Service Architect - DV Cleared (IT) / Contractor

Free-Work UK; Hart; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Free-Work UK is seeking a Service Architect with a strong background in service design, operating model development, governance, and live service transition. The role collaborates with solution architects, project teams, and customers to ensure designs meet business and contractual objectives.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in service architecture or management, with expertise in operating models, governance, and service readiness.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in Service Architecture or Service Management.
• Strong understanding of service management principles and best practice.
• Experience designing operating models for large IT environments.
• Knowledge of service supply chains and support models.
• Experience delivering service transition, readiness, and live acceptance.
• Ability to produce clear, concise technical documentation.
• Experience managing governance and operational dependencies.
• Strong stakeholder management and leadership in delivery teams.
• Experience leading virtual and co-located teams; ITIL/ISO20000 desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end service solutions for projects transitioning to live service.
• Develop service operating models, governance, and support strategies.
• Produce acceptance criteria, operational requirements, and transition plans.
• Define SLA, KPI, service catalogue, and contract requirements.
• Assess current operating models and design future service models.
• Define early life support and readiness activities.
• Identify risks, constraints, and single points of failure.
• Design service processes, tooling integration, and artefacts.
• Produce technical documentation, build guides, and procedures.
• Collaborate with solution owners to ensure stability and efficiency.

Skills

Service Architecture

Operating Models

Governance

Service Transition

Documentation

Risk Management

Stakeholder Mgmt

Team Leadership

ITIL/ISO20000

Coordinating Teams

Job description

Service Architect

Must have an Active DV Clearance

You will work closely with solution architects, project teams, operational stakeholders, and customers to develop service designs that meet both business and contractual objectives.

The position is ideal for an experienced Service Architect with a strong background in service design, operating model development, governance, and live service transition.

Service Architect Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end service solutions for low, medium, and high-complexity projects transitioning into live service.
• Develop service operating models, governance frameworks, and support strategies.
• Produce service acceptance criteria, operational support requirements, and transition plans.
• Define and contribute to SLA, KPI, service catalogue, and underpinning contract requirements.
• Conduct impact assessments of current operating models and design future service models.
• Define early life support requirements and facilitate service readiness activities.
• Identify and manage service-related RAID items, constraints, exclusions, and single points of failure.
• Design service processes, tooling integration, and supporting operational artefacts.
• Produce technical service documentation, build guides, work instructions, and operational procedures.
• Work closely with solution owners to ensure service stability, resilience, and operational efficiency.

Service Architect Skills And Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Service Architecture or Service Management.
• Strong understanding of service management principles, methodologies, and best practice.
• Experience designing service operating models for large-scale IT environments.
• Strong knowledge of service supply chains and operational support models.
• Experience delivering service transition, operational readiness, and live service acceptance.
• Ability to produce clear, concise, and high-quality technical documentation.
• Experience managing service risks, governance, and operational dependencies.
• Strong stakeholder management with the ability to influence technical and business leaders.
• Experience leading virtual and co-located teams within fast-paced delivery environments.
• ITIL, ISO20000, IT4IT, Or Equivalent Service Management Qualifications Desirable.

Due to high volume of applications, only shortlisted CVs will be contacted.

Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Please note successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment which can take a minimum 18 weeks.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background or identity, and we encourage candidates who may not meet every listed requirement to still apply. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure a fair and accessible experience.

Please Note: If a high volume of applications is received, only candidates shortlisted will be contacted.