At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead architectural direction for digital services impacting millions across the UK.
- Company: Join DVLA, a key player in public service innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, flexible working, and extensive leave.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public services and influence technology's role in society.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in application architecture and strategic leadership.
The predicted salary is between 69501 - 98061 £ per year.
Would you like to set architectural direction that shapes the future of digital services used by millions across the UK? Operating across domains, portfolios and programmes, you will ensure the application landscape remains secure, sustainable and aligned to organisational priorities while supporting the delivery of modern public services at scale.
We are seeking a Principal Enterprise Architect with a strong focus on application architecture to join DVLA's Architecture function. This role will provide strategic leadership and technical authority across the application estate, ensuring that application design and evolution align with business priorities, architectural principles and long-term organisational strategy.
As a Principal Enterprise Architect, you will own and shape the enterprise application architecture, defining current state, future state and transition architectures. You will work across portfolios and programmes to guide decision making, promote reuse and consistency, and reduce complexity and risk.
The role requires close collaboration with delivery teams, business stakeholders and fellow architects to ensure application solutions are scalable, resilient and deliver value for money. This is a senior practitioner role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on architectural leadership across multiple teams and initiatives.
Responsibilities- Network and communicate with senior stakeholders across enterprises and actively seek opportunities for improvement.
- Support multiple communities and teams.
- Find and use best practice.
- Find and use emerging technologies and approaches.
- Inspire other enterprise architects and help them understand how to meet organisational goals.
- Horizon scan for external influences or risks.
- Support successful delivery of the long-term strategy.
- Be responsible for the overall direction of business and digital capabilities.
- Be responsible for the creation, maintenance and consumption of an Architectural Model.
- Credibility as a senior technical leader with the ability to combine deep architectural knowledge and strategic thinking.
- Ability to define current, target and transitional application architectures.
- Confident setting direction, influencing senior stakeholders and providing clarity in high-risk environments.
- A clear strategic mindset, able to look beyond immediate delivery pressures and consider long-term organisational impact.
- A collaborative leadership style, with experience building strong cross-functional relationships and mentoring others.
- Demonstrate a commitment to developing architectural capability and supporting the growth and maturity of the wider architecture community.
This role requires SC clearance, a condition of which is to have been present in the UK for 5 out of the past 5 years. DVLA does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
If you are an experienced Architect with a strong background in application architecture, governance and you are comfortable operating at a senior strategic level, we would welcome your application. This is an opportunity to bring your expertise into a complex, large-scale environment where your decisions will shape the direction of critical public services and influence how technology supports organisational priorities over the coming years.
Principal Enterprise Architect - Applications in Swansea employer: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Principal Enterprise Architect to shape the future of digital services that impact millions across the UK. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a culture that champions inclusion and diversity, DVLA provides a supportive environment where strategic thinkers can thrive. Additionally, the generous pension contributions, extensive annual leave, and on-site amenities further enhance the appeal of working in Swansea, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to meaningful public service.
Contact Details:
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Enterprise Architect - Applications in Swansea
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Enterprise Architect - Applications in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
