Lead Technical Architect Chief Technology Office (CTO) - HO - G7

As a Lead Technical Architect (Grade 7), you will drive the design and implementation of enterprise-wide technical solutions that shape our future business capabilities. Leading cross-functional teams, you’ll ensure alignment with broader government strategies while guiding solutions around modern technologies like cloud, AI, IoT, blockchain, and more. With a focus on security, agility, and innovation, you’ll oversee multiple projects, mentor fellow architects, and collaborate with senior stakeholders. This is a pivotal role for an experienced leader passionate about delivering impactful solutions that support both user needs and organizational goals.

Due to business requirements this post is available on a Full Time/Job Share/Flexible Working basis. Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. Where this is the case, employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in the office. Queries can be raised to the address at the bottom of the advert. 

We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from the widest diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We encourage applications from women, people with disabilities and LGBT+ as they are currently under-represented in the Home Office at this grade level. Appointments will be made on merit based on fair and open competition.

Job description

As a Lead Technical Architect, you will proactively shape and deliver infrastructure and technical solutions across multiple projects or teams. You will ensure solutions align with the wider enterprise architecture and strategic goals, leveraging modern technologies to drive innovative outcomes. Collaborating with a range of stakeholders—including senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners—you will balance near-term delivery with long-term scalability, security, and maintainability.

You will define and evolve technical roadmaps, advise on strategic technology investments, and identify opportunities for continual improvement. Through clear, concise communication, you will secure buy-in for architectural initiatives and mentor junior architects to foster a high-performing architecture community. By evaluating emerging trends, incorporating lessons learned, and championing best practices, you will keep the technical estate flexible and future-proof, positioning the organization for ongoing success.

Person specification

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and maintain enterprise-wide technical strategies, roadmaps, and architectures aligned with broader business objectives.
• Oversee design reviews, incorporating “Secure by Design” principles and compliance with architectural governance.
• Coordinate with cross-government teams and external partners to ensure cohesive, integrated solutions.
• Drive digital innovation by evaluating emerging technologies, embracing best practices, and championing continuous improvement.
• Mentor and coach architects, fostering a culture of collaboration and technical excellence.
• Facilitate the design and delivery of complex systems, ensuring performance, reliability, and security requirements are met.
• Manage multiple projects, collaborating with stakeholders to address risks, budgets, and timelines.
• Evaluate outcomes and integrate lessons learned into future strategies, enabling sustainable, long-term solutions.

Essential Skills:

• Proven ability to lead complex technical architectures, championing innovation and best practices.
• Experience working across multiple domains or projects, coordinating with third-party suppliers and cross-government teams.
• Aptitude for anticipating future technologies and aligning solutions with broader strategies and business outcomes.
• Expertise in Either enterprise architecture or technical architecture in Cloud  or  domains like  AI, CRM, Infrastructure etc.
• Strong grasp of agile methodologies, DevOps principles, and design patterns , paired with enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF).
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, translating complex technical topics for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring or guiding other architects or technical professionals.

SFIA capability framework   

Skills for the Information Age (SFIA) is the technical framework that sets the standard capability and development of all levels in the Home Office. This is a link to the capability framework:  All skills A - Z English (sfia-online.org)   

We use set SFIA technical skills to form our interview questions and we will assess you against these technical skills during the selection process.   

The essential skills listed above are reflective of the Home Office Government Digital and Data Profession Career Framework (based on the industry standard SFIA framework- Use the SFIA Levels of responsibility to understand what would be expected for each technical skill listed). Please see below for the relevant skills for your role:  

SFIA Technical Skills:

Strategy & Architecture:

• Strategy and Planning
  • Innovation (INOV) – Level 3
  • Enterprise and Business Architecture (STPL) – Level 3
  • Strategic Planning (ITSP) – Level 3
  • Solution Architecture (ARCH) – Level 5
• Advice & Guidance
  • Consultancy (CNSL) – Level 4
  • Specialist Advice (TECH) – Level 4

Technical skills

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

• Innovation (INOV) – Level 3
• Enterprise and Business Architecture (STPL) – Level 3
• Strategic Planning (ITSP) – Level 3
• Solution Architecture (ARCH) – Level 5
• Consultancy (CNSL) – Level 4
• Specialist Advice (TECH) – Level 4