Lead ICT Technical Architect

Do you want to define the technical architecture behind services that help millions of people access vital health and disability benefits? We're looking for a Lead Technical Architect to join DWP Digital's Health Assessment Service (HAS), leading the design and governance of modern digital architecture that supports the assessment of eligibility for benefits including Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Make sure to read the full description below, and please apply immediately if you are confident you meet all the requirements. You'll play a critical role in one of DWP's most important transformation programmes, helping to create secure, resilient and user-centred digital services that make a real difference to people's lives. As a senior leader within HAS, you'll work alongside product, engineering, delivery and design colleagues to shape technical strategy, influence technology decisions and ensure solutions align with DWP's long-term architectural vision. You'll provide technical leadership across multiple delivery teams, driving consistency, quality and innovation while supporting the delivery of complex services at scale. This is an opportunity to lead architecture within one of the UK's largest digital estates. You'll solve complex technical challenges, mentor architects, influence senior stakeholders and help deliver services used by millions of citizens every day. Designing complex technical solutions across cloud, on-premises and hybrid environments, considering networking, security, integration, databases and application services. Working closely with delivery teams throughout the full project lifecycle, from early discovery and design through to live service. Designing event-driven solutions using patterns such as publish-subscribe and data streaming. Designing microservice and API-led architectures that enable scalable, maintainable and well-integrated digital services. You and your role As our Lead Technical Architect, you'll set the architectural direction and help shape the digital platforms that support health and disability benefit assessments across the UK. From cloud-based platforms and event-driven architectures to microservices and API-led integrations, you'll help teams build services that are consistent, scalable and capable of supporting millions of users while meeting demanding delivery timelines. You'll mentor architects, drive best practice, influence senior stakeholders and help teams navigate complex technical challenges. Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Blackpool, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester or Newcastle, whichever is most convenient for you. Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model - you'll spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face to face in a hub. That's £75,026 salary plus a Government Digital and Data Allowance of up to £21,667 subject to our assessment of your capability at interview. Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, worth up to £21,735 per year. Holidays: You can also take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi-time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays. We have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes: Flexible working including flexible hours and flex-friendly policies Time off volunteering and charitable giving Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP' Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket, so it's even easier for you to get to work and start making a difference Sports and social activities Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities. DWP have been recognised as 2024 Diversity Employer of the Year at the Computing Women in Tech Excellence awards Diverse and Inclusive Leadership at Digital Leaders Awards 2024 Commended as Best Place to Work in Digital category in the Computing Digital Technology Leaders awards 2025 Recognised as one of the Best Public Sector Employers at 2025 Women In Tech Employer Awards Process We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages: Interview: a two-stage interview online.