Senior Technical Architect

Senior Technical Architect – Band 8A

Location: Belfast
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 3 days on-site and 2 days working from home
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £55,690 – £62,682 per annum

Closing Date: 5pm on Friday 20 November 2026

Apple Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of our public sector client for an experienced Senior Technical Architect (Band 8A) to provide strategic technical architecture expertise, leadership and assurance across a major regional ePharmacy digital transformation programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic technical design, planning, integration and implementation of complex programme workstreams.
• Develop technical strategies, assess options and make recommendations on appropriate solutions.
• Provide expert technical advice across infrastructure, cloud architecture, cybersecurity, identity management, systems integration, data migration and healthcare interoperability.
• Analyse complex technical issues, information flows and processes to develop recommendations and solutions.
• Influence and gain agreement on technical solutions across internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Manage the strategic delivery and ongoing development of IT services, ensuring they meet programme and stakeholder requirements.
• Oversee technical suppliers, service performance, change management and service assurance.
• Develop and maintain technical project plans, documentation, reports and business cases.
• Manage operational risks, service continuity and disaster recovery arrangements.
• Lead and coordinate technical teams, allocating work and supporting staff development.
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders across health and social care, suppliers and other partner organisations.

Experience and Essential Criteria

Applicants must meet one of the following experience and qualification routes:

• Hold a university degree or professional qualification and have at least 3 years' experience working in a technical architectural role within a major complex organisation.

OR

• Have at least 5 years' experience working in a technical architectural role within a major complex organisation.

Applicants must also have:

• Experience of leading technical design and delivery within programmes or projects with a budget exceeding £500,000.
• At least 3 years' experience managing multiple teams to successfully deliver outcomes, including collaboration with internal and external teams.
• A current full UK driving licence and access to a car on appointment. This requirement may be waived for applicants whose disability prevents driving but who have access to approved alternative transport.

Candidates should have strong experience across a range of the following areas:

• Enterprise and Solution Architecture.
• Cloud and COTS/SaaS Architecture.
• Systems Integration and APIs.
• Healthcare Interoperability, including HL7/FHIR.
• Identity Management, Cyber Security and Resilience.
• Technical Assurance and Stakeholder Management.

Essential Skills and Knowledge

Candidates will also be required to demonstrate:

• Experience of personally managing and leading technical change through the design, development and implementation of IT systems.
• A working knowledge of designing and successfully implementing IT programme or project architecture.
• Advanced problem-solving skills and the ability to provide technical expertise to a large customer base.
• Knowledge of service level management, customer service management and performance against KPIs.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders to design and implement successful outcomes.
• Excellent communication, engagement and facilitation skills.
• Broad technical knowledge and awareness of emerging technologies and service developments.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Experience delivering option appraisals to identify appropriate technical solutions, including assessment of financial impact.
• An understanding of licensing implications when developing technical solutions.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of the structure and key business areas of Health and Social Care.
• Understanding of the role of technology in delivering health and social care services.
• Experience managing the integration of large-scale IT healthcare systems.
• Experience of healthcare interoperability standards.
• PRINCE2, ITIL, TOGAF or equivalent qualification.

How to Apply

If you wish to apply or would like further information, please email your up-to-date CV to Caroline at caroline.parker@applerecruitment.com

Please ensure your CV includes your full employment history, qualifications and current contact details.

All details will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.