Solutions Architect

Title: Solutions Architect Type: Permanent Location: Birmingham (other locations considered- Manchester, Cardiff or Leeds) Working arrangements- Hybrid (2-3x a week) Industry- Professional Services (Legal sector) Overview The organisation is hiring an experienced Solution Architect to join the Architecture & Design team. The role is responsible for designing and delivering secure, scalable, and robust technology solutions that support strategic objectives, including a Cloud First approach and ongoing digital transformation. Working closely with business stakeholders, IT delivery teams, and external partners, you will translate requirements into high-quality architectural designs. Key Responsibilities Solution Architecture & Delivery • Translate business requirements into clear, end-to-end solution architectures • Define target architectures and create transition roadmaps • Analyse current (“as-is”) architecture to identify gaps and improvement opportunities • Ensure solutions meet security, regulatory, and performance standards • Design integrations with existing systems • Align architectural designs with enterprise roadmaps and support future technology direction Technical Leadership • Provide technical oversight throughout solution delivery and resolve complex design issues • Act as a liaison between delivery teams and IT technical functions • Support policy-related decisions, including data residency • Influence and contribute to enterprise architecture roadmaps Stakeholder Engagement • Communicate solution options clearly and support informed decision-making • Build trusted relationships with business and IT stakeholders • Drive consensus and influence key technical and strategic decisions Innovation, Governance & Risk • Stay informed on emerging technologies and identify opportunities for improvement • Highlight architectural risks and propose mitigation strategies • Maintain the information asset register • Ensure compliance with security, data handling, and regulatory policies Skills & Experience Essential • Experience across one or more IT domains • Proven background as a Solution Architect in complex enterprise environments • Strong capability in Microsoft Azure (IaaS, PaaS) and cloud-native architectures • Knowledge of enterprise integration patterns and API management • Understanding of security, compliance, and data privacy best practices • Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills • Ability to take ownership of technical challenges and deliver solutions • Knowledge of project delivery cycles and quality assurance • Proactive learner with interest in emerging technologies • Understanding of data governance and information security standards Desirable • Experience within legal or professional services • Familiarity with TOGAF or similar architecture frameworks • Experience with DevOps tools and practices • Exposure to business analysis and large-scale process change • Experience working with third-party or offshore delivery teams Technology Experience • Microsoft Azure (IaaS, PaaS, Azure AD, Azure DevOps) • Windows 365, Microsoft 365, Power Platform • Integration technologies • Identity & Access Management • AI capabilities • Enterprise applications (document management, case management, CRM, finance) • Networking and infrastructure fundamentals • Agile and modern delivery methodologies Personal Attributes • Strong strategic thinking, influencing, and diplomacy skills • Excellent communication and leadership capability • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment • Detail-oriented with excellent written and verbal communication • Resilient, adaptable, and solution-focused • Able to prioritise and work independently • Positive, proactive, and committed to continuous development