Senior Technical Architect - M365

Job summary

The Chief Data Officer (CDO) Directorate provides business-critical systems and services to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) business users at all locations at which UKHSA staff work. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has primary responsibility for technical infrastructure and the corporate services running upon it. ICT has staff at a number of locations throughout UKHSA.

We’re recruiting for a Senior Systems Architect to be part of our Workplace Platforms team to help shape and secure our collaboration applications for end user services.

In this role, you will collaborate on projects and programmes of all scales to deliver end-to-end Microsoft 365 (M365) solutions and implement designs based on business requirements, strategic drivers, best practices, and Microsoft guidance. This will involve a mix of business-as-usual and project work focused on optimising and enhancing the Microsoft 365 platform, including services like Exchange Online, SharePoint Online and Teams to drive productivity, collaboration, and security.

Join our Workplace Platforms team as we embark on a transformative journey to trial and rollout innovative solutions like Purview and Co-pilot to align with our evolving needs and current business requirements.

This role attracts a Market Pay Supplement of up to £10,000 to September 2026, the amount awarded will be based on the outcome of a capability assessment.

Working for your organisation

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Job description

As part of Workplace Platforms within the Identity Management Team, as senior member, you will get the opportunity to work on vital projects with a wide range of responsibilities. You will work within specified technical specialties and provide technical expertise in the configuration, implementation and management of M365 services.

• Act as the primary expert for M365, providing guidance on best practices, upgrades, and new features
• Provide guidance to IT teams, resolving high-level technical escalations, and conducting workshops to improve the team's knowledge
• Creating and maintaining comprehensive architectural blueprints and technical documentation (High-Level Design/HLD) for M365 environments
• Assist in developing and implementing security, compliance, and governance policies, including configuring Microsoft Purview, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and Conditional Access policies
• Usage of PowerShell to automate administrative and deployment tasks to enhance efficiency
• Manage and lead associated Technical Specialists within the Identity\M365 team

Main Duties

• Managing UKHSA's M365 roadmap on a day-to-day basis, overseeing the monitoring, planning, and implementation of updates, features, and enhancements within the M365 suite
• Collaborate with a team of Technical Specialists and Architects to design and implement cutting-edge solutions for collaboration applications and services within UKHSA
• Ensure a consistent, secure user Identity journey is fully supported across all M365 and related Azure services
• Lead the development of and delivery of strategic roadmaps for M365, ensuring alignment with business goals and requirements
• Play a pivotal role in the deployment of new technologies, with a focus on Microsoft M365 to enhance efficiency
• Cover the end-to-end solution across a range of technical domains but may only be responsible for one part of that solution

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential role criteria:

• Experience of designing and building Microsoft 365 architectures in support of IT programmes and projects
• A practical understanding of architectural models of application and solution delivery
• Hands-on experience and knowledge of the Microsoft 365 Platform.
• An Understanding of architectural models and application and solution delivery.
• An understanding of the technical implications of delivering across infrastructure and cloud (or hybrid) environments
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal

Desirable role criteria:

• Knowledge of cloud-based security models and services
• Familiarity with ITIL processes for incident, change, and problem management
• Team leadership and line management experience

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £56,185, UK Health Security Agency contributes £16,276 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Experience, Behaviours, and Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift
Success Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1000 word supporting statement

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV).

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