Principal Technical Architect (Azure)

Job summary

Across government, cloud technology underpins the delivery of secure, scalable and modern digital services. As organisations adopt cloud-first strategies, strong architecture is essential to ensure platforms are well-designed, governed and able to deliver long-term value. Ofgem plays a vital role in the UK’s energy system, protecting consumers and enabling a more secure, fair and sustainable energy future, and a robust Architecture capability is central to this mission.

Ofgem is on an ambitious transformation journey. Within the Digital, Data and Security Services (DDSS) directorate, we are modernising our technology estate and expanding our use of Microsoft Azure as a core platform. This includes building secure, scalable and cost-effective solutions that support data, AI and digital services across the organisation.

As a Principal Technical Architect (Azure), you will play a key role in shaping how Azure is designed and used across Ofgem. You will define standards and governance, guide technical decision-making and support delivery teams to build high-quality cloud solutions. Working across programmes and domains, you will ensure architectural consistency, manage risk and embed architectural best practice across our Azure environment.

This is a highly influential technical role within a fast-paced and evolving environment, requiring deep Azure expertise and strong architectural capability.

Job description

You will be responsible for:

• Defining and shaping Azure architecture standards, aligned to organisational and government frameworks

• Establishing and embedding architectural patterns, principles and governance

• Providing oversight and assurance for complex cloud solutions

• Supporting architectural decision-making and managing technical risk

• Promoting reusable frameworks and best practice across teams

• Collaborating with stakeholders to align technology and business needs

• Evaluating emerging Azure capabilities and supporting their adoption

• Mentoring architects and engineers, building capability across DDSS

We are looking for:

A highly experienced technical architect who can shape and guide cloud architecture in a complex environment. You will bring strong Azure expertise alongside the ability to influence across teams.

You may come from a infrastructure, cloud, enterprise or platform background, but you will demonstrate:

• Strong experience designing and delivering solutions on Microsoft Azure

• Solid understanding of cloud architecture, governance and optimisation

• Experience contributing to architectural standards and decision-making

• Knowledge of security, identity and compliance in cloud environments

• Ability to collaborate across teams and guide technical outcomes

Relevant certifications (e.g. Azure Solutions Architect Expert) is expected (or achievable).

Experience with Infrastructure as Code, DevOps or regulated environments is beneficial.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping Ofgem’s architecture capability and Azure cloud platform. You will help ensure systems are secure, scalable and fit for the future, supporting digital transformation and services that impact consumers across Great Britain.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Extensive experience in design and delivery of complex solutions on Microsoft Azure (Lead Criteria).
• Demonstrable proficiency in technical direction, team mentorship, and guidance across multi-disciplinary IT teams and architects (Lead Criteria).
• Understanding Azure security frameworks, compliance standards, and identity management models.
• Proven capability in the definition and implementation of governance models for cloud adoption and optimisation.
• Proficiency in architectural modelling tools such as Archi and frameworks, such as ArchiMate, UML, or equivalent, with the ability to create and maintain architectural artefacts.

Holds or can obtain the following certifications or equivalent within 6 months:

• Formal Architectural Qualification such as BCS EA Certification or equivalent.
• Cloud Architecture Certification: Microsoft Azure Solution Architect (Expert).

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with Infrastructure as Code and DevOps practices.
• Understanding government digital standards and assurance processes.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• You will also be asked to prepare a presentation. Full details of the presentation will be included in the invitation to interview.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £63,443, OFGEM contributes £18,379 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).Ofgem can offer you a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes; 30 days annual leave after 2 years; Excellent training and development opportunities; The opportunity to join the generous Civil Service pension which also includes a valuable range of benefits; hybrid working (currently 1 day a week in the office but this is kept under review), flexible working hours and family friendly policies. Plus lots of other benefits including clean and bright offices based centrally, engaged networks and teams and an opportunity to contribute to our ambitious and important targets of establishing a Net Zero energy system by 2050. This exciting blend of professional challenge and personal reward identifies career opportunities at Ofgem as something to get excited about.

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 (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

When you press the ‘Apply now’ button, you will be asked to complete personal details (not seen by the sift panel), your career history and qualifications.

You will then be asked to provide a 1250 word ‘personal statement’ evidencing how you meet the essential and desirable skills and capabilities listed in the role profile. Please ensure you demonstrate clearly, within your supporting statement, how you meet each of the criteria listed in the role profile.

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application