Lead Solutions Architect - Apprenticeship in Newcastle upon Tyne)

Location: Bristol, Swansea, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle, Oldham (Chadderton), Birmingham (Garretts Green) or Uxbridge.

Salary: £57,515 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Closing Date: 28th of September 2026

Reporting to the Lead Technical Architect, you will work in a team consisting of Lead Solution Architects and play a pivotal role within the architecture community at DVSA. The Lead Solution Architect will work within DVSA's Enterprise Architecture practice helping to support reducing technical debt, improving customer and colleague services and reducing TCO (Total Cost of Ownership). Predominantly focussed on architecting cloud based digital services and responsible for providing technical and advisory support, solutioning and oversight to ensure business objectives can be achieved in a cost-effective manner.

The Lead Solution Architect is responsible for the creation and maintenance of as-is, transition and to-be Solution Architectures which meet the needs of the DVSA, whilst delivering value for money for their designated business capabilities.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• 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 annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King's birthday.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Your responsibilities will include, but aren't limited to:

• The Lead Solution Architect will work within DVSA's Enterprise Architecture practice helping to support reducing technical debt, improving customer and colleague services and reducing TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).
• Predominantly focussed on architecting cloud based digital services and responsible for providing technical and advisory support, solutioning and oversight to ensure business objectives can be achieved in a cost-effective manner.
• The Lead Solution Architect is responsible for the creation and maintenance of as-is, transition and to-be Solution Architectures which meet the needs of the DVSA, whilst delivering value for money for their designated business capabilities.
• The Lead Solution Architect works with business and technology stakeholders to translate business problems into solution architectures.
• Creating an optimal design through an iterative process, aligning the user needs, functional and non-functional requirements, organisational objectives and alignment to the Enterprise Architecture principles, standards, and patterns.
• Support the architecture governance frameworks that enable the DVSA to enhance its services through the delivery of strategically aligned digital solutions and the creation and maintenance of solutions architectures that meet the needs of the business whilst delivering value for money and alignment to DVSA's Enterprise Architecture.

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• Demonstrated expertise in a digital/IT architecture role, involving active collaboration with stakeholders, translating business requirements into tangible solution design artifacts, and clearly communicating technical intricacies to non-technical audiences.
• Proven track record in ensuring that designed solutions align with the enduring principles and guidelines established by an organization's Enterprise Architecture practice.
• Extensive track record in strategizing and executing transformation initiatives, with hands-on involvement in business change efforts leveraging AWS and/or Microsoft Azure cloud ecosystems.
• Proficient in integrating various products and cloud services within these dynamic environments.
• Practical exposure to implementing Solution Architecture frameworks in the context of real-world business transformation scenarios.
• Proficient with well-known frameworks including TOGAF and/or Zachman, as well as familiar with ITIL practices and modelling notations such as Archimate, UML, and BPMN.

To be eligible for this apprenticeship (if you are not already qualified to a degree level in a Digital Development and Technology discipline) you must:

• Be aged 18 or over.
• Have the right to work in the UK.
• Hold the following qualifications: Minimum level 3 qualifications in STEM subjects (e.g., 2 A Levels, BTEC Diplomas, Apprenticeship, or equivalent).
• Not be in full-time education.
• Not be in receipt of funding for other learning programmes at the point of enrolment for this apprenticeship.
• Have valid and eligible residency status and be resident in the UK for 3 years before the start of the apprenticeship.

Full eligibility details can be found here at Annex A. If you are not sure if you meet the residency requirements then please contact us before applying.