Location: South East England (with UK-wide travel to secure sites)Security Clearance: UK DV Clearance (mandatory) Start Date: ASAP Duration: 4.5 months (until 27 March 2026) We are looking for an experienced Lead Architect to join a high-security architecture team, helping shape enterprise-wide strategies and technical solutions across complex, secure programmes. This role involves working with multi-layered architectures, guiding senior stakeholders, and ensuring alignment between business goals and technology delivery. Key Responsibilities Develop and evolve enterprise architecture frameworks and standards Produce architecture views across application, data, technology, security, and business layers Create system context diagrams, integration models, capability maps, and technology roadmaps ato Lead architectural governance across multiple secure programmes Maintain architectural artefacts using tools such as Sparx Enterprise Architect or similar Tailor viewpoints for technical teams, programme boards, and senior leadership Conduct architecture reviews and assurance activities Provide strategic architectural guidance and support proposal activity Essential Requirements Proven experience as an Lead Architect within secure or highly regulated environments Ability to build complex, multi-layered architecture views for varied stakeholders Strong knowledge of architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF) Experience operating within secure environments Hands-on experience with enterprise architecture toolsets (e.g., Sparx) Understanding of cloud architectures, integration patterns, and DevSecOps approaches Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills at senior levels 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 Specialist Recruitment Limited 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 (url removed)