Head of Architecture

Wiltshire Police; Devizes; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

On-site gym

Wellbeing support

25–30 days annual leave

Job summary

Wiltshire Police is transforming its DDaT services under a new Head of Architecture. You will steer the enterprise architecture direction, govern standards and roadmaps, and chair the Technical Design Authority to ensure secure, resilient, future-ready digital services for policing roles locally, regionally and nationally.

You will influence major programmes, guide cloud modernization, and balance cost, risk and delivery pace while supporting public value and interoperability across the force.

Qualifications

• Experienced in applying enterprise architecture principles, standards and governance in a complex organisation.
• Confident operating as a senior architectural authority, influencing technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Able to shape architecture strategy, roadmaps and design decisions across cloud, data, applications, platforms and security.
• Skilled at balancing cost, risk, resilience, interoperability, user need and delivery pace.
• Qualified to degree level in IT, Architecture or equivalent experience.
• Holds the BCS Practitioner Certificate in Enterprise & Solutions Architecture and Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for enterprise architecture across digital, data and technology.
• Own and govern enterprise architecture standards, principles, roadmaps and decision frameworks.
• Chair the Technical Design Authority and provide final architectural decision-making authority.
• Assure major technology investments, platforms and solutions against enterprise and national policing standards.
• Provide architectural oversight for major programmes and high-risk strategic initiatives.
• Advise senior leaders on complex trade-offs across cost, risk, security, resilience and delivery pace.
• Lead architectural thinking across cloud, data, AI, interoperability and secure-by-design services.
• Represent Wiltshire Police in regional and national architecture forums, influencing shared policing standards and capabilities.

Skills

Enterprise architecture

Governance

Cloud architecture

Data architecture

Security

Stakeholder influence

BCS Practitioner Certificate

Azure Solutions Architect

Degree in IT/Architecture

Public sector experience

Education

Degree in IT/Architecture

BCS Practitioner Certificate in Enterprise & Solutions Architecture

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305

Tools

Azure

Job description

At Wiltshire Police, we are dedicated to making our community a safer place for everyone. Our team is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service. We believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every member can thrive and make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to advance, Wiltshire Police offers a range of opportunities to grow and develop. Join us, and be part of a team that values courage, compassion, and dedication to public service. Help us to keep Wiltshire safe.

About our DDaT Services team

At Wiltshire Police, we're transforming policing through Digital, Data and Technology. We recognise that DDaT is no longer simply an enabler of policing; it is a strategic capability at the heart of how we protect communities, empower our workforce and deliver better public services. As we evolve from a traditional ICT function into a modern, user-centred DDaT organisation, we're embracing cloud technologies, automation, AI, data and digital innovation to create smarter, more connected and resilient services. Join us at the start of an ambitious transformation, where you will have the opportunity to shape the future of digital policing, work with emerging technologies, influence meaningful change and build a rewarding career that makes a real difference to our organisation and the communities we serve.

About the role

As Head of Architecture, you will set the enterprise architecture direction for Wiltshire Police, shaping secure, resilient and future-ready digital, data and technology services. As the organisation’s senior architectural authority and Chair of the Technical Design Authority, you will influence major technology decisions, guide cloud modernisation, strengthen architectural governance and help reduce complexity across the technology landscape. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape digital policing locally, regionally and nationally, ensuring technology enables better operational outcomes and lasting public value.

What you will be doing

• Set the strategic direction for enterprise architecture across digital, data and technology.
• Own and govern enterprise architecture standards, principles, roadmaps and decision frameworks.
• Chair the Technical Design Authority and provide final architectural decision-making authority.
• Assure major technology investments, platforms and solutions against enterprise and national policing standards.
• Provide architectural oversight for major programmes and high-risk strategic initiatives.
• Advise senior leaders on complex trade-offs across cost, risk, security, resilience and delivery pace.
• Lead architectural thinking across cloud, data, AI, interoperability and secure-by-design services.
• Represent Wiltshire Police in regional and national architecture forums, influencing shared policing standards and capabilities.

About you and your experience

• Experienced in applying enterprise architecture principles, standards and governance in a complex organisation.
• Confident operating as a senior architectural authority, influencing technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Able to shape architecture strategy, roadmaps and design decisions across cloud, data, applications, platforms and security.
• Skilled at balancing cost, risk, resilience, interoperability, user need and delivery pace.
• Qualified to degree level in IT, Architecture, Engineering or able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience.
• Holds the BCS Practitioner Certificate in Enterprise & Solutions Architecture and Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305.

What we offer

• Professional development and training
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days
• Free On-Site Gym membership
• Physical and mental well-being support

Please note, all roles will be subject to a vetting procedure, some roles due to the nature of their work, will require additional security clearance.

We are proud of being a truly inclusive organisation who provides fair and equal consideration to all of our applicants. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, disabilities, sexual orientation, religions or beliefs and of neuro divergence.

If there are any adjustments we could make to the recruitment and selection process to support you, please let us know.