Lead Solution Architect

Role overviewOwns the technical solution end to end, from approach and architecture sign-off through build and handover. Acts as the senior technical voice to the client, integrating data engineering, AI, governance and cloud work into one coherent solution. Part-time across the full engagement duration.Key responsibilitiesSolution integrity. Own the target solution architecture and ensure each deliverable traces back to agreed scope and requirements.Governance. Lead technical decisions at architecture and scope sign-off, and at each delivery gate. Maintain the decision log.Team direction. Direct the data engineers, AI engineer, QA and cloud roles. Resolve cross-workstream technical dependencies and unblock the team.Quality assurance. Review design, code and data model quality. Set standards for testing, documentation and release readiness.Client engagement. Act as the client's trusted technical advisor to senior stakeholders. Translate technical trade-offs into business and risk terms.Risk and scope. Track technical risks and scope drift, and raise them to the project manager early with options.AI and data coherence. Ensure the AI and executive reporting layers are built on governed, reliable data, in line with responsible AI practice.Handover. Plan and run the technical handover so the client can operate the platform independently.Required skills and experience12+ years in data, analytics or cloud solution delivery, with 5+ as a solution architect or technical lead on enterprise programmes.Proven delivery of modern data platforms (Microsoft Fabric, Informatica or equivalent) and AI-enabled executive reporting.Strong grasp of data governance, quality, security and operating model implications.Executive communication: able to run a design authority and a steering committee discussion in the same week.Experience leading mixed onshore and offshore teams.Preferred qualificationsGrade E2 or equivalent seniority, with prior public sector delivery experience in the Gulf.TOGAF or equivalent architecture certification.Arabic language skills are an advantage.