Lead Architect

Lead Architect

Full-Time 48000 - 84000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead architecture projects and manage delivery teams in financial services.
  • Company: Join a specialist consultancy known for architecture-led change in finance.
  • Benefits: Collaborative culture, influence on strategy, and work with top-tier clients.
  • Why this job: Shape impactful solutions and grow your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in architecture, consulting, and a relevant degree or certifications.
  • Other info: This role does not offer sponsorship; ideal for experienced architects ready for leadership.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.

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This range is provided by Entasis Partners. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

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Location: UK Remote

Engagement Type: Permanent or Fixed‑Term Contract (Full Time)

Role Overview

The Lead Architect provides strategic and technical leadership across Microsoft Entra ID and Active Directory services. The role shapes the long‑term identity architecture, owns the roadmap for hybrid identity capabilities, and acts as a senior escalation point for complex technical matters. Working closely with security, infrastructure, and regional technology teams, this position ensures identity services are secure, resilient, and aligned to business priorities.

What You’ll Be Doing as a Lead Architect

  • Designing and maintaining the architecture for Microsoft Entra ID and Active Directory across hybrid environments.
  • Owning the identity services roadmap, including lifecycle management, capacity planning, and strategic direction.
  • Conducting platform assessments and driving improvement initiatives in partnership with security teams and vendor specialists.
  • Providing senior‑level administration, governance, and incident escalation for Entra ID services.
  • Developing and refining identity security controls such as Conditional Access, MFA, RBAC, PIM, and workload identity protections.
  • Overseeing operational processes including monitoring, incident and change management, and service performance.
  • Producing clear and comprehensive documentation to support operations, governance, and future enhancements.
  • Partnering with stakeholders across technical and non‑technical teams to ensure alignment and effective knowledge sharing.
  • Identifying opportunities for innovation, automation, and service improvement.
  • Building and maintaining productive working relationships with vendors and partners.

What We’re Looking For in the Lead Architect

  • Proven experience delivering enterprise‑level identity strategy and architecture with Microsoft Entra ID.
  • Minimum 5 years’ hands‑on experience with Entra ID / Azure AD, including Conditional Access, MFA, PIM, RBAC, External Identities, and identity protection capabilities.
  • At least 5 years’ experience managing Windows Active Directory in complex, high‑availability environments.
  • Strong understanding of hybrid identity models and large‑scale infrastructure operations.
  • Familiarity with best practices across systems administration, automation, DevOps workflows, and change management.
  • Experience working within shared service or global operating models with 24/7 expectations.
  • Ability to manage vendor relationships to deliver agreed outcomes and maintain value.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
  • Desirable: exposure to Microsoft 365 platform architecture and experience working in cross‑functional project environments.

Qualifications

  • Degree or equivalent professional experience.
  • Relevant Microsoft certifications in Azure and Entra ID (Azure AD) are required and must be maintained.

Why Join

  • Opportunity to lead identity architecture across a complex, modern hybrid environment.
  • The chance to influence long‑term technology direction and introduce best‑practice identity security.
  • Work closely with senior technology and security leaders on business‑critical initiatives.
  • Engage with cutting‑edge Microsoft technologies and maintain close relationships with key vendor partners.
  • Be part of a dynamic setting where your expertise drives improvement, innovation, and strategic value.

If this Lead Architect role is of interest, please submit your application for further information

Our Commitment

Entasis Partners is committed to helping clients create a diverse environment and is proud to support equal‑opportunity employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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Contact Detail:

Entasis Partners Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Architect

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the financial services sector, especially those who work in architecture roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and clients, as building relationships can significantly enhance your chances of landing the Lead Architect position.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills by participating in relevant projects or initiatives within your current role. Highlight any experience you have in mentoring others or leading teams, as this will demonstrate your readiness for a second-in-command position.

✨Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in architecture, particularly those relevant to financial services. Being knowledgeable about tools like TOGAF, AWS, or Azure can set you apart and show that you are proactive in your professional development.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your commercial mindset during interviews. Be ready to provide examples of how you've added value through architecture in previous roles, particularly in consulting contexts, as this aligns closely with what the consultancy is looking for.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Architect

Enterprise Architecture
Solution Architecture
Data Architecture
Leadership Skills
Client Engagement
Commercial Acumen
Stakeholder Management
Team Management
Mentoring and Development
Architecture Best Practices
Consulting Experience
Proposition Development
Change Management
Communication Skills
Industry Certifications (TOGAF, AWS, Azure, SAFe)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in architecture, particularly within financial services. Emphasise your leadership roles and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to deliver client outcomes.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your understanding of the consultancy's values and how you can contribute to their growth. Mention specific experiences that align with the role of Lead Architect.

Highlight Relevant Certifications: If you have industry certifications like TOGAF, AWS, or Azure, make sure to include them prominently in your application. These credentials can set you apart from other candidates.

Showcase Your Network: In your application, mention any connections you have within the financial services sector. Highlighting your established network can demonstrate your commercial mindset and ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders.

How to prepare for a job interview at Entasis Partners

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Lead Architect, you'll be expected to lead teams and influence outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences, how you've managed teams, and the impact of your leadership on project success.

✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Mindset

This role requires a strong understanding of the value architecture brings in a consulting context. Be ready to share examples of how you've contributed to business development or improved client relationships through your architectural expertise.

✨Highlight Relevant Experience

Make sure to emphasise your experience within financial services, particularly with Tier 1 clients. Prepare specific examples of architecture engagements you've led, focusing on the challenges faced and the solutions you implemented.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to be asked about your depth in Enterprise, Solution, or Data Architecture. Brush up on relevant frameworks and methodologies, and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in real-world scenarios.

Lead Architect
Entasis Partners
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