Solutions Architect

Solution Architect | Central Government Digital TransformationBristol | London | Manchester | 8+ years' experience | Hybrid (2-3 days in the office) | Up to 110k GBP gross| Security Clearance Eligibility Required | Permanent contractAre you an experienced Solution Architect with a passion for delivering large-scale digital transformation across Central Government?We're working with a leading digital transformation consultancy that is expanding its Government & Public Sector practice and is looking for senior architects to help shape the next generation of citizen-facing digital services.This is an opportunity to work on complex, high-profile government programmes, helping public sector organisations modernise legacy systems, adopt cloud-native technologies and deliver secure, scalable digital services used by millions of citizens across the UK.Your roleLead the architecture vision, strategy and design for major Central Government transformation programmes.Translate complex business requirements, policy objectives and user needs into scalable enterprise-level solutions.Design end-to-end architectures covering applications, cloud platforms, integration, security, infrastructure and data.Work closely with senior stakeholders across business, delivery, technology and policy functions.Guide multidisciplinary delivery teams through architecture governance, design assurance and technical decision-making.Define architecture standards, roadmaps and technical strategies aligned with government digital standards.Facilitate workshops, architecture reviews and stakeholder discussions across both technical and non-technical audiences.Drive adoption of cloud-native, API-first and modern engineering approaches.Support technical leadership, mentoring and capability development within architecture teams.Contribute to pre-sales activities, bids, proposals and new business opportunities.Assess emerging technologies including AI-enabled capabilities and their application within public sector services.What We're Looking ForEssential ExperienceExtensive experience working within or delivering programmes for UK Central Government organisations.Proven track record designing and delivering large-scale enterprise technology solutions.Experience leading architecture initiatives across complex transformation programmes.Strong cloud expertise across AWS, Azure and/or Google Cloud Platform.Experience with cloud-native architectures and modern software delivery approaches.Knowledge of open-source technologies and enterprise integration patterns.Understanding of modern development practices, including microservices architectures and technologies such as Java, Python or Node.js.Experience designing secure APIs, integrations and third-party interfaces.Strong data architecture and information management knowledge.Experience working within Agile delivery environments.Ability to evaluate and incorporate AI tooling and emerging technologies into solution designs.Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance.Highly DesirablePractical experience applying GDS Service Standards and government delivery frameworks.Understanding of NCSC security principles and secure-by-design practices.TOGAF, AWS, Azure or equivalent architecture certifications.Experience delivering within Defence, Justice, Health or National Security domains.Previous consulting or professional services experience.Experience working across multi-supplier delivery environments.Knowledge of enterprise SaaS platforms such as Salesforce or Dynamics.Why Join?Work on nationally significant digital transformation programmesInfluence services used by millions of UK citizensCollaborate with senior government stakeholders and industry expertsExposure to cloud, AI and emerging technologiesStrong career progression opportunitiesAccess to training, certifications and professional developmentHybrid working model and flexible working optionsInclusive, collaborative and growth-focused cultureInterested?If you're an experienced Solution Architect with a background in Government, Cloud Architecture and Enterprise Transformation, I'd be happy to discuss the opportunity in more detail.