Principal Platform Architect (Public Sector)

Kainos; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kainos in Belfast is seeking a Principal Platform Architect to lead the delivery of cloud platforms underpinning large-scale transformations, modernisation, and new builds at pace and quality.

You will set technology direction for AI-enabled delivery today and tomorrow, engaging senior stakeholders on AI strategy and ROI while guiding others in platform advancement and governance.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading large-scale cloud platform delivery.
• Experience translating complex technology into clear business outcomes.
• Strong communication with executive stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Hands-on experience with public cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP).
• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop engineering teams.
• Experience applying AI to improve outcomes and drive transformation.

Responsibilities

• Leading cloud platform delivery: accountable for delivering cloud platforms underpinning large-scale transformation at pace and quality.
• Building stakeholder relationships: foster relationships with senior stakeholders to establish architectural principles and strategic direction of platforms.
• Leading the Platforms capability: guide the Kainos Platforms Capability, drive technology direction and mentor team members.
• Acting as a technology ambassador: develop blueprints and standards, strengthen customer relationships, contribute to account strategy and share domain knowledge.
• Working AI-Augmented: explore evolving AI capabilities, balance innovation with pragmatism, and ensure responsible AI delivery.

Skills

Cloud platform leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Technical vision & strategy

AI strategy & governance

Team mentorship

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

Join Kainos and Shape the Future

At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

Main purpose of the role & responsibilities in the business:

As a Principal Platform Architect (Principal) for Kainos, you'll be accountable for leading the delivery of cloud platforms and solutions enabling business transformation which delight our customers and positively impact the lives of users worldwide. As a technologist you will be inquisitive and will embrace new technology.

You’ll provide leadership as part of multi-disciplinary agile teams, building a shared understanding of the outcomes the solution must deliver, the technical landscape and the complexity surrounding you and your teams' designs to help teams make informed decisions.

You’ll set technology direction for AI-Augmented platform delivery today future AI enabled delivery tomorrow, engaging senior customer stakeholders on AI strategy, governance and ROI, and shaping how Kainos's Platforms capability evolves with the technology.

All employees are expected to continuously develop their understanding of AI capabilities relevant to their role and actively seek opportunities to improve customer, business, and delivery outcomes through responsible application of AI, while operating within appropriate security, regulatory, commercial, and governance constraints.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Leading cloud platform delivery: You'll be accountable for delivering cloud platforms underpinning large-scale transformation (migration, modernisation and new build) at pace and quality.


• Building stakeholder relationships: You'll foster and build relationships with senior stakeholders to establish architectural principles, strategic direction of platforms, including functional and non-functional needs.


• Leading the Platforms capability: You'll play a leading role in the Kainos Platforms Capability, driving technology direction and advancement; you'll guide others in the capability to support their career journeys, and be supported in yours.


• Acting as a technology ambassador: You'll collaborate with colleagues to establish development of blueprints and standards, foster customer relationships, contribute to account strategies and actively share subject‑matter knowledge as an ambassador for Kainos.


• Working AI-Augmented: You'll maintain an open and curious mindset towards AI, continually exploring how evolving capabilities can improve the way work is performed. You'll challenge existing practices, experiment responsibly with new approaches, and apply sound judgement to determine where AI delivers meaningful value, and where it does not. You'll balance innovation with pragmatism as you remain accountable for the results delivered.

Minimum (Essential) Requirements

• Proven experience of leading the delivery of platforms underpinning large-scale cloud transformation (e.g. migration to cloud environments, modernisation of applications harnessing cloud, deployment of web-based applications).


• Experience leading and making technology decisions including execution of delivery driving positive customer outcomes.


• Experienced in building and fostering relationships with stakeholders including at executive and C-level senior stakeholders, translating technology information as appropriate to drive effective decision making.


• Experience with public cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, GCP (spanning IaaS, PaaS and SaaS).


• Demonstrated ability in managing, coaching and developing members of your team and wider community.


• Demonstrable experience of successfully applying AI to improve outcomes, evolve ways of working and solve complex business or delivery challenges. Evidence of translating experimentation and learning into sustainable improvements, shaping the adoption of effective practices and adapting approaches as technology capabilities evolve.

Desirable

• Have pro-actively developed business across an account with sales and account managers.


• Experience in managing others, setting objectives, giving feedback and leading performance reviews.


• Actively sharing thoughts and views on technology.


• Experience of helping to bring challenging projects back on track.


• Previous accountability in creation and promotion of new products or services to meet the organisational strategy.


• Participation in technology communities.


• Experience shaping organisational technology, delivery, or platform capabilities that improve developer experience, productivity, delivery outcomes, and customer value across portfolios, client groups, or business units.


• An active interest in emerging trends shaping the future of software delivery and platform engineering, such as agentic delivery patterns.

Embracing our differences

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field.

Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out.

We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.