Technical Architect (UK Wide, United Kingdom)

Review: Embark on a High-Impact Career as a Technical Architect in Defence Enterprise Networks with BT Group

This review delves into an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Technical Architect to join BT Group's Defence Enterprise Networks practice. It's a role designed for individuals who thrive on complexity, innovation, and making a tangible impact within a critical national sector. If you're looking to elevate your career and contribute to defining the future of defence infrastructure, read on to understand the unique advantages and key considerations.

The Opportunity Unpacked: Why This Role Shines

• Impactful & Strategic Contribution: As a Technical Architect, you'll be a trusted industry partner to defence customers, playing a pivotal role in shaping their digital strategy and transforming business operations. This isn't just about maintaining systems; it's about defining and creating complex, innovative, fit-for-purpose enterprise network solutions that have significant national importance.
• Leadership & Technical Authority: You'll lead as the main technical architect, owning critical design artifacts from 'as-is' to 'to-be' states. Contributing to the Defence Assurance Board and acting as a Tier 4 expert signifies a role with substantial influence and responsibility within an industry-leading Technical Design Authority team. This is an excellent step for those looking to deepen their technical leadership.
• Innovation & Cutting-Edge Technology: The role promises exposure to a vast variation of highly sensitive and unique opportunities and projects. You'll work with robust ICT framework architecture, security principles, and industry best practices to deliver solutions that push technological boundaries, fostering continuous learning and skill development.
• Collaborative & Cross-Functional Environment: Success in this role hinges on collaboration. You'll work cross-functionally with internal business units (Sales, Business, Technology, Security, Operations), key stakeholders, and external third-party technology providers. This broad exposure will enrich your understanding of the business ecosystem and enhance your stakeholder management skills.
• World-Class Training & Development: BT Group is committed to employee growth, offering "world-class training and development opportunities." This, coupled with a culture that takes a "genuine and proactive interest in your progress," positions this role as an excellent platform for continuous learning and career advancement in enterprise network architecture.

Key Considerations for Your Application

• Security Check (SC) Clearance: A fundamental requirement for this role is the ability to pass Security Check clearance. This is a non-negotiable prerequisite, reflecting the sensitive nature of working within the defence sector and indicating a commitment to national security protocols.
• Deep Networking Expertise: Candidates should possess a strong working knowledge and hands-on experience with networking vendor technologies (e.g., Cisco, Juniper), coupled with practical experience in designing, configuring, testing, and commissioning IP networking solutions. A background in identifying and mitigating risks in enterprise networks is also crucial, underscoring the need for robust technical acumen. Professional accreditations are preferred and would strengthen an application.
• Hybrid Working Model: The role operates on a "3 together, 2 wherever" model, meaning you will be required to be at one of the contractual locations (Hemel Hempstead, Chippenham, Bristol, Reading) three days a week. This offers a valuable balance of remote flexibility and in-person collaboration, essential for complex project work.
• Communication Acumen: The ability to communicate complex IP network technologies effectively to stakeholders with varying technical knowledge is a key skill, highlighting the importance of bridging technical and business understanding.

Beyond the Role: The BT Advantage

BT Group offers a comprehensive and attractive benefits package designed to support your well-being and financial future. This includes a competitive salary, a 10% on-target bonus, a generous BT Pension scheme (with a 10% employer contribution), and 25 days of annual leave that increase with service. Beyond direct compensation, you'll gain access to a huge range of flexible benefits, share saving schemes, discounted BT products, and a culture focused on employee well-being.

Moreover, BT Group stands out for its strong commitment to an inclusive culture. With a heritage spanning over 175 years, it's a stable yet innovative environment that "celebrates difference, fosters innovation and provides you with opportunities to be your best." The company actively champions digital inclusion and makes a proactive effort to build a diverse workplace, explicitly encouraging applications from women, people who are disabled, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, or from ethnic minority backgrounds, even if you don't meet every single listed requirement. This ethos makes BT Group an empowering and supportive place to contribute and grow your career.

Is This Your Next Step?

If you're an experienced Technical Architect with a passion for secure, complex enterprise networking, a desire to work on high-impact projects within the defence sector, and the ability to meet the security clearance requirements, this role presents a truly exceptional career opportunity. BT Group offers not just a job, but a pathway to significant professional development within a supportive and forward-thinking organization. We encourage all qualified candidates, including those from diverse backgrounds who may not align perfectly with every single listed qualification, to explore this role further and discover how your unique experience can contribute to their mission.