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- 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.
- Other info: This role does not offer sponsorship; ideal for experienced architects ready for leadership.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Role: Lead Architect | Public Sector / Regulated Enterprise
Fully remote (UK) — SC clearance required
Location
Contract (Inside IR35)
Engagement
Unable to provide sponsorship for this position
Sponsorship
A major technology delivery partner running complex, multi-workstream cloud and data programmes for secure UK clients in regulated and government-adjacent sectors. Established track record on Azure-led modernisation at national scale, with a mature engineering culture built on DevOps practice, medallion architecture and rigorous governance. They are bringing in an additional Lead Architect to stabilise delivery and carry technical authority across a multi-disciplinary engineering team.
What You’ll Be Doing as a Lead Architect
- Leading end-to-end delivery of a large-scale Azure, Databricks and PySpark programme, owning technical strategy across architecture, data engineering, software and QA workstreams.
- Acting as senior technical authority and escalation point for complex architecture and delivery issues impacting timelines or solution integrity.
- Engaging directly with programme directors, governance boards and C-suite to articulate risk, provide assurance and present delivery updates in clear, business-focused language.
- Driving engineering excellence, automation and DevOps maturity across delivery teams – CI/CD, IaC, security scanning and performance optimisation at scale.
- Ensuring all solution designs and delivery activity meet security, compliance and governance requirements expected of SC-cleared environments.
- Coordinating transition into operational support, embedding readiness across service, security and support teams.
What We’re Looking For From The Lead Architect
- Active UK Security Clearance (SC or higher) – this is a hard requirement and non-negotiable.
- Expert-level Azure across Data Lake, Synapse, Databricks, Key Vault, DevOps and Networking, with strong experience orchestrating large-scale data processing.
- Proven track record leading multi-workstream technical delivery programmes in cloud, data or platform environments.
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams across architecture, data engineering, software development and testing.
- Senior stakeholder management credibility – able to influence programme directors, governance boards and C-suite representatives with clarity and authority.
- Ability to translate complex technical challenges into concise, business-focused language for executive decision-making.
Qualifications
- Active UK SC clearance (essential).
- Desirable technical strengths: Terraform (IaC), Python and PySpark, Azure DevOps pipelines, Docker/Docker-Compose, Trivy scanning, medallion architecture with ADLS, parquet and delta tables, and strong SQL.
Why Join?
- High-autonomy Lead Architect contract on a strategic, multi-workstream Azure and Databricks programme at national scale.
- Fully remote (UK) with a clearly scoped, Inside IR35 day rate engagement.
- Direct access to programme directors and C-suite stakeholders – a genuine senior technical authority seat, not a layered role.
- A mature delivery environment with modern DevOps, IaC and engineering standards baked in from day one.
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
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.