IT Architect

Key Responsibilities 1. Lead Architecture for Brownfield Modernisation * Analyse and reshape the existing architecture to support new upstream microservices and evolving schema definitions (300+ schemas). * Design approaches for merging 3-5 years of historical data with newly structured data while maintaining consistent user journeys. * Identify modernisation pathways that minimise disruption to live services. 2. Data Platform & Integration Architecture * Define new and/or modify ingestion, transformation, and storage patterns suitable for microservice-based upstream systems. * Ensure downstream services maintain data quality, lineage, and continuity during schema transitions. * Design data migration strategies and transient approaches supporting phased, low-risk rollouts. 3. Infrastructure, Security & Network Architecture * Define the infrastructure and security requirements for safe and compliant connectivity between AWS-hosted services and Azure-hosted DWP environments (e.g., SaSViya). * Ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and controlled movement of sensitive data across cloud boundaries. 4. Technology Modernisation & Standards Alignment * Assess existing technology choices (e.g., Kotlin) and recommend migration paths aligned to DWP-approved standards. * Produce clear technical options, roadmap recommendations, and architectural decision records. * Advocate for simplification, reduction of technical debt, and alignment to Digital Blueprint and Enterprise Architecture. 5. Leadership, Governance & Stakeholder Engagement * Act as the senior architectural authority across related services. Skills & Experience Required Essential * Proven experience as a senior technical architect in complex brownfield environments. * Strong data platform architecture experience: ingestion patterns, schema evolution, ETL/ELT, microservices data integration. * Multi-cloud integration expertise (Azure + AWS) including secure data transfer patterns. * Deep understanding of government, public sector, or regulated environments. * Strong experience of technical authority, security governance and SRE handover * Experience maintaining critical services while modernising underlying platforms. * Strong infrastructure, security, and network architecture capability (Zscaler, VPC patterns, VPN, identity). * Ability to navigate and implement organisational standards Hands-on experience re-architecting or migrating technology stacks to standardised platforms. * Exceptional communication & leadership: able to drive clarity and decision-making in ambiguous contexts. * Strong experience of technical documentation on Confluence/SharePoint Desirable * Experience with event-driven architectures and microservice-based data contracts. * Knowledge of Kotlin and migration pathways to DWP-standard languages (Java, Python, etc.). * Understanding of Power BI, CoPilot for Power BI, or GenAI (helpful but not core). * Relevant AWS and Azure certifications.