The Student Record System Programme is replacing Cardiff Metropolitan University’s current system with a modern, cloud-based platform that will transform how we manage the full student lifecycle.
A new system is only as good as the data within it, and making sure every student record arrives accurately and safely is precisely what this role is about.
In this role, you will be responsible for the execution of data migration activity, ensuring that student data is accurately and safely transferred from our legacy system (QLS) to the new Student Record System ahead of go-live.
You will take the agreed migration strategy from analysis through to cutover, covering data profiling, mapping, extraction, transformation, cleansing, loading and validation, and protecting the integrity and continuity of student records throughout the transition.
You will work closely with subject matter experts across student records, registry, admissions and academic schools, as well as Digital Services and system suppliers, turning complex legacy data into a clean, reconciled dataset ready for go-live.
You’ll lead the way by:
- Analysing data held in the current student record system (QLS), identifying data quality issues, gaps and risks ahead of migration.
- Undertaking data mapping between the legacy and new systems, and producing data dictionaries, mapping specifications, transformation rules and cutover runbooks for stakeholder sign-off.
- Building, testing and iterating migration scripts and transformation routines, ensuring data is cleansed, standardised and fit for purpose before each migration run.
- Executing multiple migration rehearsal runs, resolving issues iteratively and maintaining a migration issue log with clear owners and resolution timescales.
- Carrying out validation and reconciliation at each stage to verify the accuracy, completeness and integrity of migrated data, and supporting source data cleansing with operational teams.
- Contributing to programme cutover planning on sequencing, timescales and dependencies, and reporting migration progress, risks, issues and readiness to the PMO.
What you’ll bring
You will be an analytical, detail-focused individual with demonstrable experience of significantly contributing to data migration projects. You will be comfortable profiling source data, writing and iterating migration scripts in SQL or an equivalent query language, and running repeated rehearsals until the data is right, while explaining complex data concepts clearly to colleagues who may not share your technical background.
You will bring a sound understanding of data governance, data protection and information security as they apply to sensitive personal data, the discipline to document your work thoroughly, and the collaborative instincts needed to work with technical and business teams to resolve data quality issues.
A degree-level qualification in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Management or a related technical discipline (or equivalent professional experience) is essential.
Experience of data migration in higher education, familiarity with student record data and regulatory reporting such as HESA, experience of ERP or similar enterprise systems, and a relevant data certification (e.g. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer, BCS Certificate in Data Management) would be an advantage.
You will also have:
- Demonstrable experience of significantly contributing to data migration projects, including data profiling, extraction, transformation, loading and validation.
- Experience of executing data mapping specifications between source and target systems, with a strong understanding of data structures, field-level mapping and transformation rules.
- Proficiency in SQL or equivalent query languages for data analysis, extraction and validation, including writing and iterating migration scripts.
- Experience of managing iterative migration rehearsal runs, maintaining an issue log, and defining and executing data validation and reconciliation processes.
- Experience of producing clear data migration documentation, including data dictionaries, mapping specifications, transformation rules and cutover runbooks.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, with experience of working alongside SMEs, operational teams and suppliers, and reporting progress, risks and issues in a timely manner.
Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?
We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you’ll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.
We offer excellent benefits such as:
- Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous contributions.
- Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hub page.
- Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
- Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
- Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.
Contact Us
For more information about the role please contact Dan Allsobrook on DAllsobrook@cardiffmet.ac.uk.
All applications must be submitted online.
The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application. You can find useful hints and tips about how to apply by visiting our Application Guidance page.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.
All applicants with disabilities, or those who are part of the Armed Forces community who during the shortlisting process meet the essential criteria for the role will be progressed to the next stage.
The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.