At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical design and governance for innovative digital transformation projects.
- Company: Defra, the UK government department focused on environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
- Why this job: Drive impactful change in technology while contributing to a greener future.
- Qualifications: Experience in enterprise architecture and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Bristol, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Reading, Warrington, York
Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people’s day-to-day life, from the food we eat and the air we breathe, to the water we drink. Digital, Data, Technology and Security (DDTS) is the trusted team for digital across the entire Defra Group. We have around 1000 colleagues across DDTS and our ambition is to make it easier and faster than ever for people to interact with Defra. If you are ready to drive innovation and push boundaries, we want to hear from you. Join us and together we will create a great place for living, and a green and healthy future for all.
Defra is delivering large-scale transformation across its digital, data and technology estate, including the Future Network Procurement Project (FNPP), identity modernisation initiatives, and hosting and cloud transformation. Within the Digital, Data and Technology Services (DDTS) function, the Architecture and Governance team provides technical authority, design leadership, and assurance across enterprise services. We are recruiting multiple Lead Technical Specialist Architects to provide domain leadership in:
- Network & Connectivity (FNPP)
- Identity & Access (Active Directory)
These roles operate at the centre of complex, multi-supplier programmes, ensuring designs are secure, operable, aligned to strategy, and deliverable at scale. As a Lead Technical Specialist Architect, you will act as the technical authority within your domain, providing leadership across programmes and services. You will shape strategy, assure complex designs, and guide delivery teams and suppliers in a federated environment. You will work across security, operations, and delivery to ensure coherent end-to-end architectures, balancing strategic direction with hands-on design leadership.
Across All Roles, You Will:
- Act as the technical authority for your domain, supporting critical architectural decisions
- Lead and assure technical designs across the full lifecycle (HLD, LLD, transition and implementation)
- Ensure alignment to enterprise architecture principles, security standards, and operational requirements
- Challenge supplier designs and drive technical quality and consistency
- Identify, manage, and communicate architectural risks and dependencies
- Represent your domain in governance forums, providing clear recommendations to senior stakeholders
- Ensure solutions are secure, resilient, operable, and supportable
- Contribute to domain standards, patterns, and architectural roadmaps
- Support knowledge transfer to internal teams to build long-term capability
Domain Focus Areas:
- Network & Connectivity (FNPP)
- Identity & Access (Active Directory)
Responsibilities You will:
- Define and maintain domain architecture (principles, standards, patterns, roadmaps)
- Lead technical design for high-impact, complex services and programmes
- Guide and assure architects, delivery teams, and suppliers
- Use governance and assurance to support decision-making and manage risk
- Contribute to the architecture community through mentoring and leadership
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Significant experience in enterprise architecture within a large, complex organisation
- Proven ability to act as a technical authority across programmes or services
- Strong experience of architectural governance, assurance, and risk management
- Experience working in multi-supplier environments, including design challenge
- Ability to lead complex design decisions across the delivery lifecycle
- Strong stakeholder engagement, including influencing at senior levels
- Ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
Domain-Specific Experience (one or more):
- Network & Connectivity
- Identity & Access
One or More of the Following:
- Experience of large-scale transformation, transition, or procurement programmes
- Understanding of secure-by-design and government security expectations
- Experience mentoring and developing architects or technical specialists
- Experience of ServiceNow or equivalent platforms (for hosting/service roles)
- Experience of modern identity platforms (e.g. Entra ID)
Lead Technical Specialist x3 employer: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Defra is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and mentorship within a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in key cities such as Bristol, London, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, our team plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable future, making your contributions impactful and meaningful.
Contact Details:
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Technical Specialist x3
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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Technical Specialist x3
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
