Business Architect

Business ArchitectGrade 7Permanent (Hybrid working)£52,120 – £58,540UK based

Are you a Business Architect with a heart to the environment? Do you enjoy driving architecting innovative solutions and shaping the future of technology which delivers transformative change to citizens in key areas such as Sustainability, Farming and Key Environmental protection areas? If so, please read further.

The team of Business Architects are focused on ensuring that the Departmental capabilities are aligned to Defra strategy and objectives to enable us to deliver best value through the products and services we offer to our citizens and customers.

About DEFRA:

Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people’s day-to- day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.

Digital, Data and Technology Services (DDTS) is the trusted team for digital across the entire Defra Group. We have around 1,200 colleagues across DDTS and our ambition is to make it easier and faster than ever for people to interact with Defra. If you are ready to drive innovation and push boundaries, we want to hear from you. Join us and together we will create a great place for living, and a green and healthy future for all.

Role Summary:

Defra plays a crucial role in protecting and defending against flooding in England. In this role you will be expected to use your expertise, knowledge and experience to address high level and complex business scenarios and produce deliverables using a recognised method and standard. You will champion a Business Architecture approach, contribute to evolving the practice and support other business architects. You will act as agent for change influencing strategy development, identifying potential changes to improve organisational effectiveness and customer experience.Responsibilities:

• Work with one or more Defra business stakeholders to help understand and interpret strategy using a Business Architecture approach
• Leverage Business Architecture methods and tools, to identify opportunities for effectively delivering outcomes and optimizing value to the department and its customers
• Apply a structured Business Architecture approach using industry standards identifying representative views of Defra today and in the future, and roadmap the states through transition
• Analyse Business Architecture views and impact proposed changes to drive strategic direction
• Develop and present Business Architecture framed outputs to evidence and explain to stakeholders how any opportunities, recommendations and insights have been derived
• Champion the value of the Business Architecture service to stakeholders and the wider community
• Develop and maintain a strong Business Architecture capability through coaching, mentoring, and training
• Provide overall direction, guidance, and definition of Business Architecture to support strategy

Experience required:

• Ability to develop strong relationships/networks and experience of working with large scale changes, dealing with stakeholders with conflicting priorities
• Experience in the development and analysis of business models and value
• propositions, and the use of these to present evidence-based options to customers encouraging innovative decision making
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate technical terminology into language your customers understand
• Knowledge of related disciplines that include strategic planning, product management, portfolio or programme management, business analysis etc
• A working knowledge of Business Architecture tools and techniques, and the use of an Enterprise architecture tool such as I-server
• Work within a strategic context and communicate how activities meet strategic goals contribute to the development of strategy and policies

Benefits:We can offer an array of benefits including (but not limited to):

• 25 days’ leave (rising to 30 days over 5 years) plus bank holidays
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27% (worth a minimum of £14,685 per year)
• Access to a range of retail discounts (including supermarkets, tech, gyms, holidays, phones and much more)
• Flexible working options such as condensed hours, part-time and flexi time
• 3 paid volunteering days per year
• Funding for professional membership of a recognised professional body
• Learning and development tailored to your role and budget for training or qualifications
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme 24/7

Application process:

As part of the application process, you will be assessed on your Experience and will be asked to complete:

• A CV
• A 750-word (max) personal statement: “Referring to the ‘responsibilities and ‘skills and experience’ sections of the job advert, please demonstrate how you are suitable for the role by providing relevant examples.”

To apply, please submit a CV and Cover Letter, one of our talent partners will review your application and if suitable, will arrange to discuss the role in more detail. You will also be provided with guidance on how to complete your application / next steps.

Defra is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Please note this post requires Security Check (SC) clearance. To gain (SC) clearance all applicants are required to have been a UK resident for a minimum of 5 years. If this requirement is not met, the individual will not be able to progress their application further.

This role offers a hybrid way of working where you must attend your local Defra office 3 days a week.