Data Architect; Metadata - DESNZ - SEO

Join to apply for the Data Architect (Metadata) - DESNZ - SEO role at Manchester Digital

Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, London, Salford

DESNZ – Do you want a career where you can make a real difference? Do you want to work at the forefront of current policy making decisions? Do you want to have an impact on the UK and beyond? If yes, then a career at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) could be for you.

Here at DESNZ we are delivering our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower, with clean electricity by 2030 and accelerating the UK’s journey to net zero. Our work is helping ensure clean energy for all, keep bills down and seize the opportunities to lead the world in new green industries, taking back control of our energy with Great British Energy and encouraging greater energy efficiency across the UK.

The work of the department has never been more timely or relevant, and by joining us you will be part of making that difference.

Our work is varied, interesting and most importantly it’s impactful. Our DESNZ Values are interwoven into everything we do; we are bold, we are collaborative, we are inclusive, and we learn. As a department we are committed to these values to build a culture where everyone can thrive.

We offer great working benefits including a world‑class pension, flexible working options and a career where your learning and development is taken seriously. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.

We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application and interview process. You can sign up for upcoming events here:

You can also follow our Linked In Careers Page:

We’re looking for a Data Architect (Metadata) to support the development and rollout of the DESNZ data catalogue using Microsoft Purview. This role sits within the Central Data Architecture team in the Central Data Office and is key to delivering the department’s Data Improvement Plan.

You’ll be responsible for metadata, data, glossary, and policy management to build, populate, and maintain the data catalogue. The goal is to improve data discovery, classification, governance, compliance, and reuse across DESNZ. This includes alignment with the central government data catalogue vocabulary and aspirations. You will also support DESNZ data architecture is running its governance processes and developments in the space of Master and Reference data management.

This work supports our broader mission to enable better data‑driven decisions, support continuous improvement, and enable reporting on the path to Net Zero.

• Lead the development, population, and embedding of the DESNZ data catalogue to democratise data across the department and streamline discovery of the data.
• Collaborate with various teams across Central Data Office, ISS Digital, Analysis Directorate and other functions to ensure the data catalogue meets the needs of all users.
• Design and maintain standardised metadata repositories to accurately document data usage activities across systems. Develop automated tools and dashboards to enhance visibility and support compliance, collaborating with data owners and managers to keep metadata up to date.
• Embed comprehensive data management information into the departmental data catalogue to ensure transparency and accessibility for all users. Support informed and compliant data use by making data management practices easily discoverable across the department.
• Enhance data management practices in DESNZ by analysing current processes and recommending improvements. Promote a positive culture continuous…