Associate Enterprise Architect (Ref. 3657)
Location: Cheltenham
Closing date: 12th May 2026, 23:00.
Salary: £55,758 to £63,948. Includes a basic salary of £53,000 and a concessionary payment of £2,758, plus a Skills Payment once skill level is confirmed (£3,822 Level 1 or £8,190 Level 2). Additional allowances may be available.
Flexible working: Offers full‑time, part‑time, compressed hours, flexible start/finish times. Most work is on‑site; occasional homeworking possible.
About GCHQ
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency dedicated to keeping the UK safe. It uses cutting‑edge technology and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats, protecting against terrorism, cyber‑attacks and espionage.
Role Overview
As an Associate Enterprise Architect you will work under senior architects to design, deliver and maintain GCHQ’s enterprise architecture. You will translate organisational goals into actionable architectural strategies, lead design initiatives, assess risks and constraints, optimise environments across technology, data and processes, and support delivery teams to align solutions with business needs.
Key Responsibilities
* Translate organisational objectives into architectural strategies and design initiatives.
* Lead architecture design work, including documenting viewpoints, models and artifacts.
* Identify risks, constraints and trade‑offs; advise on mitigation and governance.
* Collaborate with technical and business stakeholders to align solutions and support mission‑critical delivery.
* Support and mentor junior architects; promote best‑practice and emerging approaches.
* Work with architects, engineers, project managers and external partners as needed; occasional travel across the UK.
Qualifications and Experience
* Practical experience as an Associate Enterprise Architect or similar role.
* Familiarity with enterprise architecture standards, principles and governance, including modern frameworks such as ArchiMate, TOGAF, Zachman or MODAF.
* Ability to analyse requirements, shape solutions at appropriate detail, and communicate risks and trade‑offs to technical and non‑technical audiences.
* Strong problem‑solving, collaboration and time‑management skills.
* Curiosity and eagerness to learn new challenges.
Training and Development
Full induction into GCHQ, formal on‑the‑job training, and continuous professional development support. Approximately 20% of your time will be dedicated to learning and supporting others.
Rewards and Benefits
* 25 days annual leave + 10.5 days public and privilege holidays (rising to 30 days after 5 years)
* Recognition through employee performance scheme
* Interest‑free season ticket loan (travel & parking)
* Excellent pension scheme
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme
* Facilities: gym, restaurant, on‑site coffee bars (some sites)
* Paid parental and adoption leave
Equal Opportunities
GCHQ welcomes and encourages applications from all, including under‑represented groups and those with disabilities. Diversity and inclusion are core to our mission.
Disability Confident
GCHQ is a Disability Confident Employer, offering fair interview processes and reasoned adjustments. Essential candidate criteria include:
* Experience in developing and maintaining architecture designs, applying enterprise architecture standards.
* Experience supporting architectural decision‑making by identifying risks, constraints and trade‑offs.
* Collaborative work with technical and non‑technical stakeholders, communicating architectural concepts.
Applicants must be British citizens or hold dual citizenship; a Developed Vetting clearance is required.
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