Head of Architecture and Secure Solutions

At XDNA we believe that technology is an enabler but coupled with long-standing industry experience and smart people thats where the extraordinary in XDNAs digital solutions begins!

Whilst we use technology to service our customers needs we are driven by a passion to ensure that tools platforms and people within an organisations DNA are set up for success now and into the future. Our digital offerings are designed testedand proven for industry.

XDNA is Downers digital innovation business and we are looking for a Head of Architecture and Secure Solutions to join our team.

About the Role

As Head of Architecture and Secure Solutions youll be the strategic and technical leader behind XDNAs product and solution architecture. Youll own the vision roadmap and delivery of the DASH platform and its secure solution suite ensuring it evolves as a resilient compliant and extensible platform that delivers measurable value to customers.

Youll lead a high-performing team of Solution Architects and Cloud Engineers setting direction standards and priorities while embedding security by design across the software lifecycle. From presales to delivery youll shape solution options manage risk and guide execution with precision and pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Solution Architecture and Secure Solutions function aligning technology strategy with business and security objectives.
• Define and own the enterprise architecture roadmap ensuring scalability interoperability and compliance across cloud and hybrid environments.
• Lead the design and delivery of secure resilient and high-performing solutions leveraging Microsoft Azure and modern infrastructure practices.
• Champion secure-by-design principles embedding security architecture and risk management across all stages of solution design and delivery.
• Establish and govern architecture frameworks standards and patterns ensuring consistent implementation and alignment with ISO 27001 PSPF ISM and Essential Eight requirements.
• Collaborate with executive leadership business stakeholders and delivery teams to translate business goals into technical strategies and actionable architecture blueprints.
• Oversee the adoption of Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) DevSecOps practices and automation to improve security repeatability and operational efficiency.
• Drive innovation and technology evaluation identifying emerging trends and solutions that enhance security posture and business agility.
• Mentor and develop architecture and engineering teams fostering a culture of excellence accountability and continuous improvement.
• Represent the organisation externally engaging with partners regulators and vendors to ensure compliance alignment and secure collaboration.
• Lead risk assessments architecture reviews and assurance activities for mission-critical and high-sensitivity systems.
• Ensure architecture decisions are well-documented and governed supporting transparency auditability and ongoing operational resilience.

Qualifications & Experience

• Active NV1 Security Clearance (or the ability to obtain and maintain)
• Bachelors degree in computer science Engineering Information Security or equivalent professional experience
• Proven leadership in Solution Architecture Enterprise Architecture Cloud Engineering or Professional Services with demonstrated success in large-scale secure solution delivery
• Minimum 5 years experience architecting implementing and governing Microsoft Azure cloud services in complex enterprise or government environments
• Minimum 5 years experience designing and deploying Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and enforcing secure architecture frameworks patterns and standards across multi-cloud and hybrid infrastructures
• Experience in ISO 27001-certified environments including participation in compliance audits and implementation of continuous security improvement initiatives
• In-depth understanding of critical infrastructure systems and regulatory obligations (e.g. PSPF ISM Essential Eight or equivalent frameworks)
• Proven track record in defining and executing secure platform strategies architecture governance models and technology roadmaps aligned with business objectives
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and cross-functional technical teams
• Relevant certifications (e.g. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert) highly desirable

Why Join Us

At XDNA youll be part of a dynamic team driving digital transformation across Australias most critical sectors. Youll have the autonomy to lead the support to innovate and the opportunity to shape the future of secure solutions.

How to Apply:

To apply for this great opportunity please click the APPLY NOW button. For more information about this position please contact Angela Versace - Talent & Sourcing Business Partner at Please note applications will not be accepted via email please apply via the link.

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our peoples diverse experiences talents and cultures. As an inclusive employer we welcome applications from everyone.