Army Business Innovation Architect (Digital) - MoD - SEO

We are passionate about Smarter Working and believe that a combination of flexible working practices, digital technology and modern workspaces will give you the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance, while ensuing you deliver your outcomes effectively and efficiently – we expect you to know where to be to have the most impact, balancing your individual needs with that of your team and the organisation.  However, recognising the benefits of face to face working, especially for new joiners, there is an expectation that you would be in the office at least 60% of the time (3 days a week).

About the job

Job summary

The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, the Army Top Level Budget (TLB) employs around 12,000 MOD Civil Servants located at over 300 locations. Ours is a diverse workforce, with roles ranging from trainers, human resources, teachers, and psychologists to storekeepers, financiers, project and programme managers, and policy secretariat staff. There are many different functions and professions delivering key outputs for the Army. 

Step into the future of warfare with the Information Directorate, where data drives decisions and digital dominance defines victory. We lead in strategic data management, intelligence, and cutting-edge technology, delivering the tools that give the Army a decisive edge on the modern battlefield.
As part of our civil servant  team, you’ll be at the forefront of information warfare, countering disinformation, safeguarding critical data, and ensuring information integrity in a rapidly evolving digital battlespace. You’ll work with state-of-the-art tools, including AI, advanced analytics, and next-gen tech, helping the Army outthink, outmanoeuvre, and outpace its adversaries.

In the Information Directorate, you’ll turn that vision into reality. From strengthening cyber resilience to driving digital transformation on the front lines, your expertise will shape the Army’s future. You’ll collaborate with a diverse network of experts, deploying innovative strategies to maintain the Army’s dominance in an increasingly contested information environment. 

This is more than a job—it’s your chance to redefine digital defence, push the boundaries of innovation, and directly contribute to the Army’s lethality and operational effectiveness.

Join us. Shape the future. Strengthen the force.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The Business Innovation Architect (digital) will lead the Army’s efforts to design, implement, and sustain cutting-edge digital solutions. This role involves overseeing the transformation of traditional military systems and technologies into advanced, data-driven operations that enhance operational efficiency, decision-making, and mission readiness. The architect will champion innovation while ensuring that technologies align with the Army's strategic goals and security protocols. This role offers the unique opportunity to drive technological advancement in one of the most respected institutions globally. As a Digital Innovation Architect, you’ll play a pivotal role in enhancing the Army’s capabilities for the future.

You will work closely with stakeholders, including Army Users to understand their needs and ensure that digital solutions meet the strategic objectives of the Army and Defence organisations. In this role you will:- 

• Champion Modern Ways of Working: Drive the governance and ethics around the Army’s  digitalisation adoption in accordance with Defence /cross government and Army design Authority policies and direction
• Empower Decision-Making: Develop and deploy relevant data and tools that provide actionable insights to leadership, enabling data-driven decision-making at all levels
• Drive Cultural Change: Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by championing the use of digital technologies across the directorate, providing training and support to empower teams to embrace new ways of working
• Collaborate for Success: Partner with Defence Digital, Head Office, and the Strategic Hub to ensure alignment with broader MOD digital / data strategies and leverage best practices
• Shape the Future: Stay at the forefront of digital and data advancements including AI, continuously exploring new applications and opportunities to enhance the directorate's capabilities

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Develop and maintain the Army's digital innovation strategy in collaboration with key stakeholders
• Identify opportunities for digital transformation and innovation within the Army's operations and processes
• Design and architect innovative digital solutions to address operational challenges and improve efficiency
• Oversee the implementation of digital projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate digital solutions into existing Army systems and processes
• Stay up-to-date/ informed with emerging technologies and trends to recommend innovative solutions for the Army's digital ecosystem
• Conduct research and analysis to assess the feasibility and impact of digital initiatives on Army operations
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on digital architecture, security, and compliance requirements. Including Secure by Design
• Support the development of digital skills and capabilities within the Army through training and knowledge sharing
• Evaluate the performance of digital solutions and recommend improvements to optimize their effectiveness

This opportunity will place you at the centre of data and digital transformation, particularly in the use and development of AI technology and services, driving efficiency and optimisation of data across the Army, it will require you to work across directorates and closely with Defence/Government level organisations.

Person specification

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who can handle the pressure of coordinating a wide range of activities and should be comfortable working within the data and digital profession, willing to challenge established norms and process and be prepared to adapt to changing priorities. Applicants should also have effective written and verbal communication skills and display a positive and professional attitude.

Essential:

• Self-motivated with proactive and results-oriented mindset, and a passion for driving innovation
• Proven expertise( leading innovation) in digital transformation, business process improvement, technical architecture, with a track record of successful implementation in complex environments
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams and stakeholders to embrace change
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a drive towards data-driven decision-making
• Knowledge of current cybersecurity frameworks and protocols
• Experience with emerging technologies like AI, IoT, cloud computing

Desirable:

• Familiarity with user focused agile methodologies and project management.
• Experience in performance and risk reporting and data visualisation ( Architectures)
• Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field or evidence of experience equivalent
• Familiarity with military operations and logistical systems

Behaviours

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

• Delivering at Pace
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Delivering at Pace
• Seeing the Big Picture

Technical skills

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

• DDAT Technical Architect - Architect for the whole context (Working)
• DDAT Technical Architect Technical design throughout the lifecycle (working)

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

• DDAT Technical Architect - Architect for the whole context (Working)