Would you like to set architectural direction that shapes the future of digital services used by millions across the UK? Operating across domains, portfolios and programmes, you will ensure the application landscape remains secure, sustainable and aligned to organisational priorities while supporting the delivery of modern public services at scale. Salary up to £98,061 (dependant on interview assessment), over 28% employer pension contribution plus other Civil Service benefits. Flexible, hybrid working from Swansea.
Job description
We are seeking a Principal Enterprise Architect with a strong focus on application architecture to join DVLA’s Architecture function. This role will provide strategic leadership and technical authority across the application estate, ensuring that application design and evolution align with business priorities, architectural principles and long-term organisational strategy.
As a Principal Enterprise Architect, you will own and shape the enterprise application architecture, defining current state, future state and transition architectures. You will work across portfolios and programmes to guide decision making, promote reuse and consistency, and reduce complexity and risk. The role requires close collaboration with delivery teams, business stakeholders and fellow architects to ensure application solutions are scalable, resilient and deliver value for money.
Open Session:
Would you like to find out more about the role, the team and what it’s like to work in our department? If so, we are organising an open session where you can virtually ’meet the team’ on Tuesday 3rd March 2026 at 12:00pm.
Follow the applicatio link for instructions to book your virtual seat.
Responsibilities:
*Network and communicate with senior stakeholders across enterprises and actively seek opportunities for improvement.
*Support multiple communities and teams.
*Find and use best practice.
*Find and use emerging technologies and approaches.
*Inspire other enterprise architects and help them understand how to meet organisational goals.
*Horizon scan for external influences or risks.
*Support successful delivery of the long-term strategy.
*Be responsible for the overall direction of business and digital capabilities.
*Be responsible for the creation, maintenance and consumption of an Architectural Model.
Essential skills
*Credibility as a senior technical leader with the ability to combine deep architectural knowledge and strategic thinking.
*Ability to define current, target and transitional application architectures.
*Confident setting direction, influencing senior stakeholders and providing clarity in high-risk environments.
*A clear strategic mindset, able to look beyond immediate delivery pressures and consider long-term organisational impact. You will understand how architectural decisions shape future services and ensure alignment to wider business objectives.
*A collaborative leadership style, with experience building strong cross-functional relationships and mentoring others.
*Demonstrate a commitment to developing architectural capability and supporting the growth and maturity of the wider architecture community
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £69,501 - £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 
*Generous employer contribution of 28.97%, depending on chosen pension scheme
*Digital communities with clear career frameworks
*On-site gym plus personal training available (membership applies)
*On-site nursery, restaurants 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
*hybrid office/home based working model where staff will spend a minimum of 60% of their time in the Swansea office over a month, with flexibility dependent on balancing business and individual need.
*This role requires SC clearance, a condition of which is to have been present in the UK for 5 out of the past 5 years.
*DVLA does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
*Apply before 8 March 2026 with a CV that has evidence of the following criteria:
-Significant experience operating as a senior or principal level architect, with responsibility for application architecture across complex organisations or portfolios
-Proven ability to define current, target and transitional application architectures, and to make and defend architectural decisions in complex or high risk environments
-Strong experience providing architectural leadership and assurance across multiple teams or programmes, ensuring alignment to enterprise standards and strategic objectives


If you are an experienced Architect with a strong background in application architecture, governance and you are comfortable operating at a senior strategic level, we would welcome your application. This is an opportunity to bring your expertise into a complex, large-scale environment where your decisions will shape the direction of critical public services and influence how technology supports organisational priorities over the coming years. Apply now or contact Zee in complete confidence.