At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the architectural vision and applications strategy for Brighton & Hove City Council.
- Company: Brighton & Hove City Council, a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Encouraging diverse applicants to create a representative workforce.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in tech leadership and shape the future of local government.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in technology leadership and strategic architecture.
The predicted salary is between 70591 - 75505 £ per year.
Job location: Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, Hove, BN3 3BQ
Salary: £70,591 - £75,505
Contractual hours: 37
Job category/type: Information Technology
Date posted: 30/06/2026
Job reference: REQ0001174
When was the last time you had a real impact in technology leadership? Brighton & Hove City Council is breaking barriers and setting a new standard for what good looks like in tech: we move at breakneck speed, clear obstacles, deliver great technology, and have placed technology at the very heart of our strategy. And we do this in a caring, dynamic environment where we support each other to be the very best that we can be.
We are looking for a visionary Head of Architecture & Applications to define the technical backbone of the council’s future. This role will set the strategic direction for our entire systems landscape: from major line‑of‑business applications through to integrations, standards, and roadmaps. You will bring coherence to a fragmented estate, ensuring every technology decision aligns to a clear and sustainable target architecture.
You’ll lead the full lifecycle of our application estate: overseeing suppliers, upgrades, integrations and custom builds, while embedding strong architectural governance that enables delivery without blocking it. This is a role for someone who can balance long‑term thinking with pragmatic decision‑making, shaping a modern, integrated, and resilient digital ecosystem that underpins everything we do.
Most importantly? We want you to bring your experience and expertise to the table as one of six brand new heads of service: building the team your way, creating a setup you believe in, and setting the standard for what you know good looks like. Set direction instead of waiting for it; find ways to get things done, instead of reasons not to; and deliver outcomes people notice and care about. If you want to work somewhere where you can actually make a mark: this might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
Encouraging a diverse workforce: Our city is known and loved for its diversity. Not only is the mixture of people, culture and skills vital to the economic and social development of the city, it's what makes Brighton & Hove such a great place to live, work and visit. We are committed to developing and retaining a workforce that is representative of the diverse communities we serve so we welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds. In order to achieve our aims of proportionate representation, we particularly encourage applicants from a BME or White Other background as well as those who identify as disabled, male or trans.
Find out more about our commitment to being a fair and inclusive place to work by reading about our fair and inclusive actions, our anti‑racism strategy and the work we are doing to encourage a diverse workforce (brighton-hove.gov.uk).
Additional information: Starting salary will be pro rata if the position is less than 37 hours or term‑time only. We are a workplace that supports flexibility and employee wellbeing in the way we work whilst providing the best service for our customers. Team and service working arrangements are designed to support both employee work‑life balance and team collaboration. These would be part of your individual working arrangements alongside any personal preference agreed with your manager in advance of joining. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team and travel to and from your contractual location would be at your own expense.
Head of Architecture & Applications in Hove employer: Brighton & Hove City Council
Brighton & Hove City Council is an excellent employer, offering a nurturing work environment at Tarnerland Nursery School where you can make a meaningful impact on young children's lives. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a supportive team culture, employees enjoy generous benefits and opportunities for growth in their early years careers. Join us in creating a safe and engaging learning space in the vibrant community of Brighton.
Contact Details:
Brighton & Hove City Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Architecture & Applications in Hove
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Brighton & Hove City Council who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Architecture & Applications in Hove
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Brighton & Hove City Council!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Brighton & Hove City Council. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brighton & Hove City Council
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Brighton & Hove City Council.
