Data Manager

About us

We are an arms length body of the Welsh Government, responsible for the strategy, funding and oversight of:

• further education
• higher education including research and innovation;
• apprenticeships
• adult community learning; and local authority maintained school sixth forms.

We work in close collaboration with our partners to enable a tertiary education and research system which is centred around the needs of learners; society; and economy with excellence, equality and engagement at its heart.

Our values really matter to us, they help shape the culture of our organisation:

• Dysgu (to learn; to teach; to educate) - learning is at the heart of everything we do. We believe curiosity fuels innovation and helps expand our horizons.
• Cydweithio (to work together; to collaborate; to co-operate) - we can achieve far more together than we ever could alone.
• Cynnwys Pawb (to include everyone; to involve everyone) - we are passionate about inclusion, seeking to create the right conditions for everyone to achieve their full potential.
• Rhagori (to exceed; to excel) - we have high aspirations for tertiary education and research in Wales and always set high standards for ourselves to be the best we can be.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and accredited as a Living Wage employer.

Location

Our headquarters is in 2, Capital Quarter, Cardiff, which has been specifically designed to meet our needs. This is where most colleagues will meet to collaborate, both with each other and with stakeholders.

As we operate across Wales, we also have limited office and collaboration space in Welsh Government offices in Llandudno Junction, Aberystwyth, Swansea and Merthyr Tydfil.

Main purpose of the job

The Data Manager ensures the accuracy, completeness and integrity of Medrs post‑16 education data by delivering day‑to‑day data quality processes, validations and issue resolution. Working under the direction of the Senior Data Manager, the post holder operates the routine data quality controls for Post-16 Data Collection System and associated applications, provides support to data providers and internal colleagues, and produces clear operational insight and MI to inform decision‑making.

The role contributes to the annual Post‑16 Data Collection System change cycle and to continuous service improvement, with a focus on effective delivery and data quality.

You will work closely with Medr business areas, data providers, and software houses to ensure data submitted to Medr is complete, timely and accurate, and that issues are identified and resolved promptly.

What you will be doing

Your key responsibilities will be:

Operational data quality and controls

• Run daily/weekly/monthly validation checks to ensure data accuracy, completeness, timeliness and consistency across Post-16 Data Collection System related datasets and across educational sectors
• Investigate and resolve data quality issues; document root cause, corrective action and preventive action; escalate material risks to the Senior Data Manager.
• Maintain, review, and improve data quality rules, procedures, and operational documentation.

Provider support and Incident management

• Regularly review, maintain and continuously improve data quality rules, processes, and supporting documentation
• Provide guidance to providers and software houses on submission standards, validation errors and corrective actions.
• Maintain an issues log (triage, prioritisation, resolution, closure) and produce status updates for stakeholders.
• Support communication activities, including preparing updates, guidance materials, FAQs and briefing notes for external stakeholders.

Annual and mid-year change cycles

• Collate and document business requirements, priorities, risks and impacts from internal teams for the Post-16 Data Collection System change cycle.
• Prepare and update change specifications, working closely with internal and external development teams to ensure requirements are correctly understood and implemented with minimum disruption and meet data quality standards.
• Support testing of changes (e.g. UAT), ensuring updates are implemented smoothly and communicated effectively to stakeholders.
• Plan and monitor project timelines with internal and external stakeholders to ensure changes are delivered on schedule and with minimal impact on providers.

Reporting and management information

• Use data quality analysis, requests and reported incidents to provide operational insights to the Senior Data Manager and Medr business users, supporting planning and decision-making.
• Build and maintain data quality reports that highlight trends, recurring issues, and areas requiring improvement.

Governance, standards and compliance

• Support compliance activities (DPA, data sharing schedules, retention and audit readiness) by supplying accurate operational evidence.
• Promote the consistent application of data standards and naming/definition conventions.
• Ensure all Post16 Data Collection System documentation is up to date and relevant

Dataset Administration and Operations

• Support the Senior Database Manager with the administration, maintenance, and day-to-day operation of all Medr datasets, including data loads, issue resolution and routine operational activities, as required.

Leadership

• Provide day‑to‑day support, coaching and quality assurance for the Data Analyst.
• Foster a supportive, inclusive, improvement‑focused team culture.

Key challenges you will face

• Maintaining high data quality across complex, multi‑source datasets with varying levels of data provider literacy and capability.
• Resolving data issues promptly while balancing competing priorities.
• Translating technical requirements into clear, practical guidance that non‑technical stakeholders can understand and apply.
• Driving continuous improvement without compromising the delivery of day‑to‑day responsibilities and deadlines.
• Support the Senior Data Manager in leading in the development and implementation of a new data collection system

About your team

The Digital Directorate within Medr spans three core areas: Development, Information Systems, and IT Security & Technical Services. Together, we design and manage systems, develop applications and ensure robust security, governance and compliance is in place.

The Data Manager will report directly to the Senior Data Manager who leads a team of two Data Managers and a Data Analyst.

About your line manager

Bernie Page Senior Data Manager.

Bernies current role is responsible for overseeing the management of Medrs post-16 education data processes and ensuring that data management priorities are met. Bernie transferred from the Post-16 Data Collection System data team in Welsh Government (WG) to Medrs Digital Directorate which is responsible for Medrs digital, data and technical services.

Before moving to Medr, Bernie has had a wide ranging career in WG, undertaking roles in

• Technical support for telecoms and Information systems
• A developer on the agriculture inspections systems
• Internal auditor
• Data Manager

Bernie supports the Head of Information Systems in providing secure, robust, digital, data and technical services for Medr.

What you will bring

Attributes

• Resilient - You lead with resilience in times of uncertainty and change, inspiring your team to persevere despite obstacles.
• Humility - You listen to diverse perspectives and incorporate feedback into decision-making.
• Empathetic - You promote a culture of empathy and inclusivity, where every voice is heard and respected.
• Accountable - You address non-collaborative behaviour promptly and effectively, promoting a culture of accountability and respect.

Experience

• Experience with Data Management: Proven experience in managing complex data systems with focus on data integrity, accuracy, and consistency.
• Proficiency in SQL: Strong SQL skills to extract, analyse, and troubleshoot data, ensuring that any data quality issues are addressed efficiently. You will use SQL daily for data management, monitoring, and reporting to ensure high data management standards.

Welsh language requirements

We have evaluated that the Welsh language requirements for this post are:

Welsh desirable means that while having Welsh language skills is useful for the role, it is not an assessment criterion, so it wont disadvantage you during recruitment if you dont currently possess these skills.