Solutions Architect

Principal-level Solution Architect

This role is for a highly experienced Solution Architect who can take architectural accountability on complex, high-risk programmes, both technically and with clients.

You will lead solution architecture on major digital and platform transformations, operating as a senior technical authority with client leaders, delivery heads, and engineering teams. This is not a step-up role. It is intended for someone already operating at this level in practice.

What you will be responsible for

* Owning end-to-end solution architecture across large, multi-stream programmes

* Setting architectural direction and guardrails while enabling teams to deliver at pace

* Leading architectural decisions, trade-offs, and risk management at programme level

* Acting as a trusted technical partner to senior client stakeholders

* Shaping scope, feasibility, and delivery approach in complex environments

* Reviewing and challenging designs produced by other architects and senior engineers

* Ensuring solutions are deliverable, secure, scalable, and commercially sound

* Providing senior technical input into bids, proposals, and mobilisation activity

* Coaching and mentoring less experienced Solution Architects

Technical and delivery context
Successful candidates typically bring deep experience across:

* Cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP at enterprise scale

* Complex integration landscapes including APIs, event-driven systems, and legacy modernisation

* Architecture in regulated or high-assurance environments

* Producing and governing HLDs and architectural decision records that stand up in delivery

* Structured architecture approaches such as TOGAF, applied pragmatically

What distinguishes this role

* You have already led architecture on complex programmes, not just contributed to them

* You are credible with senior client stakeholders and able to challenge constructively

* You understand how architectural decisions affect cost, delivery risk, and timelines

* You can operate across strategy, design, and delivery without losing clarity

* You remain calm and effective in ambiguous or politically complex situations

Mandatory requirements

* Security clearance eligibility is a prerequisite

* You must be a British citizen with no restrictions

* You must be eligible to obtain and hold UK Security Clearance

* You must have been resident in the UK for the last five continuous years

* No exceptions can be made on nationality or clearance eligibility

Practical details

* Location:

Hybrid. London or Belfast preferred. On-site presence required at key stages

* Salary: £80,700–£107,600 base depending on experience

* Bonus: 15%

* Allowance: £4,460 cash allowance

Why this role is worth considering
At this level, architecture is about judgement, accountability, and consequence. You will shape direction, reduce delivery risk, and enable teams to succeed on programmes that matter.

If you are already operating at this level and meet the clearance requirements, this is worth a conversation