
Senior Technical Architect (Major Programmes)
MAIN PURPOSE
Lead complex technical solutions for major programmes in the Digital Operations Directorate, supporting clinical and non-clinical services. Advise on networks, regional data centres, cybersecurity, virtualisation, cloud architecture, identity management, infrastructure, data migration and healthcare interoperability, working with internal and external stakeholders.
Location: Lisburn (Valid UK driving license)
Job Type: Temporary
Duration of booking: Expected to last 3 months with possible extension
Proposed start date: ASAP
Pay Rates: £31.92 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay
Hours / Working Days: 36.25 hours per week / Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
Hybrid 2 days WFH
Sector: Healthcare
Based: Office / Hospital
Summary of Key Responsibilities:
Technical Architecture & Service Delivery
- Lead technical strategy, design and delivery for major programmes, including data migration and system integration, aligned with HSCNI infrastructure architecture.
- Analyse complex issues, data flows and workflows; evaluate options and develop solutions with internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintain fit-for-purpose services and current technical knowledge; provide expert advice and specialist training.
- Produce technical designs, documentation and management reports tailored to programme teams, boards and other audiences.
- Manage project plans, delegated budgets, resources, personnel and work packages to meet milestones.
- Manage suppliers and service delivery against agreed service levels, quality processes and ITS standards.
- Represent ITS at Service Review Meetings, Management Groups and Regional User Groups; coordinate upgrades, releases and changes with the ITS Change Advisory Board (CAB).
- Maintain Service Transitioning Assurance Process (STAP) documentation, manage Problem Management and support ISO audits and Quality Management System (QMS) improvement.
- Manage operational risks and dependencies. Act as the primary technical contact for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, keeping recovery processes documented, tested and maintained.
- Develop business cases, contribute to Project Proposal Evaluations (PPEs) and ICT business cases, and work with BSO and HSCB on wider HSC ICT initiatives.
People Management & Development
- Lead and support an engaged team; delegate authority while remaining accountable for outcomes.
- Participate in the Performance Review Scheme, review direct reports regularly and address training and development needs.
- Support recruitment and selection, and manage disciplinary matters under organisational policies.
- Promote equal opportunities, policy compliance, shared learning and an open, collaborative culture of continuous improvement.
Communication & Collaborative Working
- Coordinate and influence priorities across interdependent programmes, applications and services.
- Build relationships with customers, colleagues, suppliers and external stakeholders; engage health and social care professionals at all levels to agree technical solutions.
- Communicate regularly, explain complex solutions and programme outcomes clearly, and resolve change issues to support timely implementation.
- Lead training programme design across multiple application areas for the wider Health and Social Care (HSC) sector.
Governance, Risk & General Responsibilities
- Promote teamwork, openness and equal opportunities; comply with equality and human rights legislation and handle concerns under the Raising Concerns (Whistleblowing) Policy.
- Follow organisational policies and codes covering health and safety, infection prevention, IT security, attendance, professional conduct and smoke-free working; report incidents, accidents and equipment defects.
- Maintain accurate records and comply with Freedom of Information, GDPR, Data Protection and records management requirements.
- Reduce waste, energy and water use, and support environmentally responsible working.
- Maintain professional development, provide a courteous and respectful service to patients, clients, colleagues and the public, and undertake other duties appropriate to the post’s grade.
Essential Criteria
- A university degree or professional qualification AND at least three years’ technical architecture experience in a major complex organisation.
OR
- At least five years’ technical architecture experience in a major complex organisation.
AND
- Experience leading technical design and delivery for programmes or projects with budgets exceeding £500,000.
- At least three years’ experience managing multiple teams to deliver outcomes, working with internal and external teams and stakeholders.
- A major complex organisation has at least 200 staff or annual turnover of £50 million.
Skills, Knowledge & Competencies
- Experience personally leading technical change through IT system design, development and implementation, with working knowledge of technical architecture in programmes or projects.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to advise a large customer base.
- Knowledge of service level and customer service management, including KPI performance in a major complex organisation.
- Experience working with diverse internal and external stakeholders to deliver outcomes.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, engagement, facilitation and presentation skills.
- Broad technical knowledge, including emerging technologies and service developments.
- Experience appraising technical options and financial implications, with an understanding of software and technology licensing.
Desirable Criteria
Experience & Knowledge:
- Knowledge of HSC structures, key business areas and the role of technology in service delivery.
- Experience integrating large-scale healthcare IT systems and applying healthcare interoperability standards.
Qualifications:
- PRINCE2, ITIL, TOGAF or an equivalent professional qualification.