At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical design and governance for innovative digital transformation projects.
- Company: Join Defra, the UK government department dedicated to a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while driving cutting-edge technology solutions.
- 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:
- 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: Enterprise network architecture (WAN/LAN/Wi-Fi), SD-WAN and modern network/security architectures
- Identity & Access: Active Directory architecture (including legacy environments), identity modernisation and dependency management, service modelling (CMDB/CSDM) and enterprise service architecture
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 in London employer: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Defra is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the UK's environmental and agricultural landscape while working in a collaborative and innovative digital environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, Defra provides extensive training and development opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork across its diverse locations including Bristol, London, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that values your expertise and empowers you to make a meaningful impact on society.
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 in London
✨Get Involved in Tech Transfer Events
Tech transfer is all about networking, so make sure you're attending industry conferences and seminars related to technology commercialization. Events like the AUTM Annual Meeting or local innovation workshops are clutch for meeting key players and learning what's trending—plus, you might just bump into someone from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Having a solid portfolio can really make you stand out. Highlight any projects where you successfully brought a technology to market or improved a process. Sharing case studies or insights on platforms like LinkedIn can catch the eye of recruiters at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, showing them you’ve got the chops for the job.
✨Leverage University Connections
Many universities have strong tech transfer offices—connect with them! They often have ties to industry and can help you get your foot in the door. Plus, you might find openings or internship opportunities that lead to this full-time role at places like Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
✨Engage with Online Communities
Join forums or online communities focused on tech transfer and commercialization. Platforms like ResearchGate or industry-specific Slack channels are great for connecting with professionals, discussing trends, and possibly learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Remember, your next opportunity could be just a message away!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Technical Specialist x3 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Transfer Know-How:In the tech transfer and commercialization world, it's crucial to highlight your understanding of intellectual property, patents, and market analysis. Make sure your CV includes relevant projects or experiences where you successfully navigated these areas. Any certifications in commercialisation would also give you a serious edge!
Tailor Your Documents for the Role:Your cover letter should reflect not just your enthusiasm for the position at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, but also your knowledge of current trends in technology-transfer. Discuss specific cases where you've contributed to commercialising innovations or enhancing research outcomes—this will show you’re ready to tackle challenges head-on!
Quantify Your Achievements:In this field, numbers count! Whether it's successful licensing deals, funding acquired for projects, or percentage increases in collaboration outcomes, include these metrics in your CV. They not only make your accomplishments more tangible but also demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Business Acumen:Understanding the business side is just as crucial as the tech side! When writing your application, weave in examples that illustrate your strategic thinking and your role in negotiations or partnerships. This balance of skills is what will set you apart for a full-time role at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Knowledge
Brush up on key technologies and trends in technology transfer and commercialization. Be ready to showcase your understanding of licensing agreements and the innovation lifecycle, as well as any specific tools or software used in the field.
✨Show Your Business Acumen
This role isn't just about tech; it's also about understanding the market. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach bringing a technology to market, including strategies for assessing commercial viability and potential partnerships.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you'd approach real-world challenges in technology transfer, like negotiating a deal or handling stakeholder concerns—this can help us get a sense of your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past, particularly in scenarios that involved tech developers and business strategists coming together.
