Head of Architecture and Security Solutions

At XDNA we believe that technology is an enabler but coupled with long-standing industry experience and smart people - that's where the extraordinary in XDNA's 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 organisation's DNA are set up for success - now and into the future. Our digital offerings are designed, tested and proven for industry.

XDNA is Downer's 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, you'll be the strategic and technical leader behind XDNA's product and solution architecture. You'll 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.

You'll 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, you'll 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)
• Bachelor's 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, you'll be part of a dynamic team driving digital transformation across Australia's most critical sectors. You'll 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 people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.