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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital strategies that protect the environment and impact millions across the UK.
- Company: Join the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, a key UK Government department.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inspire and mentor a team while influencing high-level strategy.
- Why this job: Shape technology decisions that drive real-world outcomes and national impact.
- Qualifications: Strong background in enterprise architecture and experience with cloud platforms.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol, London or York
Want to design digital and technology strategies that protect the environment, support farming, and impact millions of people across the UK? Defra is recruiting Principal Enterprise Architects to lead enterprise‑wide digital direction across one of the UK Government’s most important departments. This is a senior, high‑impact role where your decisions will influence strategy, spending, platforms and architecture across the entire Defra group. As a Principal Enterprise Architect, you’ll sit at the heart of this transformation – shaping long‑term strategy, enabling modern delivery, and ensuring technology decisions support real‑world outcomes.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Set and own enterprise‑level digital and technology strategy within your domain
- Act as a technical design authority, influencing major decisions on platforms, security and investment
- Work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders across Defra and its agencies
- Lead, mentor and inspire architects, setting direction and best practice
- Horizon-scan for emerging technologies, risks and opportunities
Who This Role Is Ideal For
- Have a strong background in enterprise or solution architecture
- Are comfortable working across cloud platforms (AWS and/or Azure)
- Enjoy influencing senior stakeholders and shaping strategy
- Like balancing long‑term vision with real‑world delivery
- Want your work to have national impact and public value
Principal Enterprise Architect - Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - G6 employer: Manchester Digital
Contact Detail:
Manchester Digital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Enterprise Architect - Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - G6
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field, especially those connected to Defra. LinkedIn is your best mate here – engage with their posts, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy to send a message. You never know who might help you land that interview!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding Defra’s mission and values. Dive deep into their recent projects and challenges. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Principal Enterprise Architect, you’ll need to inspire and mentor others. Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams or influenced decisions in past roles. This will highlight your fit for the high-impact nature of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Enterprise Architect - Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - G6
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Enterprise Architect role. Highlight your experience in enterprise architecture and how it aligns with Defra's mission to protect the environment and support farming.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your expertise in cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. We want to see how your technical knowledge can influence major decisions on platforms and security within the Defra group.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: As a senior role, we’re looking for candidates who can lead and inspire others. Share examples of how you’ve mentored teams or influenced stakeholders in previous positions to showcase your leadership skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Digital
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in enterprise architecture principles and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, like AWS and Azure. Brush up on your knowledge of digital strategies that protect the environment and support farming, as this will show your genuine interest in Defra's mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Enterprise Architect, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders or led a team through a significant project. This will demonstrate your capability to inspire and set direction.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with Defra’s goals and how technology plays a role in achieving them. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their long-term strategy and how you can contribute to real-world outcomes that impact millions across the UK.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about Defra’s current projects, challenges they face in digital transformation, and how they envision the role of a Principal Enterprise Architect. This shows your enthusiasm and strategic thinking.