Senior Technical Architect (Azure)

We are MHCLG

Here at the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), we work on things that make a real difference to people's lives.

Whether it's through the homes we live in, the work of our local councils, or the communities we're all part of, our work is at the top of the political agenda. We have ambitious and far-reaching outcomes to achieve this year and, if you're thinking of joining us, there's never been a more exciting time.

You will work within the Technology Design team as a Senior Technical Architect for Azure, you will lead the architecture, design, governance and assurance of Azure services across MHCLG, providing technical direction across critical services and transformation programmes. Working alongside other Senior Technical Architects, you will help shape cloud strategy, turn organisational goals into practical technical solutions, promote good practice and improve the Azure estate. MHCLG are committed to supporting professional development, learning and certification. We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds and experiences. If your experience does not match every requirement exactly, but you believe you have the skills to succeed in the role, we encourage you to apply.

Find out more about our Digital teams and what they are working on through our MHCLG Digital blog. Please note that MHCLG do not offer visa sponsorship and applicants will need a valid visa for the duration of your employment.

You will lead for Azure platform technical architecture, standards, reference patterns, roadmaps and assurance. You will set standards, patterns and roadmaps for secure, consistent and cost-effective cloud delivery, and provide direction, assurance and governance throughout the service lifecycle. You will work with stakeholders to balance business, technical, security and operational needs, and support architects and engineers to develop their skills. The role works closely with Enterprise Architecture but does not sit within the Enterprise Architecture team.

As a Senior Technical Architect, you'll:

• Own Azure architecture principles, standards and reference patterns.
• Set technical direction for secure, scalable and resilient Azure solutions.
• Develop target architectures, roadmaps and technology strategies.
• Provide architecture assurance and governance throughout the service lifecycle.
• Lead architecture for cloud migration, modernisation and transformation.
• Make and communicate architectural decisions, balancing business, technical, security and operational considerations.
• Identify and manage architectural, operational and security risks.
• Govern Azure platform patterns, landing zones and operating models.
• Maintain architecture artefacts, decision records, roadmaps and technical standards.
• Guide engineering teams in implementing approved architectural designs.
• Provide technical architecture support for procurement and suppliers.
• Improve Azure services, platforms and operating practices.
• Mentor technical professionals and promote knowledge sharing.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Application and Selection

The application process will be split into 3 stages, testing the following Success Profiles:

Behaviours , Experience , Technical

Please ensure your CV does not contain any personally identifiable information.

Note: We do not consider direct CV applications. All applications must be submitted via the provided application link.

Stage 1: Sift (CV)

Experience: The sift panel will use the information in your CV to assess your experience, skills and knowledge against the job description and person specification so please submit your CV demonstrating alignment to that criteria.

Stage 2: Technical Ability Test

You will be invited to a technical test lasting 30-40 minutes. The test will be scored and candidates who score above benchmark will be invited to interview.

Stage 3: Interview

• Behaviours: "Communicating and Influencing", "Delivering at Pace", "Making Effective Decisions"
• Experience: Experience questions will be based around the essential skills and criteria as listed in the job description.
• Technical: Technical questions will be based around the essential skills and criteria as listed in the job description.

Candidates will be asked to complete a technical test during the interview, with further details to be provided upon invitation to interview.

Sift and Interview Dates

Sifting is envisaged to take place from 9th November 2026.

Interviews are currently being held remotely via videocall. This could be subject to change.

Group 1 Digital & Data Roles

MHCLG has implemented the Digital and Data capability framework for Group 1 roles. Applicants that are successful and have been offered a position will be required to complete a capability assessment after the interview.

MHCLG will honour completed capability assessments for this role from other Government Departments for existing civil servants on level transfer only. Please provide a copy of your capability assessment to the Hiring Manager when applying. If you have any queries on pay, please contact the Hiring Manager.

Each experience or technical skill is assessed between 1-3, representing working towards, at or above the job level requirements. You are awarded a proficiency level accordingly, and you will be given opportunity to annually re assess your capability and potentially increase your overall remuneration, through payment of allowances, depending on level of assessed capability.

Candidates moving from another government department have the option to retain their current basic pay if this is within our pay band for the relevant grade.

Grade 7 Group 1 Digital and Data salary

• The basic pay for this role will be between £70,677 (London), £64,811(National). Candidates will usually be recruited to the median of the payscale.
• A digital allowance of up to £12,894 (National) or £12,736 (London) may also be payable depending on the level of assessed capability, in order to meet the MHCLG overall targeted remuneration rate for the specific grade, location and capability rating.
• For applicants in receipt of existing allowances, we will assess each case individually, but we would seek not to exceed the MHCLG overall targeted remuneration rate for the specific grade, location and capability rating for existing civil servants, the usual policy on level transfer and promotion will apply, subject to the statements above.

How We Recruit

Find out everything you need to know before applying here..

• Applying
• Sifting
• Interview
• Interview Results & Feedback
• Reserve List
• Near Miss
• Civil Service Grades
• We are a DCS, RIS & GPTWV employer
• Reasonable Adjustments

How to Apply

What you need to know before applying.

• Security Clearance Requirements
• Civil Service Nationality Requirements
• Right to Work
• Artificial Intelligence
• Civil Service Code and Recruitment Principles
• CV Declaration
• Sponsorships
• Salary and Grade
• Existing Civil Servants
• Conflict of Interest
• Location and Flexible Working
• Fixed Term Contracts
• Internal Fraud Database - Internal Fraud Register
• Appeals and Complaints
• Conflict of Interest

Security Clearance Requirements

National Office: BPSS + SC

London Office: BPSS + SC

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.