Technical Architect (MFA & Access Controls)

Since our establishment in 1990, Methods has partnered with a range of central government departments and agencies to transform the way the public sector operates in the UK.

Our mission is to improve and safeguard public-facing services. We apply digital thinking to ensure the future of our public services is centred around our citizens. Our human touch sets us apart from other consultancies, system integrators and software houses - we have a customer-centric value system whereby we focus on delivering what is right for our clients. We passionately support our clients in the success of their projects while working collaboratively to share skill sets and solve problems. At Methods we have fun while working hard; we are not afraid of making mistakes and learning from them.

Methods is seeking an experienced MFA Architect / Lead to support a critical cyber security programme aligned to DSPT and NCSC CAF frameworks. This role will focus on designing, implementing, and governing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) controls across a complex estate of cloud and on-premise systems, ensuring risk reduction and audit readiness across critical services.

Requirements:
🔍 Discovery & Assessment

• Identify and catalogue critical systems lacking MFA coverage
• Map users, access routes, and authentication flows across hybrid environments
• Assess feasibility of MFA implementation across legacy and modern platforms

🛡️ MFA Design & Control Definition

• Design MFA controls across cloud and on-premise systems (e.g. Azure AD, Okta, Duo)
• Define compensating controls for systems where MFA cannot be implemented
• Collaborate with technical and business stakeholders to agree risk-based approaches

🏗️ Architecture & Process Design

• Define MFA architecture, integration patterns, and authentication flows
• Design user enrolment, lifecycle management, and exception handling processes
• Produce clear, auditable documentation aligned to DSPT/CAF expectations

🚀 Implementation & Assurance

• Oversee rollout of MFA across in-scope systems and users
• Ensure supporting policies, configurations, and controls are in place
• Provide evidence of implementation, including logs, test results, and audit artefacts

🔁 Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Establish ongoing review and assurance processes for MFA controls
• Support senior stakeholder engagement and approval (CDO / programme level)
• Drive continuous improvement aligned to evolving risk and compliance requirements

✅ Key Skills & Experience

• Strong experience delivering enterprise MFA solutions across hybrid estates
• Deep knowledge of identity and access management (IAM) principles
• Hands-on experience with tools such as Azure AD / Entra ID, Okta, Duo, Ping
• Experience designing compensating controls for legacy systems
• Strong understanding of DSPT, NCSC CAF, ISO 27001 or similar frameworks
• Experience producing audit-ready documentation and assurance evidence
• Ability to engage both technical and senior business stakeholders

💡 Desirable

• Experience within UK Public Sector / Healthcare environments
• Familiarity with Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions
• Knowledge of Zero Trust architectures

Benefits:
Methods is passionate about its people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy.

By joining us you can expect

• Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience
• Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society
• Strong, inspiring and thought-provoking leadership
• A supportive and collaborative environment

Development – access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme, and training

Wellness – 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme

Flexible Working – including home working and part time

Social – office parties, breakfast Tuesdays, monthly pizza Thursdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and commitment to charitable causes

Time Off – 25 days of annual leave a year, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 5 extra days each year

Volunteering – 2 paid days per year to volunteer in our local communities or within a charity organisation

Pension – Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution

Life Assurance – of 4 times base salary

Private Medical Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)

Worldwide Travel Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay

Travel – season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme

For a full list of benefits please visit our website (www.methods.co.uk/careers/benefits)