Lead Technical Architect - Azure Cloud Migration

About the role

This contract position offers a senior technical leader the chance to drive a high‑profile Azure migration for NHS Blood and Transplant. You will act as the design authority, ensuring the new cloud environment is secure, resilient and ready for operation.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical governance and architecture assurance across the migration programme.
• Review and validate Azure landing‑zone and target architecture designs.
• Oversee security, resilience, compliance and disaster‑recovery requirements.
• Assess technical risks, dependencies and migration approaches.
• Support migration planning, implementation, cut‑over and service transition activities.
• Facilitate architecture workshops and governance forums.
• Serve as the primary technical interface between NHSBT, Microsoft, project teams and third‑party suppliers.

Required profile

• Extensive experience leading large‑scale Azure cloud migration programmes.
• Proven background as a Lead Technical Architect in complex enterprise environments.
• Ability to operate at SFIA Level 6/7 and provide governance across multiple workstreams.
• Strong communication skills for engaging senior client stakeholders and hyperscale cloud providers.
• Desirable: Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect certification and TOGAF certification.

Required skills

• Microsoft Azure Architecture
• Enterprise Networking
• Identity & Access Management (IAM)
• Security Architecture
• Backup & Recovery
• Disaster Recovery
• Business Continuity Planning

What we offer

• Opportunity to work on a nationally significant cloud transformation programme.
• Fully remote engagement within the UK.
• Competitive daily rate of £737 outside IR35.
• Exposure to complex Azure architecture and critical national infrastructure environments.
• Collaboration with senior technical and business stakeholders.