DIGI2AL is a founder and employee-owned defence-focused digital services consultancy. A vendor-agnostic UK Crown Commercial Services accredited supplier, we have delivered over 120 cloud-hosted digital services across the public sector, working in partnership with clients to research and develop outcomes and services spanning artificial intelligence, data science, low code and complex code software engineering, cyber security, cloud engineering, and user-centred design.
DIGI2AL seeks an experienced Enterprise Architect / Head of Technology / Principal architect who will initially take on responsibility for the tech roadmap in the Royal Navy (RN)'s Data and Navy Applications software house. This is a large scale, multi-year delivery programme building solutions for thousands of uniformed personnel and crown servants.
The successful candidate will probably already be running multiple teams in a complex ecosystem, aspiring towards a CTO type role. They will have experience in through-life delivery, supporting clients with complex and low-code, data and cyber security. Knowledge of the relevant SaaS platforms (Palantir Foundry, Microsoft Power Platform) and modern development ecosystems is essential, with understanding in Python, TypeScript, React, and Database technologies running on DevOps platforms (including Docker / Kubernetes, GitHub Actions, and Tekton). Experience with Defence's digital transformation would be an advantage.
The Head of Technology in Navy Digital's DNA organisation is accountable for ensuring that the organisation's technology landscape is strategically aligned with RN digital objectives, wider MoD priorities, and enterprise architecture principles. This role provides technical direction, governance, and assurance, ensuring that digital products and services are delivered to robust standards of security, scalability, and maintainability. The role focuses on enabling delivery of digital products and services for the RN by championing agile methodologies, implementing best practices, establishing a robust and secure technical environment.
Technical planning and execution
Enabling the execution of DNA's technical delivery, ensuring that initiatives are prioritised effectively, risks are managed, and teams are equipped to deliver high-quality solutions.
Ensure that technical initiatives contribute to the long-term sustainability of DNA's technology landscape, reducing technical debt and optimising system maintainability.
Influence organisational planning and investment decisions, ensuring that technology considerations are embedded within broader business discussions.
Lead the development and implementation of IT asset management processes and procedures, ensuring effective tracking, maintenance, and security of assets. Establish clear guidelines for IT asset management, ensuring compliance with relevant MoD policies and standards.
Establish and enforce technical governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with MoD policies, security requirements, and enterprise architecture standards.
Lead the long-term management of DNA's technology assets, ensuring that lifecycle planning, security, and maintainability are proactively managed.
Advocate for and secure the necessary resources, funding, and tools to support the effective delivery and operation of digital products and services.
Embed continuous improvement principles within the technical landscape, ensuring that technical decisions support long-term agility and efficiency. Drive the adoption of best practices and standards that promote long-term sustainability and efficiency.
Establish and oversee technical assurance frameworks, ensuring that digital solutions meet security, quality, performance, and compliance requirements.
Own and manage technical risks, proactively identifying and mitigating issues that could impact service delivery or compliance.
Ensure that all technology-driven change is managed in a controlled and transparent manner, balancing innovation with stability and risk management.
Provide accountability for technical decision-making, ensuring that technology investments deliver measurable business value.
Shape and influence the adoption of modern development practices, tools, and technologies to enhance efficiency, quality, and innovation. Drive the adoption of standardised tooling, automation, and architectural patterns to improve delivery efficiency and long-term maintainability.
Provide technology advice to DNA Exec and external stakeholders.
Act as the key technical representative for DNA, influencing senior stakeholders across the RN and MoD and building strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders across the RN and MoD.
Communicate technical plans, priorities, and risks effectively to non-technical stakeholders, senior executives, and governance bodies. Collaborate with business leaders to translate strategic objectives into actionable technical plans, ensuring alignment between business and technology.
Build strong relationships with external technology partners, defence contractors, and suppliers, ensuring that third-party engagements align with DNA's technical direction.
Top 3 qualities needed for this role
# Hybrid role working in Portsmouth (2-3 days per week) and from home with some travel to the London office.
At Digi2al, we are dedicated to supporting the well-being of our employees through a comprehensive benefits package. This document provides an overview of the key benefits available to you, including healthcare, financial support, and professional development opportunities.
~25 days holiday increasing annually up to a maximum of 30 days
~ Support for flexible working
~2 paid charity days a year
~ Competitive salary
~16 weeks of full pay Maternity leave
~2 weeks full pay Paternity leave
~ Annual bonus - all employees are eligible (following successful completion of probationary period) - level varies by position and is dependent on company performance
~ Discretionary bonus for exceptional performance
~5% matched pension
~ Support with your professional development including training and certifications and attendance at conferences
~ Diverse and interesting projects which give you an opportunity to make a difference
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