At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative IT architecture to meet business needs.
- Company: Join HS2 Ltd, a forward-thinking company committed to inclusion and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible benefits fund, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of technology in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in technical architecture and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Base salary: £54,878pa to £64,562pa depending on skills and experience. In addition, we offer a flexible benefits fund of 20% which is paid on top base salary and is fully pensionable, as well as a range of competitive benefits.
HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential. This means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities.
Job Purpose
The Lead Technical Architect is responsible for developing HS2’s IT technical architecture which embeds the strategic application of information and technology to address business needs. The role owns the technical domain architecture and ensures that guardrails and standards that guide the delivery of services are aligned to enterprise‑wide IT strategy and policies.
About The Role
- Accountable for the IT Technical Architecture capability within HS2 IT, planning and leading activity to ensure technology is implemented in such a way where it ensures innovative, high‑quality, and cost‑efficient outcomes that meet business objectives.
- Develop and implement enterprise‑wide technical architecture policies, patterns, processes and guardrails to embed the strategic application of Information & Technology across HS2.
- Establish and manage the Technical Architecture practice and capabilities across HS2, leading knowledge sharing and skills development efforts and driving consistency across HS2.
- Lead definition and continued maturity of Technical Architecture frameworks which aligns to wider enterprise‑wide architecture.
- Plan and drive scoping, requirements definition, and prioritisation for technical architecture activities within Infrastructure & Operations.
- Lead the technical design of IT services working with SLT and other key stakeholders across HS2.
- Support the translation of business drivers, goals, and constraints into technical solutions.
- Contribute subject matter expertise and ideas to the technology innovation agenda.
- Act as the senior escalation point for complex technical design decisions or architectural risks.
- Actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all work, and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.
Skills
- Enterprise and business architecture – able to align technical architecture to the enterprise‑wide architecture and IT strategy.
- Emerging technology monitoring – able to identify and assess new and emerging technologies and their relevance and impacts to HS2.
- Solution architecture – developing and communicating a multi‑dimensional solution architecture to deliver agreed business outcomes.
- Consultancy – provides expert advice in areas of technology and architecture, influencing stakeholders and assuring quality.
- Innovation – leads the identification and implementation of new and emerging technologies to deliver business value.
Knowledge
- Experience leading the design and assurance of complex technical architectures across multiple domains, platforms, or delivery workstreams.
- Knowledge of architecture frameworks and how to apply them pragmatically to guide technical strategy and solution design.
- Knowledge of current and emerging technologies across infrastructure, cloud platforms, application development, integration, and data, and how they can enable business outcomes.
- Knowledge of architectural governance processes, including design assurance, technical risk management, and decision‑making frameworks.
- Knowledge of how to balance architectural integrity, delivery velocity, and technical debt in large‑scale digital and IT programmes.
Type of Experience
- Experience working with senior stakeholders to translate strategic objectives into practical architectural solutions and roadmaps.
- Experience providing architectural leadership within large‑scale digital, infrastructure, or enterprise platform programmes.
- Experience balancing long‑term architectural vision with short‑term delivery priorities in a fast‑paced or regulated environment.
Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Lead IT Technical Architect employer: HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd
HS2 Ltd is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee development, offering a competitive salary alongside a flexible benefits fund of 20%. With a strong commitment to personal and professional growth, employees are encouraged to thrive in a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration. The Lead IT Technical Architect role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of technology within a transformative project, making a meaningful impact on the UK's infrastructure.
