DBS Technical Architects support the implementation of the Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) strategy for DBS and the vision set by the Chief Technology Officer.

The post holder will:

Collaborate with architects across the enterprise to assess change impacts and ensure a coherent delivery approach. Providing support and advice to other architects who are undertaking the design of new business solutions
Design solutions in line with MoD design and security policy and gain approvals through the DBS Technical Design Authority governance forum.
Design models and reference artifacts enabling re-use of solution components supporting other architects to conform to required processes and standards.
Ensure that new business capabilities are designed for clean integration with existing services. Considering service, applications, data and technology architectural layers and including through life compliance with business and technology policy and strategy
Support development of governance, processes, and tooling to monitor and manage new business design, delivery and usage across the DBS enterprise
Engage with MOD, industry, and government wide leaders and technical / service experts to identify and implement best architecture practice solutions to meet business needs.
Support proofs of concept for technologies and services new to DBS.
Support, coach and mentor colleagues in adapting to new delivery approaches as a result of architectural design changes.
Ensure architectures are compliant with DBS technical principles and contribute to achievement of the DBS Digital, Data and Technology Strategy aims.

In addition to essential DDaT skills described below, all DBS architects will be expected to have or develop the following core technical skills for the effective delivery of DBS business.

Communication skills. To listen to the needs of technical and business stakeholders and interpret them. Manage stakeholder expectations and be flexible. Manage proactive and reactive communication. Facilitate difficult discussions within the team or with diverse senior stakeholders. Understand the appropriate mediums to communicate findings. Shape communications for the audience.

Architectural governance. To support the evolution of architecture governance, and take responsibility for collaborating and supporting in wider CSM governance. Assure and integrate capabilities to meet the needs of multiple business services. Working proactively to ensure the organisation designs coherent infrastructure architecture.

Technical innovation. To understand the impact of emerging technology trends on the organisation and adopt as appropriate.

Architecture modelling. To understand the concepts and principles of architecture modelling and can produce relevant models to describe capability interrelationships. Know how to reverse-engineer models from a live system. Understand industry recognised modelling patterns and standards and know when to apply them. You can compare and align different architecture models.

Architectural standards. To develop and set standards for new business implementation across DBS. Act as the escalation point for non-compliance with standards providing advice and guidance on roadmaps to resolution.

Problem resolution. To ensure that the most appropriate actions are taken to resolve productivity problems as they occur. You coordinate teams to resolve problems and implement solutions and preventative measures.

Strategic thinking. To work within a strategic context and communicate how activities meet strategic goals.