Lead Solution Architect (£54,857- £80,400)
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 2nd December 2024
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About the job
Job summary
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.
Job description
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- 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 non functional 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 £54,857. In addition to this, the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £25,543.
The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process.
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
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
Benefits
- 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.
- For more information see visit our careers page.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
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 artefacts, 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.
Sift & Interview Dates
The sift is due to take place from the 03rd of December 2024.
Interviews are due to take place from the 17th of December 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.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need during the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you need a reasonable adjustment so that you can complete your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Document Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
This job advert contains links to the DfT Careers website. Our website provides useful guidance and information that can support you during the application process. If you cannot access the information on our website for any reason, please email DRGComms@dft.gov.uk for assistance.
Further Information
For more information about how we hire, and for useful tips on submitting your application for this role, visit the How We Hire page of our DfT Careers website. You can find detailed information about the recruitment process and what to expect when applying for a role.
Pre-employment Checking
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
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
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Digital Resourcing Team
- Email : DigitalResourcing@dft.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website Here
