At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the evolution of engineering practices in a government department and create a unified tech strategy.
- Company: Highly respected UK Consulting partner with a focus on impactful projects.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, fully remote work, and potential for extensions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in government engineering by shaping future strategies and standards.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in engineering strategies, SC Clearance, and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on high-profile projects with senior stakeholders in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78000 £ per year.
SC Clearance required
£700-750 per day, Outside IR35
Initially until end of March (+ Likely extensions)
Fully remote
Unify are proudly, exclusively representing a highly respected UK Consulting partner, who urgently require the services of a Lead Technical Architect to deliver a high-profile project within the Central Government space.
Project: We are seeking a Lead Technical Architect to help mature a Government department's Engineering function by moving away from fragmented, volunteer-led, and internally siloed practices towards a coherent, strategically aligned, and professional model. This evolution focuses on technical alignment, reputation, and transparency for senior stakeholders. The engineering ecosystem is fragmented across various departments with inconsistent standards and visibility. As the Lead Technical Architect, you are the primary technologist for this mission. You are tasked with building a "Whole of Engineering Tech Radar", a unified view that defines the "do's and don'ts" for the entire department. Beyond tools, you will define the strategy for measuring developer productivity (using DORA/SPACE) and oversee the transition of GitHub management. Your role is to ensure that technical maturation is evidence-based and that the function is equipped with a visual, strategic roadmap to lead the department's engineering future.
Skills and experience for Lead Technical Architect role:
- Essential skills: Proven experience defining and socialising engineering strategies and standards at a departmental or enterprise level.
- Expertise in creating and maintaining Tech Radars or similar technical standards frameworks.
- Deep understanding of modern software delivery performance metrics (DORA, SPACE) and how to implement them without damaging culture.
- Exceptional ability to lead workshops with senior technical stakeholders to build consensus on "To-Be" landscapes.
- Must hold active SC Clearance to engage with the department's senior technical leadership and systems from day one.
- Skills in agile methodologies, and digital transformation within the public sector or similar environments would be highly beneficial.
‘Nice to have’ skills:
- Familiarity with Government digital governance and standards.
- Experience working with the Office of the CTO or Chief Engineer in a large government department.
- Strategic understanding of centralising GitHub administration and Enterprise-level developer tooling.
- Ability to partner with designers to turn technical architecture into a compelling "story" for non-technical senior executives.
Please apply by submitting your latest CV for immediate review by our Talent team.
Lead Technical Architect employer: Unify Talent - IT, Digital & Tech Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Unify Talent - IT, Digital & Tech Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Technical Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in government or consulting. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their engineering challenges and think about how you can contribute. We want you to shine as the tech guru they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or presentation that highlights your experience with Tech Radars and engineering strategies. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your value right off the bat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Lead Technical Architect role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Technical Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Technical Architect role. Highlight your experience with engineering strategies and standards, especially in government or enterprise settings. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics to demonstrate how you’ve improved processes or led successful projects. This will help us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, be clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the point, especially when discussing technical concepts.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unify Talent - IT, Digital & Tech Recruitment
✨Know Your Tech Radar Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the concept of a Tech Radar and how it applies to the role. Be ready to discuss your experience in creating and maintaining similar frameworks, as this will be crucial for demonstrating your fit for the Lead Technical Architect position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led workshops with senior stakeholders in the past. Highlight your ability to build consensus on technical strategies and standards, as this is key to maturing the engineering function within the department.
✨Understand DORA and SPACE Metrics
Brush up on modern software delivery performance metrics like DORA and SPACE. Be prepared to explain how you would implement these metrics in a way that enhances culture rather than disrupts it, as this will show your strategic thinking.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Government Standards
If you have experience with government digital governance, make sure to mention it. Understanding the specific challenges and standards within the public sector can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your readiness for the role.