Senior IT Technology Architect
| Posting date: | 04 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £39,340 to £44,970 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 18 February 2026 |
| Location: | Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RT |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | National Highways |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7035_1770209270 |
Summary
About the role.
As part of the development of our Digital Services function, we are recruiting to strengthen internal digital capability within the Digital Technical Competence team. These roles are central to building sustainable in-house expertise that supports the design, development and delivery of digital solutions across the transport network.
A key focus of this campaign is creating new opportunities. As a result, we are recruiting a Senior IT Technology Architect. This is a pivotal role that will provide technical solutions and leadership for programmes, new concepts and project delivery, designing differentiating and innovative solutions and services that address our business problems. You will apply wide‑ranging technical expertise across hardware, software, networks, cloud, data, analytics, IT services and cyber security to architect robust, impactful solutions.
You'll provide expert leadership across complex programmes, translating business needs into secure, scalable and sustainable architectures aligned with government standards and enterprise strategy, while supporting the development of junior architects and National Highways itself.
This is a hybrid role, requiring two days per week in the office, based at any National Highways office location.
- Create technical designs for solutions of medium complexity and risk supporting the delivery of projects for continuous improvement.
- Provide technical leadership.
- Make architectural decisions on solutions of medium complexity and risk, aligning solutions to the whole business context and communicating those decisions.
- Develop teams of more junior architects in designing solutions for National Highways.
- Build relationships with stakeholders across different business or technical areas in the organisation to correctly direct solutions and meet business needs.
- Support multiple architecture projects to speed delivery and reduce risk for National Highways.
- Find and use emerging technologies and approaches.
About you.
- You bring a strong understanding of public sector strategy and digital transformation.
- You design and assure complex technical architectures, drawing on proven hands-on experience.
- You work confidently within architectural governance frameworks, Agile delivery environments, and with emerging technologies.
- You demonstrate commercial awareness of public sector procurement, focusing on value-driven and outcome-led solutions.
- You lead clear communication on complex or high-risk architectural topics, adapting your approach for technical and non-technical audiences, engaging senior stakeholders, advocating for your team, and managing expectations effectively.
About us.
Here at National Highways, we manage and improve England's motorways and major A roads, helping our customers have safer, smoother and more reliable journeys. Our priorities are safety, customers and delivery, and at the core of this, are our values of passion, integrity, safety, teamwork and ownership.
The Digital Services Directorate is helping to reshape the way National Highways operates by delivering digital, data, and technology services across all areas, from frontline to back office, in a modern and efficient manner. Our vision is to develop integrated information and technology that empowers our colleagues and provides real-time information to our customers, as well as integrating with intelligent vehicle and transport systems as they evolve, to enhance journey safety and reliability.
External candidates will be offered a starting salary at the lower end of the pay scale, while current employees will be appointed in accordance with our established pay policy.
We are committed to creating a diverse environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme