Lead Solution Architect (£51,997- £80,400)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is embracing the practice of Enterprise Architecture, and to support this initiative we are looking to build a team of in-house Solution Architects.
As part of the solution architecture team, you will be at the forefront of digital transformation and joining our talented and experienced cross-disciplinary architecture community to drive business-led transformation with innovative solutions.
Your work will help ensure the safety of citizens on Great Britain’s roads and contribute to keeping Britain moving safely and sustainably.
There’s never been a better time to join the DVSA.
Our Digital-first vision is supported by a clear strategy which allows our staff to develop and grow.
Click to find out more the award-winning services we work on and what’s on offer for you, helping drive your career forward., + The Lead Solution Architect will work within DVSA’s Enterprise Architecture practice helping to support reducing technical debt, improving customer and colleague services and reducing TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).
+ Predominantly focussed on architecting cloud based digital services and responsible for providing technical and advisory support, solutioning and oversight to ensure business objectives can be achieved in a cost-effective manner.
+ The Lead Solution Architect is responsible for the creation and maintenance of as-is, transition and to-be Solution Architectures which meet the needs of the DVSA, whilst delivering value for money for their designated business capabilities.
+ The Lead Solution Architect works with business and technology stakeholders to translate business problems into solution architectures. Creating an optimal design through an iterative process, aligning the user needs, functional and nonfunctional requirements, organisational objectives and alignment to the Enterprise Architecture principles, standards, and patterns.
+ Support the architecture governance frameworks that enable the DVSA to enhance its services though the delivery of strategically aligned digital solutions and the creation and maintenance of solutions architectures that meet the needs of the business whilst delivering value for money and alignment to DVSA’s Enterprise Architecture.
For further information please see the attached Role Profile.
Additional Information
This role can be based in Bristol, Swansea, Nottingham, Newcastle, Oldham or Birmingham or Leeds your presence at one of these locations will form part of the working arrangements agreed with you. We operate a hybrid working model giving you greater flexibility about where and when you work. Our expectation is that you will spend a minimum 60% of your time at your base location. Visits to other DVSA sites or work locations count towards this.
Government Digital and Data Profession Pay Framework
This role is part of the Government Digital and Data profession and utilises an enhanced Capability–Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance.
The base pay is £51,997. In addition to this, the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £28,403.
The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process.
Here are more details on the pay framework.

Person specification
We are looking for someone who has:
+ Expertise in a digital/IT architecture role, involving active collaboration with stakeholders, translating business requirements into tangible solution design artifacts, and clearly communicating technical intricacies to non-technical audiences.
+ A proven track record in ensuring that designed solutions align with the enduring principles and guidelines established by an organization’s Enterprise Architecture practice.
+ An extensive track record in strategizing and executing transformation initiatives, with hands-on involvement in business change efforts leveraging AWS and/or Microsoft Azure cloud ecosystems. Proficient in integrating various products and cloud services within these dynamic environments.
+ Practical exposure to implementing Solution Architecture frameworks in the context of real-world business transformation scenarios. Proficient with well-known frameworks including TOGAF and/or Zachman, as well as familiar with ITIL practices and modelling notations such as Archimate, UML, and BPMN.
+ Proven expertise in guiding discussions around complex and high-stakes subjects. Capable of manoeuvring within tight time constraints, all while ensuring alignment with project objectives.
Please view the attached role profile for an in depth view of the post.
There may be an element of travel associated with this role to other DVSA offices, with some infrequent overnight stays.
Please take note that DVSA does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
About Us
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) helps keep Britain moving, safely and sustainably.
We do this by helping people through a lifetime of safe and sustainable journeys, helping them keep their vehicles safe to drive, and protecting them from unsafe drivers and vehicles.
We’re working hard to:
+ Make roads safer.
+ Improve services for our customers.
+ Make road transport greener and healthier.
+ Harness the potential of technology and data.
We’re committed to giving all our colleagues purpose, professionalism and pride in what we do. We work in supportive, diverse and inclusive teams where everyone is valued. You can grow, develop and progress, and make a real difference to society.
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice and welcome and encourage applications from everyone, such as ethnic minorities, women, disabled people and those who identify as LGBT+.
To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace and making DVSA a great place to work visit our Careers website.

Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
+ Making Effective Decisions
+ Communicating and Influencing, Interviews are due to take place from the 27th of November 2024.
This interview will be conducted via a video interview, details of which will be provided to you should you be selected for interview.
We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.
The selection process will be designed specifically for the role. As a result, your assessment will include:
+ An interview.
+ An assessment / presentation.
You’re encouraged to become familiar with the Role Profile attached, as you may be assessed against any of the criteria recorded within.
The Department for Transport recruits using Success Profiles. For each role, we consider what you need to demonstrate to be successful.
This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, drives up performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.
You can read more about Success Profiles here.
Reasonable Adjustments
As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes., A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting.
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. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

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) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and 1250 word Personal Statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Please structure your Personal Statement to provide detailed evidence of each of the following:
+ Demonstrated expertise in a digital/IT architecture role, involving active collaboration with stakeholders, translating business requirements into tangible solution design artifacts, and clearly communicating technical intricacies to non-technical audiences.
+ Proven track record in ensuring that designed solutions align with the enduring principles and guidelines established by an organization’s Enterprise Architecture practice.
+ Extensive track record in strategizing and executing transformation initiatives, with hands-on involvement in business change efforts leveraging AWS and/or Microsoft Azure cloud ecosystems. Proficient in integrating various products and cloud services within these dynamic environments.
+ Practical exposure to implementing Solution Architecture frameworks in the context of real-world business transformation scenarios. Proficient with well-known frameworks including TOGAF and/or Zachman, as well as familiar with ITIL practices and modelling notations such as Archimate, UML, and BPMN.

+ An environment with flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
+ Exceptional pension with an employer contribution of an average of 27%.
+ Generous Annual Leave - 25 days holiday, increasing by 1 each year of service, up to 30.
+ 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
+ Latest IT and Tech devices.
+ A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
+ Excellent learning and development tailored to your role including paid apprenticeships up to Masters level.
+ Wide range of discounts schemes on high street names.
+ Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing.
+ Cycle to work scheme and Gym membership offers.