Chief Architect – Digital Services

About the role

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is seeking a Chief Architect to lead the design and evolution of secure, resilient digital services used by millions across the UK. Working in a hybrid model, you will shape enterprise‑wide architecture, governance and transformation programmes that align technology with the agency’s strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for complex, transformational digital services.
• Define and maintain long‑term enterprise architecture strategy, principles, standards and tools.
• Lead target‑architecture design aligned with organisational goals.
• Chair and support architecture governance, ensuring compliance and quality.
• Oversee architectural documentation and design across large‑scale systems.
• Advise senior stakeholders and evaluate supplier proposals.
• Manage budgets and delivery from external partners, ensuring scalable and secure solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement and capability building within the architecture community.

Required profile

• Proven hands‑on enterprise architecture leadership in multi‑service environments.
• Extensive experience delivering strategic target architecture and large‑scale technology transformation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation skills at senior level.
• Experience working in matrix organisations and aligning technology with business strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to build high‑performing technical teams.

Required skills

• Enterprise Architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman).
• Modern cloud, infrastructure and data architecture.
• Software delivery lifecycle management.
• Knowledge of ITIL, ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 standards.

What we offer

• Salary up to £98,061 (base £69,501 plus allowance up to £28,560).
• Hybrid working with a minimum of 60% office presence in Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Oldham, Newcastle, Swansea or Yeading.
• Employer pension contribution of £20,134 per annum.
• Excellent Civil Service benefits.