Lead Technical Architect

As a Lead Technical Architect, you'll help modernise and evolve the National DNA Database, ensuring it can meet new demands while remaining secure, resilient and trustworthy.

About the programme

The National DNA Database is cloud-hosted and operates in a highly sensitive, regulated environment. It sits at the intersection of:

• Policing and forensic services
• Regulators and legal frameworks
• Modern cloud and microservices architecture

You'll work across Home Office Biometrics, the Forensic Information Database Service (FINDS), policing stakeholders, regulators and delivery partners, translating complex operational and regulatory needs into robust technical solutions.

What you'll be doing

As Lead Technical Architect, you will:

• Define and own the technical strategy and roadmap for DNA services
• Set standards and target architecture aligned to wider government and Home Office strategy
• Own the application architecture (AWS microservices) and associated user environments
• Work closely with users (policing, FINDS, regulators) to translate requirements into deliverable solutions
• Lead and assure supplier designs, applying Secure by Design principles
• Carry out architectural assurance on supplier deliverables
• Ensure solutions are secure, resilient, auditable and compliant with data protection and legal requirements
• Balance near-term delivery with long-term scalability and maintainability
• Identify and mitigate technical and operational risks
• Support FinOps and continuous improvement
• Champion modern practices and emerging technologies
• Contribute to and lead within the Home Office Biometrics architecture community

• Is a senior technical architect with strong delivery experience
• Enjoys working across multiple domains and stakeholders
• Is comfortable influencing policing, government and supplier partners
• Can make complex architectural decisions in sensitive environments
• Cares deeply about security, resilience and public impact
• Enjoys mentoring and guiding other architects

Essential experience

You'll bring:

• A consistent track record leading complex technical architectures
• Experience working across large programmes and multiple suppliers
• Expertise in delivering secure, scalable systems
• Strong understanding of cloud, microservices, DevOps and agile delivery
• Familiarity with enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g. TOGAF)
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience coaching or leading other technical professionals

London, England, United Kingdom > 1000 employees Corporate / Direct Employer Government Digital and Data is a community of experts leading digital transformation in government, creating more efficient services that have a meaningful impact on people's lives. Government Digital and Data professionals benefit from cross-government events and learning. From webinars from the world's leading innovators to digital upskilling sessions.They enhance our professionals' skills and capabilities, which ultimately enables them to be a part of the world-leading advancements in digital transformation and government innovation.