Senior IT Solution Architect

NFU Mutual currently has a vacancy for a Senior Solution Architect to support the ongoing development of the IT Cyber architecture for NFUM. This role will be working within the IT architecture team, directly supporting the NFUM IT Cyber Security programme which includes specialists in different architecture and business domains whilst reporting to the Solution Architecture Manager. The primary responsibility will be to provide support to the NFUM IT Cyber security programme, liaising with other specialists from within the architecture team and programme as appropriate, to develop cyber security solution architectures, create associated solution architecture artefacts and provide solution architecture support to the programme.

The role will also be responsible for contributing to and authoring architecture artefacts, such as solution outline definitions, roadmaps, standards and patterns under the guidance and with support of the lead programme Architect. As a Senior Solution Architect, you will be working closely with IT and business stakeholders, third party suppliers, and fellow architects, you will enable effective architectural change, act as an escalation point for complex technical issues, and contribute to the ongoing development of architecture standards and strategy.

You will also bring thought leadership on emerging technologies, trends, and best practices to continually evolve the organisation's technology landscape. Additionally, the successful candidate will be capable of working on other IT projects and programmes outside the cyber security as and when required.

You excel at managing and influencing a wide range of stakeholders, building strong, credible relationships across business, IT, and third party partners to shape and deliver effective architectural outcomes. You are highly collaborative, working closely with delivery teams and fellow architects to co‑create end‑to‑end solutions that balance strategic intent with practical delivery. You bring confident, well reasoned decision making to complex architectural challenges, able to assess options, and provide clear direction.

Through your ability to influence and challenge constructively, you guide stakeholders towards sound architectural decisions that align with governance, standards, and long‑term business goals.

• Good understanding and interest in the Cyber Security technology landscape and industry trends.
• Knowledge of market leading Cyber Security technologies & architectures.
• Demonstrable experience of both IT Solution architecture delivery and specifically within the area of Cyber Security solutions, including awareness of the latest techniques, standards and best practices used.
• Awareness of best practice in IT architecture - ideally with current industry standard certifications e.g. TOGAF Practitioner.
• Demonstrable experience and understanding of a broad range of IT technologies and domains including not only applications but also Infrastructure and Data.
• Good familiarity with IT security best practice for IT system and software development.
• Experience and knowledge of software, system and integration testing; including best practice and automation.
• Experience delivering solutions across hybrid environments, including on‑premise, Azure, AWS, and SaaS, with familiarity in both traditional and cloud‑native technologies.
• Good familiarity with IT architecture governance best practices.
• Demonstrable capability of effectively working with agile teams in a collaborative manner within a commercial environment.
• Experience of Dev Ops - including Configuration Management, Environment Management, Continuous Integration/Deployment and Release Management.
• Ability to identify and quantify key risks, including familiarity with risk management frameworks.
• Experience of translating business requirements into IT solutions and an ability to define the necessary NFRs to meet required business outcomes.
• Experience of working to tight deadlines and ability to perform under pressure.
• Ideally hold relevant qualifications or practical exposure to recognised industry standards and ways of working, including TOGAF Practitioner,…