Microsoft Platform Architect (M365)

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.

The CCoE architecture team provide design, technical leadership, governance, and drive transformation to help to match business needs with high-quality cloud solutions.

In this role, you will collaborate on projects and programmes of all scales to deliver end-to-end Microsoft 365 solutions and implement designs based on business requirements, strategic drivers, best practices, and Microsoft guidance. This will involve a mix of business-as-usual and project work focused on optimising and enhancing the Microsoft 365 platform, including services like Exchange Online, SharePoint Online and Teams to drive productivity, collaboration, and security.

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.

Join our team of cloud architects as we embark on a transformative journey to trial and rollout innovative solutions like Purview and M365 Groups to align with our evolving needs and current business requirements.

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.

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.

Skills and experience

• 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.