Lead Technical Architect (Digital Architecture and Design) - C2
This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.
Help shape the technology decisions behind Scotland's digital future.
The Impact You’ll Make
Join the Scottish Government's Digital Architecture and Design Division and play a leading role in shaping the architecture and technology, promoting digital principles to deliver efficient, accessible services aligned with Scotland’s Digital Strategy.
Through reuse, interoperability, standards and shared platforms, we enable joined-up, secure, resilient and future-proof systems, while championing user-centred design and accessible content to simplify information and keep it maintainable.
To see how these digital principles translate into user-facing services, please explore Access to public services in Scotland, which is Scotland’s online gateway to public services.
Our teams are building common platforms based on the re-use of common components that help public sector organisations deliver services more efficiently, securely and consistently for people across Scotland. The work is complex, high profile and has genuine public impact. You will play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of our Digital Strategy for Scotland and the new Public Service Reform (PSR) Strategy, helping to drive innovation and transformation across the public sector.
The Role
As a Lead Technical Architect, you will influence major technology decisions, guide solution design across a complex digital landscape, and work with teams across government and external partners to solve challenging technical problems. You'll have the opportunity to shape technical strategy, champion Secure by Design principles, and help build consistent, reusable approaches that accelerate delivery while improving quality, resilience and user outcomes.
Your expertise will help ensure digital services remain secure, sustainable and aligned with organisational goals while supporting Scotland's wider digital transformation. You will work closely with our Cloud Engineering, Application Development and Component Based Service Delivery Teams.
Our Architecture Practice
Our architecture practice brings together people, technology and strategy to help create a fair, green and digitally inclusive Scotland. We provide the architectural foundations that allow government teams to deliver secure, scalable and sustainable digital services that improve the lives of people across Scotland.
Our vision is to create a trusted architectural foundation that empowers government to deliver better digital outcomes through collaboration, consistency and the adoption of best practice.
Why Join Us?
By joining our division, you'll be part of a team that champions inclusion, sustainability and resilience, making a tangible impact on the public services that people rely on every day. You'll also benefit from a 35-hour working week, flexible hybrid working, a competitive pension and the opportunity to build a rewarding career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and review processes for new solutions and services, evidencing the inclusion of Secure by Design principles within the technical designs you produce, oversee and approve.
- Create optimal technical designs through an iterative process, aligning user needs, system requirements, security considerations and organisational objectives.
- Contribute to the overall technical strategy and roadmap for the department within your area of expertise.
- Develop and document technical designs for the integration and implementation of solutions, working across GDD, business areas and delivery teams.
- Act as a key contributor to architecture governance activities, promoting effective working methods and the consistent application of technical architecture standards.
- Be recognised as a subject matter expert, contributing to the development of architectural practice and helping shape a coherent strategy across cybersecurity, cloud, data centre, storage, networking, mobile and infrastructure user experience.
- Present recommendations for technologies and improvement opportunities to senior leaders, based on technical expertise and analysis of business and system requirements.
- Ensure technical designs meet security and operational requirements.
- Manage, coach and mentor Technical Architects, helping to strengthen architecture capability across the organisation.
- Evaluate implemented solutions, identifying lessons learned and opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Provide feedback to leadership and support the adoption of lessons learned and best practice in future delivery and integration plans.
Experience:
- Lead Criteria 1: An ability to understand the complex landscapes of technologies and the required collaboration with 3rd party suppliers, internal and cross-government teams across multiple projects to deliver successful outcomes in line with business and technical requirements.
- Lead Criteria 2: To be successful, you should also be able to balance potentially conflicting requirements and interests, negotiate a consensus and justify your architectural design decisions.
- Managing Human Resource activities, including interviewing, selection / hiring, and conducting performance assessments.
- You should have the experience, skills and personal qualities that allow you to be effective whilst working unsupervised in a dynamic environment with fluid priorities and high levels of uncertainty.
Technical Skills:
This role is aligned to the Technical Architect Job Role within the Architecture Job Family.
You can find out more about the skills required, here: Technical architect - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework
These skills are assessed by technical assessment, designed to represent the role. Candidates reaching this stage will receive a Technical Assessment Candidate Pack which outlines the specific skills to be assessed, plus the method of assessment.
Working pattern
This role is a permanent level transfer position.
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
How to Apply
Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C2 grade employees.
Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).
Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Wednesday 16 September.
If you have questions about your application please contact Salvador Llopis-Quinn at Digitalcareers@gov.scot
Selection Process
All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment.
Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC.
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
About us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including education, health, the economy, justice, housing, and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Working pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact Digitalcareers@gov.scot
Security Checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
Government, Digital and Data Profession
The Government Digital and Data (GDD) Profession is a UK-wide group of over 24,000 civil servants dedicated to driving digital transformation in government through more efficient, data-driven public services. This community oversees a wide range of responsibilities, including architects, data scientists, engineers, and content designers, across different, multidisciplinary teams.
The profession, sponsored by the Government Digital Service (GDS), offers the frameworks, skills, and development routes necessary for these individuals to thrive and produce improved outcomes for the public.
Pay Supplement
This post is part of the Government Digital and Data (GDD) profession and currently attracts a £4,000.00 annual GDD pay supplement, which is paid monthly – pay supplements are reviewed regularly.
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion, and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.
Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
The Digital Architecture Division - What We Do:
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive enterprise architecture framework for consistent design and delivery of digital solutions.
- Provide governance, compliance, and strategic roadmaps aligned with national digital priorities.
- Build and support reusable platforms and services, including identity management, payments, and API gateways for secure data sharing.
- Invest in capability building through training, knowledge sharing, and a community of practice. Engage with stakeholders across government, local councils, public bodies, and private sector partners to design inclusive, user-centred services.
- Drive continuous improvement through regular maturity assessments, performance dashboards, and sustainability impact evaluations.
- Explore and adopt emerging technologies to future-proof government services.
Apply before: 16/09/2026 (23:59)
Contact Name: Salvador Llopis-Quinn
Contact e-Mail Digitalcareers@gov.scot