Role Overview We are looking for an experienced Senior Technical Architect to join our client's team. In this position, you will be responsible for creating both high-level and detailed technical designs and ensuring they align with business, technical, and cybersecurity needs. You will also provide technical guidance for complex 4th line issues, mentor engineers, and work closely with business analysts and project managers to develop secure, scalable, and efficient system architectures. Responsibilities Develop high-level and detailed technical designs that meet business, technical, and cybersecurity requirements. Offer technical guidance for complex 4th line issues and mentor engineers in resolving incidents and problems. Collaborate with business analysts and project managers to identify the best IT solutions. Implement changes to enhance technology performance, availability, scalability, and flexibility while reducing complexity. Review and approve project requests to ensure they comply with our standards. Lead brainstorming sessions to create solutions for business challenges. Identify system improvements to boost performance and cybersecurity. Stay updated on emerging technologies and best practices to support professional development. Prepare and deliver clear briefs, presentations, and reports to clients and stakeholders. Maintain a comprehensive audit trail for all engagements and decisions. Assist the Chief Technology Officer in facilitating discussions and events across the organisation and government. Promote our digital and technology capabilities to UK government organisations. Recommend new technology patterns, standards, and implementation guidelines. What you'll need to succeed Be eligible to undergo Security Clearance i.e. Hold Full UK or Dual Citizenship Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships across various disciplines. Proficient documentation skills, with expertise in using the full range of MS Office applications. Effective stakeholder management skills (both internal and external). Expertise in networking and infrastructure technologies, including VMware NSX-T, Cisco ACI, Nexus, Palo Alto NGFW, and public cloud networking (Azure/AWS). Deep understanding of networking protocols and standards (TCP/IP, VLANs, OSPF, BGP, MPLS, VPN, SD-WAN, DNS). Experience in automating network provisioning and improving process efficiency. Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts. Experience as an enterprise Architect, confident in developing and using architectural standards (e.g., TOGAF). Extensive experience in secure environments (e.g., government, defence, law enforcement). Proven ability to create technical and architectural documents. DevSecOps experience in automating and improving development and release processes. Significant experience with server/operating systems and network technologies (Hybrid Cloud, Gateways, PKI, VMware, SASE, Cisco, Palo Alto). Experience in designing and migrating to public cloud capabilities (M365, Azure, AWS). Knowledge of auditing and security product configuration. Comprehensive understanding of IT security principles (NCSC, GDS, CIS, Cyber Essentials, NIST) and government technology strategies and policies) What you'll get in return 6-Month contract (with an opportunity to extend) £550 - 615 per day rate outside IR35 (via limited company) Hybrid working (60% on-site as a minimum) What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays EA is a trading division of Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited and acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk