At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver innovative architecture solutions for digital services.
- Company: Join the DVSA, a forward-thinking organisation focused on digital transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a strong pension contribution.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of digital services for millions.
- Qualifications: Proven architectural leadership and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 69501 - 98061 £ per year.
Salary: A GBP 69,501 - A GBP 98,061 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Location: Bristol, Swansea, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle, Oldham, Birmingham or Yeading.
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 24th May 2026
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 and 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.
Job Description
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.
- Appropriate committees and boards receive timely reports and advice that will inform their decisions.
- 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.
Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.
Person specification
Required Experience
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following 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.
Chief Architect in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: TipTopJob
The DVSA is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a substantial pension contribution, employees are empowered to achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects that impact millions. Joining the DVSA means being part of a collaborative team dedicated to delivering innovative digital services in a dynamic environment across various locations including Bristol, Swansea, and Leeds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Architect in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who works at DVSA. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience and leadership skills. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex projects and delivered results.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Do your homework on DVSA and their current projects. Tailor your conversations to show how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Architect in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Chief Architect role. Highlight your experience in architectural leadership and how it aligns with the DVSA's goals. We want to see how you can bridge the gap between business and digital operations!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your relationship-building and influencing abilities. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key points stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of enterprise architecture principles and practices. Brush up on the latest trends in digital services and how they can transform user experiences. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past work will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also practical.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Chief Architect, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced and negotiated with diverse stakeholders. Highlight your experience in building relationships and driving collaboration across different departments.
✨Understand the DVSA's Goals
Research the DVSA and its mission thoroughly. Understand their current challenges and how your architectural vision can align with their strategic goals. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their success and improve customer outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about complex projects you've managed and be ready to discuss how you approached challenges, made decisions, and delivered results. This will showcase your hands-on experience and strategic thinking.
