At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of DVLA's digital services and inspire teams to innovate.
- Company: Join the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, a key player in government digital transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and increasing annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public services and make a real impact on millions of users.
- Qualifications: Proven architecture expertise and exceptional leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 € per year.
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), base pay range £69,501 to £98,061 plus a generous Civil Service Pension of 28.97%.
About the role
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 to senior stakeholders.
- 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 that DVLA’s reference architecture is robust, scalable, open and secure, with appropriate overall system design and integration points/APIs to deliver a high‑quality user experience.
- Inspire other architects and help them understand how to deliver the goals of the organisation, providing strategic technical leadership in the development, operation and ongoing improvement of complex, transformational digital services that serve millions of users.
- Be responsible for architectural governance, solving complex and high‑risk issues or delivering architecture design.
- Provide line management support to develop skills and empower teams to flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.
Person specification
- Significant architecture expertise with hands‑on experience in real‑world systems and proven experience in 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, setting standards that enable transformation and innovation.
- Proven ability to communicate complex technical strategies and business impacts to non‑technical audiences, including senior team and Executive level 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 encouraging a great work‑life balance.
Please note that DVLA does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and is unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Security Clearance
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check. Candidates will be required to have at least 5 years continuous residency in the UK. All applicants for this role must ensure that they meet this minimum residency requirement - if you do not, your application will be withdrawn.
Interview details
The interviews will take place from 30th January 2026 and will be conducted in person at our Swansea office (DVLA, Swansea, SA6 7JL). Further details will be provided should you be selected for interview.
Seniority level Director
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Information Technology
Industries Government Administration
Chief Architect in Swansea employer: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead digital transformation in a pivotal role as Chief Architect. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working options, DVLA fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises work-life balance while empowering teams to innovate and excel. Located in Swansea, this role not only allows you to shape the future of public services but also provides a chance to make a meaningful impact on millions of users across the UK.
Contact Detail:
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Architect in Swansea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the industry, especially those already at DVLA or similar organisations. Use LinkedIn to reach out and ask for informational chats – you never know who might put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching DVLA's current digital initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your vision aligns with their goals and how you can drive transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! When discussing your past experiences, frame them in a way that highlights your leadership and technical expertise. We want to hear how you’ve inspired teams and tackled complex challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the DVLA team and ready to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Architect in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in enterprise architecture. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Chief Architect at DVLA, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills:This role is all about inspiring teams and driving architectural strategies. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles. We love seeing examples of how you’ve led teams through complex projects!
Communicate Clearly:Remember, you’ll need to explain complex technical strategies to non-technical audiences. In your written application, keep your language clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the point without jargon!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
As a Chief Architect, you need to demonstrate your deep understanding of architectural principles and frameworks. Brush up on the latest trends in digital transformation and be ready to discuss how they can be applied to DVLA's services.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to showcase your ability to communicate complex technical strategies to non-technical audiences. Think of examples where you've successfully influenced senior leaders and secured buy-in for architectural strategies.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading architecture teams. Highlight specific instances where you've inspired and empowered your team to deliver outstanding outcomes, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-risk situations. Prepare scenarios where you've had to make tough architectural decisions or resolve conflicts, and explain your thought process clearly.
