Senior Data Architect (£57,515 - £82,430)

The Senior Data Architect is responsible for building sustainable new architecture service within the DVSA which will move DVSA towards being a data led organisation., The Senior Data Architect will assist in maximising value from the Agency’s data through the implementation of standards and patterns for data architecture as well as assisting the Head of Data Management in the creation of data strategy, data governance roles, process and procedures., * Defining the data architecture framework, models, standards, patterns and principles to be used across DVSA.

• Developing a data catalogue to document data used across DVSA. Translating service and business requirements into documented data requirements and flows across DVSA
• Assisting in the development of the DVSA data strategy and roadmap and developing data governance and data management artefacts.
• Develop data measurement initiatives for data condition and remediation.
• Works closely with EA leadership to ensure successful data architecture and establishment of strong data governance
• Works closely with Security Architects, Dynamics Architect, Business Architects and other colleagues in articulating architectural designs and implementation.

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.

For further information on the role, please read the attached role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Open Sessions: 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 2nd June 2026 at 12.30pm. Sign up here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/senior-data-architect-role-familiarisation-and-qa-dvsa-tickets-1989374110517?aff=oddtdtcreator, The role is part of the Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession and utilises an enhanced Capability–Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance.

The base pay is £57,515. In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £24,915.

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.

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week. Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week.

Occasional travel to other offices will be required, which may involve overnight stays.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details)., We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Data Governance
• Communicating between the technical and non-technical
• Strategic Thinking, 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., All External applicants and current employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) will be required to undergo a Social Media Check. A Social Media Check is a review of your publicly available online activity, typically across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and others. The purpose is to identify any public posts or content that could raise concerns for employers, such as:

Hate speech or discriminatory behaviour

Threats or acts of violence

Illegal activity or substance misuse

Sexually explicit material

Extremist views or affiliations

Importantly, this check does not involve hacking into your accounts or accessing private messages. It only considers content you have chosen to make public.

Employers use this kind of screening to help ensure their workplace remains safe, inclusive, and aligned with company values. It’s not about judging your personality or lifestyle—it’s about checking for potential red flags that might affect the role or company culture.

If you have questions or concerns about the social media check, we would be happy to explain in more detail what’s being looked at and how your data is handled securely and fairly. 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 .

See our vetting charter . People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks., * 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)
• 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

Do you have experience in Presentation skills?, To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• Applied experience and expertise in data architecture concepts (e.g. model management, meta-data management, data governance).
• Experience of driving innovation, changing and improving outcomes through the application and exploitation of data, including developing and embedding data systems and processes and driving business, culture and technology change.
• Experience developing a data strategy and working within and influencing the associated policies., This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills., * Applied experience and expertise in data architecture concepts (e.g. model management, meta-data management, data governance).
• Experience of driving innovation, changing and improving outcomes through the application and exploitation of data, including developing and embedding data systems and processes and driving business, culture and technology change.
• Experience developing a data strategy and working within and influencing the associated policies.
• Strong relationship management skill facilitating technical and non-technical engagements

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead experience criteria ‘Experience of driving innovation, changing and improving outcomes through the application and exploitation of data, including developing and embedding data systems and processes and driving business, culture and technology change’ . Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview., Behaviours – Managing a Quality Service, Working Together Experience – Experience of helping to develop a data strategy

• Technical – Data Governance, Communicating between the technical and non-technical.

You will also be required to create and deliver a presentation to assess the technical skill: Strategic Thinking. Guidance will be provided if you are invited to interview.

Pulled from the full job description

• Annual leave

• Employee discount

• Employee assistance programme

• Company pension, £57,515 Plus an additional Government Digital and Data Profession allowance up to £24,915. Candidates based in Yeading will receive the London Weighting allowance of £4,000. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% GBP, * Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here

• 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 a privilege day for the King’s birthday

• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency - Department for Transport Careers, Alongside your salary of £57,515, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency contributes £16,662 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 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.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.

Find out more about the benefits of working at DfT and its agencies .