Lead Identity & IAM Architect (SC Cleared)

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Lead Identity & IAM Architect to take ownership of the architecture across a large-scale Enterprise Identity Service supporting a secure UK Government programme.

This is a hands-on technical architecture role, not a governance or documentation-focused position. You'll work closely with engineering, data, DevOps, service operations and senior stakeholders to shape the future of a complex enterprise identity platform while ensuring stability, supportability and long-term scalability.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across identity life cycle processes, integrations, APIs, microservices, data flows, platform configuration and live service support.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture Leadership

• Own end-to-end solution architecture across development, data and service support workstreams.
• Provide technical direction across identity life cycle, workflows, integrations and operational support.
• Act as the technical design authority for engineering teams and stakeholders.
• Drive architectural consistency across live-service enhancements, backlog delivery and technical debt reduction.
• Ensure architecture aligns with business objectives while remaining scalable and supportable.

Identity & Access Management

• Lead architecture for enterprise Identity & Access Management (IAM) platforms.
• Design and optimise identity life cycle processes including:
  • Joiners, Movers & Leavers
  • Role & Access Management
  • Provisioning
  • Access Reviews & Recertification
  • Audit & Compliance
• Simplify identity workflows, integrations and platform components while reducing unnecessary customisation.

Technical Design Leadership

• Review and challenge technical designs covering:
  • Identity schemas
  • Attributes
  • Data models
  • Workflow rules
  • Provisioning logic
  • APIs
  • Microservices
  • ETL & Data Transformation
  • Platform configuration
• Work closely with Developers, DevOps Engineers, Data Specialists and Service Operations to resolve complex technical issues.
• Support architecture during defect analysis, root cause investigations and production support.

Platform Modernisation

• Review existing integrations, interfaces, microservices and custom components.
• Recommend pragmatic improvements that reduce complexity while improving resilience and supportability.
• Support API-first integration patterns and cloud-native architecture.
• Contribute to future identity strategy including Microsoft Entra aligned solutions.

Service Supportability

• Work with L2/L3 Support, DevOps and Operations teams to improve live service ownership.
• Support operational readiness, knowledge transfer and runbook creation.
• Ensure solutions remain maintainable beyond project delivery.
• Provide architectural guidance during Incident and Problem Management activities.

Essential Skills & Experience

Extensive Enterprise Identity & Access Management (IAM) experience

Proven experience as a Lead/Senior Architect on complex enterprise platforms

Strong experience within UK Government, Public Sector or other highly regulated environments

Deep understanding of:

• Identity Lifecycle Management
• Access Governance
• Identity Workflows
• Identity Schemas
• Data Flows
• APIs
• Microservices
• Platform Configuration
• Integration Patterns
• Audit & Compliance

Experience working across:

• Development Teams
• DevOps
• Infrastructure
• Data Engineering
• Service Operations
• Suppliers & Delivery Partners

Strong stakeholder engagement with both technical and executive audiences

Active SC Clearance (Mandatory)

Desirable Skills

Experience with one or more of the following:

• SailPoint
• Microsoft Entra ID/Azure AD
• OpenText/NetIQ
• Okta
• ForgeRock
• CyberArk

Experience with:

• AWS-hosted platforms
• LDAP & Directory Services
• API Gateways
• ETL & Data Integration
• Workflow Engines
• Legacy-to-Cloud Modernisation
• Service Transition & BAU Readiness
• Secure-by-Design Architecture