Chief Architect
Are you an Enterprise Architect with the vision and technical leadership to shape the future of DVLA's digital services as Chief Architect? Can you inspire teams and drive architectural strategies that transform how millions interact with DVLA's services? If so, this is your opportunity to be part of one of the most ambitious digital programmes in government!
Hybrid working (minimum 60% of time in Swansea) with a base salary of £69,501 to £98,061 plus a generous Civil Service Pension of 28.97%.
About You
As Chief Architect within the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), you'll be at the heart of modernising services used by millions of people every day. This senior leadership role is pivotal in shaping technical services and selecting platforms and technologies that meet organisational needs and deliver outstanding user experiences. It requires engaging and influencing senior leaders, Executive and Board level stakeholders to secure alignment and buy‑in for architectural strategies that drive digital transformation across the organisation.
Responsibilities
* Network and communicate with senior stakeholders across organisations; oversee prospective information gathering and scene‑setting meetings with other government departments, evaluate technical proposals and act as arbiter in making recommendations.
* Proactively seek opportunities for digital transformation, directing the development of architectures for complex systems and ensuring consistency with specified requirements agreed with internal and external customers.
* Support multiple teams, finding and using best practice and emerging technologies; oversee work with external suppliers to ensure DVLA's reference architecture is robust, scalable, open and secure, with appropriate overall system design and integration points/APIs.
* Inspire other architects and help them understand how to deliver the organisation's goals, providing strategic technical leadership in the development, operation and ongoing improvement of complex, transformational digital services that serve millions of users.
* Lead architectural governance, solve complex and high‑risk issues or deliver architectural design. Great line‑management skills are important; we equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need, empowering teams to flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.
Person Specification
* Significant architecture expertise with hands‑on experience in real‑world systems; proven experience shaping technical services and selecting platforms and technologies that meet organisational requirements and user needs.
* Exceptional leadership and influencing skills with a proven ability to lead skilled architecture teams in a fast‑paced, evolving technology landscape; align business strategies with technology direction and set standards to enable transformation and innovation.
* Proven ability to communicate complex technical strategies and business impacts to non‑technical audiences, including senior and executive stakeholders, inspiring confidence and commitment.
Benefits
* Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
* 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King's birthday.
* Flexible working options to support a great work‑life balance.
Visa Sponsorship
DVLA does not hold a UKVI Skilled Worker sponsor licence and cannot sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Security Clearance
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before appointment. The required level is a security check. Candidates must have at least 5 years continuous residency in the UK; failure to meet this minimum residency requirement will result in withdrawal of application.
Interview Details
Interviews will take place from 30th January 2026 at our Swansea office (DVLA, Swansea, SA6 7JL) and will be conducted in person.
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