Chief Architect

Are you an 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) with a basic in the region of £69,501 to £98,061 plus a generous Civil Service Pension of 28.97%.

About the role

The Chief Architect will provide enterprise-level architectural leadership across DVLA's Digital & Technology directorate. Working closely with the Chief Technology Officer and senior stakeholders, you will define and communicate the long-term technology architecture that supports high-volume, citizen-facing services and the ongoing modernisation of a complex legacy estate.

The role focuses on setting clear direction, influencing at senior level and translating technical architecture into language that supports business and policy decisions. You will guide architectural decisions across multiple programmes and provide leadership to the senior architecture community.

Your responsibilities will include, but aren't limited to:

• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across organisations and lead conversations shaping understanding and helping people make informed decisions.
• Spot opportunities to improve and transform digital services and guide the design of architectures that meet real user and business needs.
• Support and work alongside multiple teams encouraging best practice and the use of modern technologies and ensuring solutions are secure scalable and well integrated.
• Inspire and mentor other architects providing clear technical direction and helping teams understand how their work supports wider organisational goals.
• Take ownership of architectural governance and complex design challenges and create an environment where line managers and teams feel supported empowered and able to do their best work.

Person specification

• Strong API-driven architecture experience, with real world, customer-facing systems and services.
• Proven experience shaping technical services and selecting platforms and technologies that meet both organisational requirements and user needs.
• Demonstrated leadership and influencing skills, with experience leading senior architecture teams in fast-moving and evolving technology environments.
• Ability to align business strategy with technology direction, setting clear standards that support transformation and innovation.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical strategies and their business impact to non-technical audiences.
• Experience engaging senior leaders and Executive-level stakeholders, building confidence and gaining commitment to technical direction.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £69,501 to £98,061, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency contributes £20,134 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Plus:

• Best in class learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues
• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
• Digital communities with clear career frameworks
• On-site gym plus personal training available (membership applies)
• On-site nursery, restaurant and coffee bar
• 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.
• Free parking

Further information

• Please apply before 11.55pm on 18th January with a CV that has evidence against the following criteria

-Leading the design, delivery and continuous improvement of complex digital services that enable organisational transformation.

-Developing and directing organisation-wide architectural strategies and frameworks that align technology capabilities with long-term business growth and outcomes.

-Building and maintaining strong relationships with business leaders, external partners, and vendors to influence and ensure architectural decisions deliver business value.

• DVLA does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
• Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check. To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out, candidates will be required to have at least 5 years continuous residency in the UK
• The interviews will take place from 30th January 2026 and be conducted in person at our Swansea office (DVLA, Swansea, SA6 7JL).

If you are an experienced architect with strong technical foundations and the confidence to think beyond individual solutions - then this is an opportunity to shape the technology direction of a large, customer-facing organisation with national impact. If you enjoy working collaboratively, explaining complex ideas clearly and helping organisations make better long-term technology decisions then apply now or contact Zee in complete confidence.