At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of innovative digital solutions for transport networks.
- Company: Join National Highways, enhancing safety and efficiency on England's motorways.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on teamwork and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public sector digital transformation and shape the future of transport.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical architecture and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
As part of the development of our Digital Services function, we are recruiting to strengthen internal digital capability within the Digital Technical Competence team. These roles are central to building sustainable in-house expertise that supports the design, development and delivery of digital solutions across the transport network.
A key focus of this campaign is creating new opportunities. This is a pivotal role that will provide technical solutions and leadership for programmes, new concepts and project delivery, designing differentiating and innovative solutions and services that address our business problems. You will apply wide‑ranging technical expertise across hardware, software, networks, cloud, data, analytics, IT services and cyber security to architect robust, impactful solutions.
You’ll provide expert leadership across complex programmes, translating business needs into secure, scalable and sustainable architectures aligned with government standards and enterprise strategy, while supporting the development of junior architects and National Highways itself.
- Create technical designs for solutions of medium complexity and risk supporting the delivery of projects for continuous improvement.
- Provide technical leadership.
- Make architectural decisions on solutions of medium complexity and risk, aligning solutions to the whole business context and communicating those decisions.
- Develop teams of more junior architects in designing solutions for National Highways.
- Build relationships with stakeholders across different business or technical areas in the organisation to correctly direct solutions and meet business needs.
- Support multiple architecture projects to speed delivery and reduce risk for National Highways.
- Find and use emerging technologies and approaches.
You bring a strong understanding of public sector strategy and digital transformation. You design and assure complex technical architectures, drawing on proven hands-on experience. You work confidently within architectural governance frameworks, Agile delivery environments, and with emerging technologies. You demonstrate commercial awareness of public sector procurement, focusing on value-driven and outcome-led solutions. You lead clear communication on complex or high-risk architectural topics, adapting your approach for technical and non-technical audiences, engaging senior stakeholders, advocating for your team, and managing expectations effectively.
Here at National Highways, we manage and improve England’s motorways and major A roads, helping our customers have safer, smoother and more reliable journeys. Our priorities are safety, customers and delivery, and at the core of this, are our values of passion, integrity, safety, teamwork and ownership.
The Digital Services Directorate is helping to reshape the way National Highways operates by delivering digital, data, and technology services across all areas, from frontline to back office, in a modern and efficient manner. Our vision is to develop integrated information and technology that empowers our colleagues and provides real-time information to our customers, as well as integrating with intelligent vehicle and transport systems as they evolve, to enhance journey safety and reliability.
We are committed to creating a diverse environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Senior IT Technology Architect employer: Highways England
National Highways is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Digital Services function. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and mentorship, particularly for junior architects, while promoting a culture of safety, teamwork, and integrity. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance as we collectively strive to enhance the transport network across England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior IT Technology Architect
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Highways England values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Highways England might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Highways England!
✨Direct Apply to Highways England
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Highways England website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior IT Technology Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Highways England.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Highways England. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Highways England
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
