Contract Lead Technical Architect

Role: Lead Technical Architect (Cyber Services)
Location: London, Bristol, Manchester, or Birmingham (Hybrid)
Length: Initial 6-month contract
Rate: £750 per day (Inside IR35)
Clearance: Active SC preferred / SC Eligible

We’re supporting a major UK Government department looking for a senior Technical Architect to join their Cyber Services Team.

You will provide architectural leadership across cloud and hybrid environments, primarily focused on Microsoft Azure. **Based out of London, Bristol, Manchester, or Birmingham, you will act as a proactive technologist, translating complex user needs into robust designs aligned with NCSC security principles.

** While your base site can be any of the hubs mentioned, you will be required in the London office approximately once per month for team workshops and ad-hoc department engagements.

Responsibilities:

• End-to-End Design: Architect secure Azure solutions (AKS, App Services, SQL, Entra ID) while producing high-quality HLDs and LLDs.
• Cyber Security & Compliance: Design in line with NCSC Cloud Security Principles and UK GDPR, ensuring robust network security and data classification.
• Automation & IaC: Implement Infrastructure as Code (Bicep, Terraform) and utilize automation tools like PowerShell and M365DSC.
• Governance & Assurance: Participate in Technical Design Authorities and manage architectural debt within a team of 10 specialists.

Who You Are:

• You have at least 8 years of experience as a Technical or Cloud Architect, comfortable with ambiguity and proactive in proposing improvements.
• Azure Expert: Ideally hold Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification with deep knowledge of Identity & Access Management (Entra ID) and Hybrid Connectivity.
• Knowledge of GDS Service Standards and government assurance processes is highly desirable.
• Expert in designing for high availability, disaster recovery, and operational support.