Solutions Architect

Job Description – Solution ArchitectDepartment: ITReports to: Architecture Team LeadPurpose of the RoleThe Solution Architect is responsible for owning the technical domain and architectural roadmap. The role ensures that all technology solutions are scalable, secure, compliant and aligned with organisational priorities. You will translate business objectives into effective architectural designs, set and govern technical standards, and guide the delivery of solutions across Azure Infrastructure, Microsoft Purview, M365 and Dynamics platforms.Working closely with Architecture, IT Leadership, Programme Management and Service Delivery, you will drive technical decision-making and ensure that all solutions support business change, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. This role requires strong experience across modern digital platforms and enterprise technology ecosystems.There are no direct budget responsibilities; however, you will support monitoring of Total Cost of Ownership across the technical roadmap.Key ResponsibilitiesArchitecture LeadershipOwn and define the technical domain and architectural roadmap.Ensure all solutions align with business objectives, technical standards and regulatory requirements.Recommend cost-effective, practical technology solutions that support organisational goals.Maintain and govern architecture principles, design patterns, standards and guidelines.Solution Design & GovernanceDevelop an integrated, end-to-end view of the organisation’s architecture using consistent, repeatable frameworks and industry-standard methodologies.Provide architectural oversight across platforms including Azure Infrastructure, Microsoft Purview, M365 collaboration tooling and Dynamics applications.Work with technical and business stakeholders to ensure new initiatives and business changes are supported by robust, secure and compliant designs.Validate that solutions are designed for scalability, resilience, information security and operational supportability.Collaboration & Stakeholder EngagementPartner with IT Leadership, Programme Management and Service Delivery teams to ensure architectural decisions are well informed and aligned across the organisation.Support projects through the full lifecycle—shaping requirements, defining architecture options, supporting design decisions and ensuring alignment to roadmaps.Communicate architectural insights, risks, and trade-offs clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.Governance & Continuous ImprovementMaintain a central repository of architecture artefacts, ensuring documentation remains accurate and useful for decision-making.Contribute to technology roadmaps and support ongoing assessment of Total Cost of Ownership for architectural components.Promote best practice across digital technologies, cloud adoption, security and data governance.Identify opportunities to improve architectural processes, reduce complexity and modernise the technology landscape.Skills & Experience RequiredProven experience in enterprise or solutions architecture within complex organisations.Strong technical knowledge across:Microsoft Azure services and infrastructureMicrosoft Purview and data governance toolsM365 collaboration platformsMicrosoft Dynamics solutionsDemonstrable experience defining architecture standards, roadmaps and design governance.Ability to design and communicate complex technical solutions clearly and concisely.Strong understanding of security, compliance and regulatory frameworks.Excellent stakeholder engagement and the ability to influence technical decisions across diverse teams.Experience working within structured project or programme environments.Additional InformationNo direct line management responsibilities.No dedicated budget ownership, but involvement in monitoring and guiding technology investments and architectural TCO.