At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the tech strategy at The National Archives, shaping how we preserve and share history.
- Company: Join a prestigious institution dedicated to safeguarding the UK's rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of modernising national infrastructure and enhancing cyber security.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in technology leadership within complex environments.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work with innovative technologies like AI.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Join The National Archives—the official archive and publisher for the UK Government and custodian of over 1,000 years of records—and lead the technology strategy that underpins how we preserve, protect and share the nation's story. We're at the beginning of a three-year funded programme to renew our technology. The goals are to build organisational resilience, improve productivity, provide a world class digital experience for users, and to seize the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, all whilst keeping essential public services running every day.
This is a Fixed Term Appointment for 1 year with the possibility of extension/permanency.
What you’ll do:
- Own, develop and evolve The National Archives' Technology Strategy and Architecture, aligning services to user needs and organisational outcomes.
- Lead technology governance and assurance in line with the Digital Functional Standard, Cyber Security Standard, and Technology Code of Practice.
- Drive an incremental approach to displacing legacy systems—breaking down monoliths and guiding delivery teams, putting in place a transitional architecture.
- Oversee cyber security and resilience as strategic priorities, ensuring Security by Design and operating effective second line of defence controls.
- Lead cross organisation AI strategy, governance, and adoption enabling innovation whilst managing risks.
- Champion open standards, open source, and cloud-native approaches, improving sustainability, whilst mitigating the risks of vendor lock-in.
What we’re looking for:
You’re a technology leader with enterprise-scale experience (ideally in a complex public-sector or regulated environment). You can set a clear strategic direction, influence senior stakeholders, and help multidisciplinary teams deliver secure, resilient, user-centred services.
Based at Kew, with hybrid working available (60% on site). If you’re excited by modernising national infrastructure, strengthening cyber security, and making responsible use of AI—while safeguarding records for generations—apply now.
Head of Technology Strategy in London employer: The National Archives, UK
Contact Detail:
The National Archives, UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technology Strategy in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those connected to The National Archives. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for technology strategy! When you get the chance to speak with hiring managers or during interviews, share your vision on how to modernise infrastructure and enhance user experience. Let them see your excitement!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on your knowledge of cyber security, AI governance, and legacy systems. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show you're the right fit for leading their tech strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining The National Archives and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technology Strategy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Technology Strategy role. Highlight your enterprise-scale experience and how it relates to the goals of The National Archives.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've influenced senior stakeholders and led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to set a clear strategic direction and drive technology governance.
Emphasise Your Technical Knowledge: Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with cyber security, AI strategy, and cloud-native approaches. We’re looking for someone who can champion these areas, so make sure to include relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Archives, UK
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest technology trends, especially around AI and cyber security. Brush up on how these technologies can be applied in a public-sector context, as this will show your understanding of the role and its challenges.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with The National Archives' mission and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of improving productivity and user experience while modernising their tech infrastructure.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems related to legacy systems or cyber security. Think through your past experiences and be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve successfully navigated similar challenges.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a technology leader, you’ll need to influence and guide multidisciplinary teams. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you’ve led teams through change, particularly in complex environments.