Chief Software Architect

Role purpose The Chief Software Architect will provide strategic leadership for PDA’s software architecture and engineering direction, supporting the delivery of secure, scalable and interoperable digital platforms and government services. The role will translate the National Digital Masterplan and institutional requirements into software architecture standards, reusable capabilities and modernisation roadmaps. Combining a strong software development background with executive leadership, the Chief Software Architect will guide critical technology decisions, strengthen engineering capability and oversee architectural quality across PDA-supported programmes. Key responsibilities Define and lead PDA’s software architecture strategy, aligning technology decisions with national digital priorities, service needs and delivery outcomes. Establish reference architectures, software design standards and reusable patterns that support interoperability and consistent implementation across government programmes. Lead application modernisation strategy, assessing legacy systems and defining practical roadmaps for migration, integration, replacement or retirement. Guide the adoption of cloud-native architectures, APIs, microservices and other technologies where they meet business, operational and sustainability requirements. Establish architecture governance and design assurance, working with the Architecture Review Board and relevant technology leaders to review major designs, resolve exceptions and manage technical debt. Ensure software solutions address security, privacy, accessibility, resilience, performance and maintainability from design through operation. Partner with DPI, data, AI, cybersecurity, product and delivery leaders to align software architecture with shared platforms and end-to-end service requirements. Evaluate major technology investments and supplier proposals, considering technical suitability, lifecycle costs, portability, vendor dependency and knowledge transfer. Strengthen software engineering practices, including secure development, automated testing, DevSecOps, release assurance and operational readiness. Build and mentor architecture and engineering capability, providing technical direction to internal teams and delivery partners. Advise the Chairperson and senior leadership on software strategy, emerging technologies, delivery risks and significant architectural decisions. Qualifications and experience Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related discipline, meeting PDA’s prescribed qualification requirements. A relevant postgraduate qualification is desirable. At least 15 years' experience in software development and architecture, including senior leadership of complex, large-scale platforms or transformation programmes. A strong technical foundation in software design and development, with practical experience in one or more major programming languages and the ability to assess engineering quality and technical trade-offs. Demonstrated experience in application modernisation, distributed systems, API architecture, cloud platforms and integration across complex technology environments. Proven ability to establish architecture governance, lead multidisciplinary technical teams and guide solutions from design through production operation. Experience delivering complex transformation programmes within government, regulated organisations, technology enterprises or consulting environments is desirable. Relevant architecture or cloud certifications, and experience with containerisation, orchestration, Agile delivery and DevSecOps, are desirable. Leadership capabilities Strategic judgement, technical credibility, institutional collaboration, clear executive communication, people development and accountability for sustainable delivery.