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- Tasks: Lead a team to create innovative digital services for millions of users.
- Company: Join the DVSA, an inclusive employer committed to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven architectural leadership and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 69501 - 98561 £ per year.
This job is with Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
About the job
The DVSA is building a dedicated Enterprise Architecture (EA) team to act as the bridge between the business and digital operations. Chief Enterprise Architect leads a team of Lead Enterprise, Technical and Solution Architects to deliver an excellent strategically aligned architecture service, to deliver great customer outcomes and demonstrate business value. They will contribute to the development and delivery of new and evolving operating models, accountable for delivering enterprise-wide architecture capability to ensure the best and most cost-effective technology solutions are developed and deployed for DVSA's services.
Operating effectively with multi-disciplinary teams of Digital & Data professionals, policy experts and service teams throughout the change lifecycle, using business architecture to inform shape and define strategic business design. The Chief Enterprise Architect will support design, building and delivering to meet user needs, understand business goals and be able to translate future needs into statements of capability.
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:
- To provide technical leadership, in the development, operation and ongoing improvement of complex, transformational digital services serving millions of users.
- Accountable for the development and communication of the organisation's enterprise architecture strategy, plans and governance to ensure that effective controls are in place for internal delegation, audit, control, and compliance.
- Work collaboratively with senior management and cross functional experts within DVSA, creating or reviewing the target architecture to support the strategic requirements of the business.
Required experience:
- A strong track record in providing hands-on pragmatic architectural leadership through cross functional relationships, in a geographically dispersed, multi-service, technologically diverse environment through both internal capability and service providers.
- Strong relationship building, influencing and negotiation skills are essential to provide technical and professional leadership to the architecture community.
- Proficient in matrix working to develop models and plans that drive the execution of the business strategy and improve business performance; understanding and experience of commercial contracts, procurement and sourcing strategies.
Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements:
Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week. Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week. Occasional travel to other offices will be required, which may involve overnight stays. This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.
Visa Sponsorship:
Please note that we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate rights to work in the UK before application.
Behaviours:
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Seeing the Big Picture, Communicating and Influencing, Leadership.
Technical skills:
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Community Collaboration, Problem definition and shaping, Strategy design, Architecture communication.
Benefits:
Alongside your salary of £69,501, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency contributes £20,134 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic 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 annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King's birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
Selection process details:
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
How to apply:
Our selection process ensures a comprehensive assessment of each applicant's qualifications, skills, and potential fit within our organisation.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security:
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.
Nationality requirements:
This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK, nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
Working for the Civil Service:
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities.
Apply and further information:
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants:
Name: DVSA Digital Recruitment Team
Email: Digitalrecruitment@dvsa.gov.uk
Chief Architect (£69,501 - £98,061) employer: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Contact Detail:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Recruiting Team
Digitalrecruitment@dvsa.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Architect (£69,501 - £98,061)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience and how it relates to the Chief Architect role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Architect (£69,501 - £98,061)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Architect role. Highlight your hands-on architectural leadership experience and how you've successfully navigated cross-functional relationships in diverse environments. We want to see how your skills align with what DVSA is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to DVSA's mission. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experiences. Share examples of how you've influenced teams and driven successful outcomes. We want to see your ability to inspire and guide others!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the application process right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Chief Architect role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the DVSA's mission and how the architecture team fits into their overall strategy. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Chief Architect, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led cross-functional teams or influenced stakeholders. Highlight your negotiation skills and how you've built relationships in diverse environments.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to enterprise architecture, strategy design, and problem-solving. Brush up on relevant frameworks and methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in complex, transformational digital services.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses during the interview, ensuring you convey your points effectively while demonstrating your ability to communicate complex ideas.