At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and document technical architectures for innovative digital services.
- Company: Join a UK Government department making a real impact in the public sector.
- Benefits: Competitive contract rate, hybrid work model, and opportunity to shape modern systems.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of technology, influencing high-impact projects that matter.
- Qualifications: Active SC Clearance and strong software architecture experience required.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
Job Title: Contract Technical Architect β Software Focus (SC Cleared)
Read on to fully understand what this job requires in terms of skills and experience If you are a good match, make an application.
Location: Hybrid (Remote & Ad Hoc Leeds/Manchester/London)
Contract Type: Contract
IR35: Inside
Duration: 6 Months +
Rate: Β£450-Β£525 (DOE)
Clearance Required: Active SC Clearance
About the Role
A UK Government department is seeking a skilled Technical Architect with a strong background in software engineering to support the delivery of complex digital services. This is a contract opportunity to work on high-impact public sector programmes, helping shape the technical direction of modern, scalable systems.
You\βll work closely with delivery teams, product owners, and other architects to ensure technical solutions are robust, secure, and aligned with strategic goals. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and has a passion for designing high-quality software systems.
Key Responsibilities
Define and document technical architectures for new and existing services.
Provide hands-on technical leadership and guidance to development teams.
Ensure solutions adhere to government standards, security policies, and best practices.
Collaborate with Solutions Architects to align technical designs with business needs.
Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools.
Identify and mitigate technical risks early in the delivery lifecycle.
Support integration, testing, and deployment strategies.
Essential Skills & Experience
Active SC Clearance (must be currently valid).
Strong experience as a Technical Architect in software-focused environments.
Solid foundation in software engineering (e.g., Java, .NET, Node.js, Python).
Deep understanding of architectural patterns (e.g., microservices, containerisation, API design).
Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
Familiarity with DevOps tooling and CI/CD pipelines.
Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
Desirable
Experience working within UK Government or public sector.
Knowledge of GDS service standards and technology governance.
Exposure to Agile and iterative delivery models.
Understanding of security and data protection requirements in government systems
Technical Architect employer: Harvey Nash
Contact Detail:
Harvey Nash Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Technical Architect
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who have experience with government contracts. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your previous work as a Technical Architect. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
β¨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview! Research common technical questions and be ready to discuss your experience with software engineering and architectural patterns. Practice makes perfect, so consider mock interviews with friends or colleagues.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Weβve got loads of opportunities tailored for skilled professionals like you. Donβt miss out on the chance to land that dream role by applying directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Architect
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Architect role. Highlight your experience in software engineering and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in designing scalable systems. We want to see how you fit into our vision!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your active SC Clearance and any experience in public sector projects.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, donβt forget to highlight your technical skills, especially in areas like microservices, cloud platforms, and DevOps tooling. Weβre looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it clear how you can contribute!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, itβs super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harvey Nash
β¨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills, especially in software engineering languages like Java, .NET, and Python. Be ready to discuss architectural patterns and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, as these will likely come up during the interview.
β¨Understand the Government Standards
Familiarise yourself with GDS service standards and technology governance. Knowing how to align your technical solutions with government policies will show that youβre not just technically savvy but also aware of the broader context in which youβll be working.
β¨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions where youβll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where youβve had to mitigate technical risks or lead a team through a challenging project, and be ready to share those stories.
β¨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with delivery teams and product owners, so highlight your teamwork skills. Be prepared to discuss how youβve collaborated with others in the past to achieve successful outcomes, especially in fast-paced environments.