales.

Build Wales’s New National Regulator. Protect Communities. Leave a Lasting Legacy

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

Salary: £82,089 - £99,500

Location: The Authority's headquarters will be located at Rhydycar Business Park, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ. This will be the principal place of work and where most colleagues will come together to collaborate with one another and with stakeholders. The successful candidate will be expected to attend the office in Merthyr Tydfil regularly to support collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

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.

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.

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:

• 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.
• 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.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help establish a new national public body and leave a lasting legacy for the people of Wales.

For an initial confidential conversation to discuss your suitability in greater detail, please contact us.

Applications are welcomed from people with a diverse range of lived and professional experiences. We are actively committed to becoming an increasingly diverse organisation which represents the diverse communities we serve.