IT Principal Architect

As a senior member of the Delivery Architecture team, the Principal Architect is responsible for leading the design, assurance, and implementation of secure, resilient, and scalable cyber, infrastructure, and cloud solutions across a diverse and complex technology portfolio. The role provides strategic architectural leadership, shaping technology direction and influencing key design decisions across multiple business and technology domains. Working closely with senior stakeholders, the Principal Architect ensures that solutions align with organisational objectives, architectural principles, and enterprise standards. Acting as a recognised subject matter expert, the post holder will provide specialist guidance across a broad range of design domains, supporting the successful delivery of business and technology change. The role also carries responsibility for mentoring and developing Delivery Architects, fostering architectural excellence, knowledge sharing, and capability growth across the function. A key aspect of the role is the establishment, maintenance, and governance of architecture standards, patterns, frameworks, and controls. The Principal Architect will champion best practice, ensure compliance with governance processes, and act as a role model for architects and technical specialists, promoting consistency, quality, and continual improvement across the department.What you'll do:

• Design robust, scalable solutions built on enterprise-class platforms
• Deliver architecture and design documentation, ensuring alignment with standards
• Identify risks, issues, and constraints throughout the project lifecycle
• Work with technical and business stakeholders to shape projects from early stages
• Support the development of business cases through technical input and solution modelling
• Act as a trusted advisor across IT and the wider organisation
• Apply your knowledge of new and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for improvement
• Support the organisation during Local Government Reorganisation, We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
  
  Are you an experienced IT professional with a passion for architecture, innovation, and designing solutions that make a real difference?, You will be a motivated, enthusiastic architect with:
• A passion for architecture, design, and innovation
• Proven experience delivering architectural solutions in fast-paced environments
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to explain complex ideas simply
• The ability to quickly learn new technologies and adapt to different ways of working
• Strong problem-solving skills and an aptitude for understanding business challenges
• Experience in early-stage technical shaping and project involvement
• Excellent stakeholder-management skills and the ability to work independently
• A collaborative approach and enjoyment of team discussions and workshops
• Senior-level technical experience across similar IT domains
  
  Hampshire County Council is looking for an IT Principal Architect to join our diverse and talented IT Delivery Team, helping us shape the future of our services and improve the lives of people across the county.
  
  Our benefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi-time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.
Hampshire County Council offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment. If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!