The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

IT Services at the University of Sheffield provide a full range of  complex IT and technology-enabled services. This role supports delivery across our three strategic product areas: Education, Research and Innovation and One University (please see our vision below for more information on One University). These product areas are moving to utilise modern agile change methodologies to improve service provision, simplify processes and support product development.                                           

The Lead Technology Architect leads the development of the University's Technology Architecture to ensure all technology-enabled solutions align with desired strategy. This role offers the opportunity to define our ambitions for Cloud adoption and build an ecosystem of on-premise, SaaS and native Cloud solutions. The role reports to the Chief Technology Officer.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Define, communicate and champion the technology vision and roadmap, with particular focus on Cloud adoption strategy and hybrid solutions.

• Drive technology strategy across infrastructure, software and data environments, ensuring optimal design and deployment to solve business problems.

• Lead the design of resilient, reliable and sustainable technology services supporting education, research and workplace enablement.

• Work with stakeholders across the University to understand challenges and communicate the benefits of modern technology architecture.

• Develop technology architecture models and frameworks that enable the strategic shift needed to achieve University objectives.

• Establish appropriate standards, policies, processes and governance for technology decision-making.

• Champion innovation and identify emerging technologies that could benefit the University whilst mitigating risks.

• Collaborate with product teams to ensure opportunities are taken to progress technology architecture roadmaps.

• Provide expert advice and guidance on technology design to teams across the University.

• Balance delivery demands with the need to evolve and maintain architectural integrity.

• Lead and influence at senior levels, creating collaborative design communities across the organisation.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification 

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact it-services-recruitment@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.

• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.

• Generous pension scheme.

• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).

• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.

• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.

• A range of generous family-friendly policies

  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

  • support for those going through the menopause

  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment

  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.