At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the architecture of secure collaboration services using Microsoft 365 tools.
- Company: Join a dynamic team working on defence and government projects.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape innovative solutions that make a real difference in secure environments.
- Qualifications: Experience with Microsoft 365 architecture and strong security knowledge required.
- Other info: Work in an Agile environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid)
Sector: Defence | Government Projects
Working Model: Agile / DevOps
Eligibility & Clearance – Essential
- Must be eligible for SC or DV clearance
- Must be a sole national of the United Kingdom, Italy, or Japan
- Dual citizenship is not permitted
Applications that do not meet these criteria cannot be considered.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Microsoft 365 Architect to define and lead the architecture of secure collaboration services across Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Teams. You will shape scalable, compliant solutions for defence programmes, working closely with engineering, security, and product teams in an Agile and DevOps environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end architecture for M365 (Email, SharePoint, Teams)
- Produce high- and low-level designs aligned to security and compliance standards
- Define governance, configuration baselines, and integration patterns
- Lead on security architecture (DLP, retention, identity, access control)
- Provide technical leadership and design authority across teams
- Drive automation, DevOps practices, and Infrastructure as Code
- Support accreditation, risk, and assurance activities
- Engage stakeholders and translate business needs into technical solutions
Requirements
- Deep experience designing Microsoft 365 architectures (Exchange, SharePoint, Teams)
- Strong knowledge of security and compliance (DLP, Conditional Access, retention, auditing)
- Experience in regulated or secure environments
- Understanding of Entra ID / identity and access models
- Exposure to DevOps, CI/CD, and automation practices
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
Desirable
- Defence, government, or sovereign environment experience
- Microsoft Purview and advanced compliance tooling
- Multi-tenant / multi-geo architecture experience
- Azure or M365 certifications (e.g. AZ-305, SC-300, MS-700)
M365 Architect employer: Xcede Recruitment Solutions
Contact Detail:
Xcede Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land M365 Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and government sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise in Microsoft 365 architecture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with Exchange, SharePoint, and Teams, and how you've tackled security and compliance challenges in past projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through practical examples. When discussing your experience, highlight specific projects where you led architecture decisions or implemented DevOps practices. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can drive results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that match your skills. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves from our hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace M365 Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Microsoft 365, especially Exchange, SharePoint, and Teams. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the M365 Architect role. We love seeing passion and enthusiasm, so let us know what excites you about working in defence and government projects.
Showcase Your Security Knowledge: Since this role involves security architecture, make sure to highlight your understanding of DLP, retention policies, and compliance standards. We’re looking for someone who can navigate these areas confidently, so give us the details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Xcede Recruitment Solutions
✨Know Your M365 Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft 365, especially Exchange, SharePoint, and Teams. Be ready to discuss specific architectures you've designed and how they align with security and compliance standards. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the tools, but that you can lead their implementation effectively.
✨Understand Security and Compliance
Given the nature of the role, it’s crucial to have a solid grasp of security measures like DLP, Conditional Access, and retention policies. Prepare examples of how you've implemented these in past projects, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle sensitive environments.
✨Showcase Your Agile and DevOps Experience
Since the role involves working in an Agile/DevOps environment, be ready to discuss your experience with CI/CD practices and Infrastructure as Code. Highlight any specific tools or methodologies you've used, as this will illustrate your ability to drive automation and efficiency.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Communication is key! Prepare to talk about how you've engaged with stakeholders in previous roles. Think of examples where you translated business needs into technical solutions, as this will showcase your strong stakeholder management skills and your ability to work collaboratively.