Job summary
- Main area
- Server Support
- Grade
- Band 8a
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 371-TAPCS416
- Employer
- Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- 57-59 Bath Road, Reading, RG30 2BA
- Town
- Reading
- Salary
- £57,528 - £64,750 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 12/10/2026 23:59
Employer heading
IT Technical Architect
Band 8a
Job overview
Are you an experienced IT professional ready to take the lead in designing and delivering secure, scalable, and resilient IT infrastructure solutions across network, systems, and cloud platforms?
We’re looking for a Technical Architect (Band 8a) to join our innovative IT Infrastructure team at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
This is a senior, strategic role providing technical leadership, shaping the future of our infrastructure, and supporting clinical and operational excellence. You’ll act as a subject matter expert, guiding technical teams and stakeholders, and championing innovation and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities include:
-
Leading the design and implementation of enterprise-grade Azure, system and network solutions
-
Providing expert technical advice to colleagues and senior leaders
-
Supporting key infrastructure projects and system upgrades
-
Mentoring team members and promoting best practices
You’ll be part of a motivated, skilled, and supportive team and play a key role in enabling safe, reliable digital services that improve patient care. You’ll ensure our systems are secure, reliable, and future-ready.
Applications for this post will be considered in the order they are received. The job may close early if we find the right applicant. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.
Main duties of the job
-
Leading the design, delivery, and improvement of enterprise-level infrastructure solutions across network, systems, and Azure cloud platforms
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Developing technical documentation and architecture standards, embedding secure-by-design principles
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Providing expert advice and mentoring to technical teams, supporting skills development and collaboration
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Partnering with suppliers, NHS bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure interoperability and compliance with NHS standards (GDPR, Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO27001, DSP Toolkit, DCB1596, DCB0160)
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Supporting major projects and upgrades, ensuring delivery aligns with organisational and clinical priorities
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Contributing to business continuity and disaster recovery planning and testing
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Promoting a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement across the team
- The post is based in Reading, with regular on-site work and opportunities for hybrid working. Occasional travel to other Trust sites may be required.
Working for our organisation
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we’re committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we’re committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
- Caring for and about you is our top priority
- Committed to providing good quality, safe services
- Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
- Flexible working options to support work-life balance
- 27 days’ annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
- Generous NHS pension scheme
- Excellent learning and career development opportunities
- ‘Cycle to Work’ and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
- Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
- Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
- Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
- Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
- Free parking across Trust sites
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The “must haves” for this role:
-
Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience
-
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert formal qualification
-
Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate formal qualification
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Evidence of extensive experience in technical architecture, ideally within healthcare or public sector
-
Proven experience leading complex infrastructure projects
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Proven strong knowledge of and certified in Microsoft Azure, networking, and systems design.
There will be a two-stage interview process:
- By telephone
- Candidates who are successful at the telephone interview stage will then be invited to a Face to Face interview (please note we do not offer interviews online)
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.
Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate to us how you meet the requirements of the role. We recognise that AI tools can support accessibility, equity and confidence for applicants. However, it’s important that examples and responses given in your supporting statement genuinely reflect your own experience and abilities, as these will be explored further during the selection process. AI must not be used to provide misleading or false information during any stage of the application journey.
In addition to explaining how you meet the person specification, you must complete your employment history for at least the last five years. Any experience, skills or responsibilities referenced in your supporting statements should be evidenced within your employment history. Applications that do not include sufficient employment history to support the experience claimed may not be shortlisted.
We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Stonewall Proud Employer, Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to call: Shiva Pallapothu on 07825521617 or email: [email protected] who’ll be delighted to help.
Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Person specification
Education, qualifications or Training
Essential criteria
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate
Desirable criteria
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or equivalent
- TOGAF® Certification (or other enterprise architecture frameworks)
- PRINCE2® Practitioner, AgilePM or equivalent certification
- CompTIA Network+ or Security+
- ITIL® Foundation or higher
Continuous Professional Development
Essential criteria
- Evidence of continuous personal and professional development with formal certifications.
Previous Experience
Essential criteria
- Extensive experience in technical architecture, ideally within healthcare or public sector.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure, networking, and systems design.
- Demonstrable experience in leading complex infrastructure projects
- Experience of providing diverse services to multiple customers within a large multi-faced, multi-site organisation
- Experience of disaster recovery, business continuity planning
- Self-motivated and corporate Team player
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Essential criteria
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Attention to detail with a focus on quality, resilience and security
- Commitment to NHS values and patient-centred care
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Shiva Pallapothu
- Job title
- IT Infrastructure Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 07825521617
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