Salary: £65,000 - 65,000 per year Requirements: We require a degree or equivalent in a technical ICT-based discipline, with extensive relevant experience in development, application, integration or data development. We require experience working in a complex environment and engaging confidently with senior business and IT leadership as well as end users. We require experience leading technical and expert staff, both directly and through professional and matrix structures. We require strong analytical, visualisation and communication skills, with the ability to translate business requirements using analysis and requirements-gathering methods. We require understanding and experience of Agile software development and ITIL support and service frameworks. We require experience using architecture modelling tools such as TOGAF and Zachman. We require the ability to understand, analyse and create models using common approaches and languages such as BPM, UML and ERDs. We require extensive data architecture experience delivering solutions end to end. We require knowledge and skills that are broad and deep, with the ability to work across complex heterogeneous systems and environments. We require the ability and commitment to remain technically competent in emerging technologies. We require Welsh language ability at Level A1, or a willingness to develop this with our support during employment. We require successful applicants to undergo a satisfactory DBS check. We require eligibility for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship if applicable, with the candidate still meeting all UK visa requirements. Responsibilities: We set the architectural direction for digital and technology solutions across our organisation. We make the definitive decisions on data architecture and approve all designs. We oversee the effectiveness of our technical governance functions and ensure alignment to our DDaT strategy. We lead and are accountable for our data architecture, data models, integration patterns and data standards across our ICT systems. We direct the technical and architectural work of our Lead Data Engineer. We contribute to our DDaT Data Strategy and lead much of its development, ensuring target operating models align with our digital strategy, security strategy and DDaT services. We create and maintain our Data Target Operating Model, associated product roadmaps and technical policies that protect its integrity. We stay technically current on emerging technologies and assess whether supplier roadmaps can meet our needs in time. We lead the initial solution data concept and design and oversee technical implementation through delivery. We design technical solutions and ensure all technical designs follow our Enterprise Architecture framework and best practice. We provide and manage TOGAF artefacts, including high-level and low-level design, and lead implementation of physical, virtual, cloud and managed service or SaaS solutions. We work closely with stakeholders and the business to ensure solution quality at all stages of the system lifecycle. We provide data architecture guidance across application, integration, data and technology initiatives. We develop and maintain architecture documentation covering current and future states across infrastructure, data, service and application layers. We take part in incident response activities when required. We undertake health and safety duties appropriate to the post. We support our equal opportunities and diversity commitments. We continue our own development and support the development of our staff through our personal development planning process. We perform any other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade of the role. Technologies: Architect Cloud ICT Support ITIL Matrix Security TOGAF UML More: We are Natural Resources Wales and we are seeking an experienced Principal Data Architect to help shape how technology enables us to protect and enhance Waless environment. This is a senior technical leadership role within our Digital, Data and Technology function, offering a high level of influence across major transformation initiatives, long-term investment decisions and organisation-wide architecture standards. We work closely with senior leaders, service owners, delivery teams, external partners, public sector organisations and strategic suppliers to deliver consistent, user-centred and value-for-money services. The role includes line management of one Lead Data Engineer and membership of a small, highly skilled architecture team. We support flexible and hybrid working, with the role contracted to an NRW office in South Wales and regular face-to-face meetings planned in advance. We offer a range of benefits including the Civil Service Pension Scheme with employer contributions of 28.97%, 28 days annual leave rising to 33 days, commitment to professional development, and health and wellbeing support including a weekly wellbeing hour. We are committed to equality, diversity and bilingual working, and we encourage applications from under-represented communities. We also support Welsh language development and offer learning options for staff who need to build their skills. last updated 21 week of 2026