Microsoft Platform Architect M365

Microsoft Platform Architect (M365)
SEO grade
Permanent (Hybrid working)
£39,439 - £47,039
*Additional DDaT skills supplement paid up to £13,000
UK based
Do you want to drive architecting innovative solutions and shaping the future of technology which delivers transformative change to citizens in key areas such as Sustainability, Farming and Key Environmental protection areas?
The Defra Cloud Centre of Excellence (CCoE) within Group Infrastructure and Operations (GIO) are looking for a dynamic and skilled M365 Architect to join an exciting opportunity to shape DEFRAs future collaboration applications and services.
About DEFRA:
Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to- day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
Digital, Data and Technology Services (DDTS) is the trusted team for digital across the entire Defra Group.
We have around 1,200 colleagues across DDTS and our ambition is to make it easier and faster than ever for people to interact with Defra.
If you are ready to drive innovation and push boundaries, we want to hear from you. Join us and together we will create a great place for living, and a green and healthy future for all.
Role summary:
In Defra you will work with projects and programmes of all scales to deliver end-to-end infrastructure solution architectures and implement designs based on requirements, strategic drivers, best practice, and guidance. This will take the form of a mixture of business as usual and project work focussed on the Microsoft 365 platform.
In this role you will be involved in managing Defra’s M365 roadmap on a day-to-day basis, overseeing the monitoring, planning, and implementation of updates, features, and enhancements within the M365 suite. As well as working on meaningful projects, you can expect some great benefits such as a Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27% and flexible working options such as condensed hours, part-time and flexi time.
Join our team of cloud architects as we embark on a transformative journey to trial and rollout innovative solutions like Copilot and M365 Groups to align with our evolving needs and current business requirements.
Responsibilities:

• Managing Defra’s M365 roadmap. Overseeing the monitoring, planning, and implementation of updates, features, and enhancements within the M365 suite.
• Collaborate with a team of cloud architects to design and implement cutting-edge solutions for collaboration applications and services within DEFRA.
• Lead the development and delivery of strategic roadmaps for M365, ensuring alignment with business goals and requirements.
• Play a pivotal role in the deployment of new technologies, with a focus on Microsoft M365, to enhance efficiency.
• Cover the end-to-end solution across a range of technical domains but may only be responsible for one part of that solution.

Experience required:

• Experience of designing and building Microsoft 365 architectures in support of IT programmes and projects.
• A practical understanding of architectural models of application and solution delivery.
• Hands-on experience and knowledge of the Microsoft 365 platform.
• An understanding of the technical implications of delivering across infrastructure and cloud (or hybrid) environments.
• Some project planning experience.
• Basic understanding of security awareness (identity, access management, active directory etc)
• This role would be open to graduates and is able to offer cloud enterprise Microsoft academy training.

Benefits 
We can offer an array of benefits including (but not limited to):
•    25 days’ leave (rising to 30 days over 5 years) plus bank holidays 
•    A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27% (worth a minimum of £14,685 per year)
•    Access to a range of retail discounts (including supermarkets, tech, gyms, holidays, phones and much more) 
•    Flexible working options such as condensed hours, part-time and flexi time 
•    3 paid volunteering days per year 
•    Funding for professional membership of a recognised professional body 
•    Learning and development tailored to your role and budget for training or qualifications
•    24/7 Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
Application process
As part of the application process, you will be assessed on your Experience and will be asked to complete:
•    A CV
•    A 500-word statement of suitability, demonstrating how you meet the following Technical Skill:
“You can translate technical concepts relating to software engineering, delivery management and service management so they are understood by all. You can mediate between people and mend relationships, communicating with stakeholders at all levels”.
To apply, please submit a CV and Cover Letter, one of our talent partners will review your application and if suitable, will arrange to discuss the role in more detail. You will also be provided with guidance on how to complete your application / next steps.
Defra is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Please note this post requires Security Check (SC) clearance. To gain (SC) clearance all applicants are required to have been a UK resident for a minimum of 5 years. If this requirement is not met, the individual will not be able to progress their application further.
*This post offers successful candidates the opportunity to be considered for an additional Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) Skills Supplement. The level of the awarded supplement (up to £13,000) is determined following...