Why this role?
Location: Croydon
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
* 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
Who This Role Is For
* Has senior technical architecture experience with strong delivery track record
* 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
* 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
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