Job summary
Do you have significant experience and leadership in technical architecture utilising AWS cloud and a desire to make a difference? If so, the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) has an exciting opportunity for you to join us as a Lead Technical Architect (AWS).
Our Digital, Data and Technology team design, develop, test, support and operate applications from our digital transformation projects to support patients, colleagues and the public. We deliver relevant and valuable services to millions of users with various needs and abilities.
What do we offer?
* 27 days leave (increasing with length of service) plus 8 bank holidays
* Flexible working (we are happy to discuss options such as compressed hours)
* Hybrid working model (we are currently working largely remotely)
* Career development
* Active wellbeing and inclusion networks
* Excellent pension
* NHS Car lease scheme
* Access to a wide range of benefits and high‑street discounts!
We're working in a hybrid way, spending time at home and the office. This position can be based from either of our offices in Greater Manchester or Newcastle upon Tyne.
We want to support people in their chosen careers and welcome applications from previously unsuccessful applicants who have waited at least six months before reapplying.
Main duties of the job
The growth and innovation provided by our cloud providers challenge us to think and rethink optimal solutions that drive down the cost whilst providing better services. To harness this capability, the Lead Technical Architect (AWS) is responsible for driving standards and pattern development to ensure consistency in designs that utilise AWS services, integrating a well‑architected approach.
You will work closely with both the AWS technical architecture community who are delivering technical designs on services, and cloud architects who are responsible for cloud infrastructure, to bring our cloud strategy to life. A strong and effective communicator, you will also be responsible for driving improvements and maximising the benefits brought by the AWS cloud through governance, peer reviews, mentoring, assurance of 3rd party developments and introducing processes that target continued improvements to quality.
We're passionate about creating an environment that encourages learning and development. You'll be a vital part of our Architecture Community of Practice, sharing your experience, learning and ideas with other architects.
Technical architecture in the NHSBSA Digital, Data and Technology team embraces the drive to be customer‑centric and, following fundamental principles, has designed award‑winning services that surpass the requirements of end‑users.
Responsibilities
In this role, you are accountable for:
* Communicating with others – building relationships with stakeholders and influencing expectations across the organisation.
* Bridging the technical and non‑technical – interpreting business and technical needs for varied audiences and managing their expectations.
* Community collaboration – networking within the team and across agencies, identifying and resolving team dynamic issues.
* Working within constraints – communicating constraints and ensuring standards are met.
* Governance and assurance – defining, evolving and supporting governance of technical architecture across directorates.
* Leadership and guidance – building consensus, facilitating decisions and creating a motivated team environment.
* Mentorship and training – providing peer reviews, technical training and fostering community growth.
* Decision‑making – resolving technical disputes and recommending decisions with managed risk and complexity.
* Strategic alignment – creating and challenging patterns, standards, policies, and roadmaps aligned with vision statements.
* Designing business solutions – developing architecture for medium‑level risk and complexity, turning business outcomes into technical design.
* Contextual understanding – recognising trends, improving processes and aligning work to broader strategy.
* Value for money – identifying and driving financial benefits through standardised technical choices.
In addition to the above accountabilities, you are expected to:
* Undertake additional duties and responsibilities as agreed by your line manager.
* Demonstrate NHSBSA values and core capabilities in all aspects of your work.
* Encourage an environment where your own and colleagues' safety and well‑being is promoted.
* Contribute to a culture that values diversity and inclusion.
* Follow NHSBSA policies, procedures and protocols as they apply to your role.
Working relationships
Responsible to: Team Manager and Head of Profession
No line management responsibilities.
Key relationships and connections: Technical Architects, Senior Technical Architects, Solution Architects, Enterprise Architects, Delivery Managers, Product Owners, Business Analysts, Developers, Testers, Interaction Designers, Service Designers, User Researchers, Stakeholders and Customers.
Person Specification
Personal Qualities, Knowledge and Skills – Essential
* Excellent communication skills to listen and respond to audiences and interpret requirements clearly.
* Proactive and reactive in communication with a range of stakeholders.
* Ability to cope in complex environments, prioritise effectively and work within constraints.
* Approach best practices, handle challenging situations and maintain flexibility in work and hours.
* Proven skill transfer and development of knowledge into new areas quickly.
* Knowledge of accessibility standards and guidelines.
* Knowledge of Node.js and Java.
Desirable
* Knowledge of NHS Service Standard, GDS Service Standard and ISO.
* Familiarity with NHS design system, GOV.UK design system, and BBC's GEL.
* Knowledge of NHS organisations and healthcare.
* Knowledge of various development platforms, languages and technologies.
* Understanding of leadership, change management, organisational development.
* Experience with user‑centred design practices.
Experience – Essential
* Setting direction and embedding good practice to improve products and services.
* Strategic thinking and technical architecture consulting leadership.
* Technical architect experience supporting product teams and stakeholder engagement.
* Technical acumen across applications, data, infrastructure, security, service management, business process and architecture.
* Design and build new or improve existing digital services.
* Working effectively with cross‑disciplinary teams and making decisions based on research.
* Prototyping and concept creation to meet requirements.
* Simplifying complex information for users.
Desirable Experience
* Agile/lean development process experience.
* Design for users with low digital skills or impairments.
* Contribution to design systems.
* Leading and mentoring staff within and outside specialism.
* Measuring, evaluating and visualising outcomes.
* Using GDS standards.
* Developing new functionality and services.
* Working with communities of practice.
Qualifications – Essential
* Professionally qualified to degree level or equivalent professional experience.
* Evidence of continuous professional development.
Desirable Qualifications
* Additional practitioner level qualifications in technical architecture or related subject.
* Management and leadership qualification.
* Postgraduate qualification.
Employer details
Employer name: NHS Business Services Authority
Address: Stella House, Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE15 8NY
Employer website: https://careers.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/
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