Data Catalogue Manager

Public Sector Resourcing, managed by AMS; Salisbury; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A government defence agency in Salisbury is seeking a Data Catalogue Manager for a 12-month hybrid contract. Responsibilities include leading the creation of a comprehensive data catalogue, developing governance frameworks, and promoting data literacy. Candidates must possess substantial experience in data management and be eligible for SC Clearance. The role is exclusively for UK Nationals.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in data management and cataloguing within a complex organisation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging senior stakeholders.
• Experience in establishing governance frameworks to maintain data quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and maintenance of a Dstl-wide data catalogue.
• Develop a strategy aligned with digital transformation and MOD initiatives.
• Establish and embed data governance frameworks across the organisation.

Skills

Data management

Interpersonal skills

Governance frameworks

Team collaboration

Innovative solutions

Job description

On behalf of the DSTL, we are looking for a Data Catalogue Manager (Inside IR35) for a 12 Month contract based Hybrid in Salisbury.

DSTL is the Ministry of Defence (MOD)'s science and technology organisation, providing unique expertise, crucial insights and delivering battle-winning solutions for the benefit of the nation and allies. DSTL is one of the principal government organisations dedicated to science and technology in the defence and security field. DSTL supplies specialist and sensitive services to MOD and wider government, working collaboratively with external partners in industry and academia and worldwide, providing expert research, specialist advice and invaluable operational support.

SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks. Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance.

As a Data Catalogue Manager, your main responsibilities will be:

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of a Dstl-wide data catalogue, enhancing data accessibility and governance.
• Develop and implement a long‑term data catalogue strategy aligned with Dstl's digital transformation and MOD data initiatives.
• Establish and embed robust data governance frameworks, policies, and standards across the organisation.
• Develop and oversee quality assurance measures to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
• Drive best practices that improve data integrity, security, and compliance with MOD policies and standards.
• Provide guidance, advice, and training to staff to promote data literacy and a culture of data‑driven decision‑making.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in data management and cataloguing of data assets or services within a complex organisation.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, offering innovative and pragmatic solutions to evolving challenges.
• Demonstrated success in fostering teamwork and collaboration across departments and with external partners.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience in establishing governance and assurance frameworks to maintain data quality and compliance.
• A passion for championing cultural change towards a data‑driven organisation and promoting best practice in data use.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual‑national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DSTL guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.

This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

DSTL guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex‑military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.