At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of secure, resilient network solutions for a major telephony programme.
- Company: Join DVLA, a mission-driven agency impacting millions across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and a strong pension contribution.
- Other info: Collaborate with engineering teams and mentor fellow architects.
- Why this job: Shape national digital services while modernising critical infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Strong background in enterprise networking and architectural governance required.
The predicted salary is between 82430 - 82430 € per year.
Become part of a mission‑driven digital team helping to build secure, resilient services used by millions across the UK. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), in partnership with Inspire People, is seeking a Lead Network Architect with strong enterprise networking experience (LAN, WAN, WLAN) and additional skills in telephony/UC and contact centre platforms, or broader infrastructure domains such as servers, identity, Active Directory or cloud platforms. You will act as the Lead Architect for a new 6,000‑seat, multi‑million‑pound telephony programme, while also contributing to other key infrastructure initiatives. Based in Swansea on a permanent appointment, this role offers a salary of up to £82,430 plus 29% employer pension contribution and excellent Civil Service benefits, with hybrid working (minimum 60% in Swansea).
Role Overview
DVLA delivers national‑scale digital services that support the safe and lawful use of vehicles across the UK, reaching millions of citizens and businesses every year. As DVLA continues to modernise its technology landscape, the organisation is investing in strong technical architecture capability to ensure services are secure, well‑governed, scalable and aligned to wider government strategy. In this role you will work across DVLA's IT Services Directorate and business teams, collaborating closely with engineering squads to design, assure and deliver modern digital solutions.
Responsibilities
- Lead the technical design of systems and services, justifying and clearly communicating design decisions
- Define and assure solution architectures, ensuring alignment with enterprise and government architecture strategy
- Work collaboratively with engineering teams to deliver new solutions and transition them into live service
- Establish and apply architectural governance, ensuring consistency, quality and security by design
- Assure service and system quality, identifying risks, dependencies and cross‑domain impacts
- Explore opportunities for cross‑government alignment and reuse
- Provide leadership and mentoring to other architects and technical colleagues
- Engage with senior stakeholders, communicating technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences
Essential Skills
- A strong architectural background delivering enterprise‑scale solutions
- Proven experience in enterprise networking (LAN, WAN, WLAN) and ability to design solutions in complex, multi‑domain environments
- Exposure to broader infrastructure such as servers, Active Directory or cloud platforms
- Strong experience of architectural governance and assurance
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Desirable Skills
- Experience with unified communications and omni‑channel contact centre solutions
- Experience working in government or other regulated environments
- Exposure to large‑scale digital transformation programmes
- Experience mentoring architects or senior engineers
- Familiarity with Agile delivery and modern CI/CD practices
Benefits
- Hybrid working with a minimum 60% office‑based in Swansea
- Flexible working patterns to support work‑life balance
- Civil Service pension with employer contributions of circa 29%
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and a privilege day
- Access to learning, development and digital career frameworks
Why Join DVLA?
This is a unique opportunity to lead the network architecture for a major, multi‑million‑pound telephony transformation programme while shaping the wider infrastructure landscape at DVLA. You will work at national scale, ensuring secure, resilient connectivity for services used by millions across the UK, and play a key role in modernising critical platforms that underpin DVLA's digital services.
Apply
If you want to help shape nationally significant digital services at DVLA, apply via the link and an Inspire People team member will be in touch.
Lead Network Architect in Swansea employer: IPEOPLE ASSOCIATES LIMITED
The DVLA is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead significant digital transformation initiatives while working in a collaborative and supportive environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, the agency provides access to extensive learning and development frameworks, alongside a generous Civil Service pension scheme and flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. Located in Swansea, employees benefit from a vibrant community and the chance to contribute to services that impact millions across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Network Architect in Swansea
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend meetups, webinars, or conferences related to network architecture. This is a great way for us to make connections and learn about job openings that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can display your projects and achievements in enterprise networking. This gives potential employers a clear view of what we can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and scenarios related to network architecture. We should also be ready to discuss how our experience aligns with the specific needs of the DVLA role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re genuinely interested in joining the DVLA team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Network Architect in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Lead Network Architect role. Highlight your enterprise networking experience and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with what DVLA is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with telephony and cloud platforms if you have it!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be engaging with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, make sure your application reflects your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. We love seeing examples of how you've done this in past roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our mission-driven team!
How to prepare for a job interview at IPEOPLE ASSOCIATES LIMITED
✨Know Your Networking Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your enterprise networking knowledge, especially LAN, WAN, and WLAN. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed or implemented these solutions, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Architectural Governance Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience with architectural governance and assurance. Think about how you've ensured quality and security in past projects, and be ready to explain your approach to maintaining consistency across complex environments.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since you'll be engaging with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Use relatable analogies or examples from your past work to demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between different audiences.
✨Be Ready to Lead and Mentor
As a Lead Network Architect, you'll need to show your leadership skills. Prepare to discuss how you've mentored other architects or engineers in the past, and think about how you can inspire and guide your future team at DVLA.
