Technical Solutions Architect in Chelmsford

IT Services are seeking a Technical Solutions Architect for a 2‑year temporary contract, to continue to help lead their Architecture team. This team is tasked with ensuring that all IT solutions (new and existing) adhere to the high technical, security and non‑functional standards that are required to meet national Policing requirements.

We are seeking a skilled and passionate individual to work closely with all other teams within the joint IT Services Department of Kent Police and Essex Police, as well as other key stakeholders such as Information Management teams to document proposed solutions to business requirements of both operational Policing colleagues and back‑office staff alike.

The role holder will need to oversee the design architecture for new systems, aligning with business goals, industry practices and policing security protocols. Will need to collaborate with development teams, suppliers, product owners and stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions.

The role holder will need to stay up‑to‑date with the latest technology and trends, and provide technical guidance, designs and solution mentorship to IT team members, fostering a knowledge sharing culture and continuous learning. This role leads a team of designers who require guidance, leadership, and management.

This role also sits within the Department Management Team (DMT) and is the voice of expertise for their team at this level. Each DMT member feeds into the direction of travel for the department influencing the Senior Management Team (SMT), they also share a key role within a rota overseeing the management of reactive Critical Incidents as they occur ensuring return to function of any failing IT service provided to or consumed by the Forces.

In addition to managing the team, the Technical Solutions Architect is also in charge of peer reviewing the designs of the team and Chairing the Force Technical Design Authority (TDA) who are charged with the scrutiny, technical risk identification and approval of all solution designs of projects being purchased/implemented/re‑assured in either force. Their influence also extends more broadly with responsibility of representing Kent Police and Essex Police at both regional and national Police TDA's.

To support your application please detail your evidence against the following areas:

• Proven experience: in technical architecture with a strong understanding of various technologies and platforms, in particular contribution/production of High and Low level system designs.
• Knowledge and application: of baseline security principles, functional and non‑functional requirements.
• Experience and qualifications: education to degree level, together with an appropriate IT professional qualification and possess an extensive knowledge of policing and business operating environments.
• Project Management Principles: your experience of solution delivery from design, procurement, delivery and post support.
• Passion for technology: detail your broad business knowledge and extensive understanding of current and emerging information and communication technologies and products, services, methods and techniques for solutions delivery.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Managerial skills: Ability to motivate and inspire those within a team, and an ability to give critical feedback whilst being compassionate/constructive.

If you're not from the UK, you must be a resident in the UK and have lived here continuously for the last three years. You must also be free from restrictions with indefinite leave to remain. If you're from the UK you must have lived here continuously for the last three years. This doesn’t apply to those serving abroad in the British Armed Forces.

Disability Confident Leader: have subjected our Disability Confident self‑assessment to external challenge and validation are taking an active leadership role in encouraging and helping other employers on their journey to becoming Disability Confident.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion: Diversity, Equality and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. At Essex Police we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work. Through the dedicated commitment of our support networks, DE&I team and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our DE&I commitments, ensuring Essex Police is an employer of choice; where everyone feels included. Essex Police and Kent Police are an equal opportunities employer.

Benefits and Work Conditions: A competitive salary and a good benefits package, inclusive of 'flexi time', a secure pension, supportive employee T&Cs and access to bluelight discounts. Flexible working, noting on‑site working will be required and could include travel to both Kent Police and Essex Police locations. An opportunity to work on a challenging and impactful project. A supportive and collaborative work environment. Continuous learning and development opportunities.