At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead architecture projects and manage teams in a fast-paced consultancy environment.
- Company: Join a specialist consultancy transforming financial services through architecture-led change.
- Benefits: Collaborative culture, influence on practice growth, and work with top-tier clients.
- Why this job: Shape strategy, lead impactful projects, and be part of a high-calibre team.
- Qualifications: Experience in architecture within financial services and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: This role is based in London or Manchester; sponsorship is not available.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Lead Architect – Identity & Access Management Architect (Microsoft Entra / Active Directory)
Location: UK Remote
Engagement Type: Permanent or Fixed-Term Contract (Full Time)
Role Overview
The Identity & Access Management 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 Identity & Access Management Architect role
- 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 Identity & Access Management 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 Identity & Access Management 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.
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 have experience in architecture roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and clients, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨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 or developing others, as this is a key aspect of the Lead Architect position.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in architecture, particularly within financial services. Being knowledgeable about current challenges and solutions will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led architecture engagements in the past. Be ready to articulate your commercial mindset and how it has contributed to client outcomes, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the role.
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 clearly outlines your motivation for applying to this role. Discuss your commercial mindset and how your background aligns with the consultancy's focus on architecture-led change.
Highlight Relevant Certifications: If you have industry certifications like TOGAF, AWS, or Azure, be sure to mention them prominently in your application. These qualifications can set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Leadership Experience: In your application, provide examples of how you've led teams or mentored others. This is crucial for a second-in-command role, so demonstrate your ability to influence and guide teams effectively.
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 Technical Expertise
Highlight your depth in Enterprise, Solution, or Data Architecture. Be ready to provide examples of past projects where you applied your architectural knowledge to solve complex problems, especially within financial services.
✨Understand the Consultancy Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the consultancy's approach to architecture-led change. Research their clients and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of their business model and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios
Since the role involves building relationships with senior stakeholders, prepare for questions about client engagement. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated client relationships and delivered value, particularly in high-stakes environments.