Principal Architect – Public Sector

Principal Architect – Public Sector£120-140,000 + bonusUK-based | Hybrid/RemoteWe are looking for multiple Principal Architects to join a leading technology consultancy, working on large-scale digital transformation programmes across the UK public sector.This is a senior technology leadership position for someone with deep software engineering and architecture expertise who has progressed into leading complex technical programmes and advising senior stakeholders.Consultancy experience is essential.We are specifically looking for architects who have built their careers within technology consultancies, rather than candidates whose experience is solely within large systems integrators, outsourcing organisations or end-user environments.The roleYou will provide technical leadership across complex public sector programmes, shaping the architecture of large-scale digital services and helping organisations modernise their technology estates.You will work with senior technology, digital, operational and policy stakeholders, while providing architectural direction and assurance to architects and engineering teams.Responsibilities include:Leading software and solution architecture for complex digital servicesSetting technical direction across multi-team programmesDesigning modern, scalable and resilient digital servicesProviding architectural assurance across applications, integration, data, cloud, security and infrastructureAdvising senior and C-level stakeholders on technology strategy and architectureLeading modernisation of complex legacy technology estatesEstablishing architectural principles, standards and reusable patternsWorking across complex multi-supplier environmentsMentoring and developing architects and engineersContributing to bids, proposals, account strategy and business developmentWhat we're looking forExtensive experience working within the UK Public Sector, ideally UK GovernmentStrong technology consultancy background — essentialA genuine software engineering background, with deep technical expertiseProven experience delivering software or solution architecture for complex digital servicesStrong understanding of whole-solution architecture across applications, integration, data, infrastructure, cloud and securityStrong AWS and/or Azure experienceExperience with cloud-native, containerised and distributed architecturesExperience with APIs, event-driven architecture and modern data platformsExperience modernising legacy technology through migration, replacement, re-platforming or incremental transformationStrong understanding of security, resilience, scalability, performance and availabilityExperience influencing senior and C-level stakeholdersExperience working across complex governance and assurance environmentsExperience leading, mentoring and developing technical teamsCommercial awareness and experience contributing to bids, proposals or account growthUnderstanding of UK Government digital and technology standardsThe key requirementThis role is not for someone who has simply moved into an architecture title.You should have a genuine technical foundation in software engineering, with the depth to challenge technical decisions, guide engineering teams and lead architecture across complex digital services.You must also have professional services / technology consultancy experience.UK-based candidates only. No sponsorship is available for this position.If you are an experienced Principal Architect, Lead Architect, Technical Architect or similar with a strong consultancy, software engineering and UK public sector background, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.