Technical Architect

Government Recruitment Service; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Edinburgh is looking for a Technical Designer to lead the architectural strategy for services. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex challenges and has expertise in technologies like Python/Django and cloud services such as AWS and Azure. You will work in agile environments and contribute to improving public services through innovative solutions. This position offers an opportunity to shape digital delivery and collaborate with talented teams.

Qualifications

• Experience in defining technical strategies for services.
• Proven ability to lead technical specialists in complex projects.
• Strong background in agile design and open-source systems.

Responsibilities

• Define and champion the technical strategy for services.
• Lead technical specialists across multiple projects.
• Design user-centred systems in agile environments.

Skills

Problem-solving

Technical governance

Team leadership

Agile methodologies

Tools

Python/Django

Node.js/React

AWS

Azure

Job description

About the role

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has a clear mission - to grow the economy. Our role is to help businesses invest, grow and export to create jobs and opportunities right across the country. We do this in three ways.

Firstly, we help to build a strong, competitive business environment, where consumers are protected and companies rewarded for treating their employees properly.

Secondly, we open international markets and ensure resilient supply chains. This can be through Free Trade Agreements, trade facilitation and multilateral agreements.

Finally, we work in partnership with businesses every day, providing advance, finance and deal-making support to those looking to start up, invest, export and grow.

The Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) directorate develops and operates tools and services to support us in this mission.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for the overall technical design of services, ensuring they meet user needs, align with organisational goals, and adhere to time and budget constraints. You will also contribute to portfolio-level strategy and governance, helping to shape the future of digital delivery at DBT.

Our technology stack includes Python/Django, Node.js/React within cloud services such as AWS and Azure. We optimise our architecture for change, enabling continuous improvement and innovation.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, influencing technical direction, and fostering inclusive, high-performing teams. Above all, you will be motivated by the opportunity to improve public services and challenge the status quo where needed.

You will:

• Define and champion the technical strategy for services, ensuring alignment with user needs, business goals, and DDaT standards.
• Lead technical specialists across multiple projects, solving complex architectural challenges.
• Design and assure open-source, user-centred systems in agile environments.
• Own the technical design and evolution of services, including integration and interoperability.
• Provide technical governance and present designs to boards such as the Technical Design Authority.
• Build cloud solution designs and ensure they meet quality, security, and performance standards.
• Collaborate with architects across DBT to ensure alignment and coherence.
• Horizon scan for emerging technologies and assess their relevance to DBT.
• Contribute to the architecture community, sharing knowledge and mentoring peers.
• Support recruitment and capability development within the technical architecture profession.