Chief Architect – Digital Transformation

About the role

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is seeking a Chief Architect to lead the design, governance and delivery of large‑scale digital services used by millions across the UK. This senior position will shape enterprise‑wide architecture strategy while working in a hybrid model (minimum 60% office‑based).

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for complex, transformational digital services.
• Develop and maintain long‑term enterprise business design, information architecture and processes.
• Own and promote architecture strategy, governance, principles, standards and tools.
• Chair enterprise architecture governance and ensure compliance and quality.
• Oversee architectural design across complex systems, ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
• Advise senior stakeholders and evaluate supplier proposals.
• Manage budgets and delivery from external partners to ensure scalable, secure, reusable solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, technology and service delivery.

Required profile

• Proven hands‑on enterprise architecture leadership in multi‑service environments.
• Extensive experience defining and delivering strategic target architecture and business design.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation skills at senior level.
• Experience in matrix organisations aligning technology with business strategy.
• Track record of delivering large‑scale technology transformation.

Required skills

• Enterprise Architecture
• Cloud Architecture
• Infrastructure Architecture
• Data Architecture
• Software Delivery Lifecycle
• ITIL framework
• ISO 9001 standards
• ISO 27001 standards
• TOGAF (or equivalent)
• Zachman framework (or equivalent)

What we offer

• Salary up to £98,061 (base £69,501 plus allowance up to £28,560).
• £20,134 employer pension contribution per annum.
• Excellent Civil Service benefits.
• Hybrid working with flexibility across several UK office locations.