Consultant - Solutions Architect

About Squarcle/The Team

Squarcle is a growing strategy, operations and digital consultancy dedicated to driving the performance of our clients. We are people orientated and pride ourselves on our people-first culture. Unlike many consultancies, Squarcle is as equally dedicated to delivery as it is to design.

The Technology Services department, led by the Head of Technology Services, is responsible for providing expert technology and digitisation strategy and design, operational optimisation and analysis advice to clients operating within a fast-moving global environment. The team comprises several subject matter experts who work to a manager to deliver the client and internal Squarcle mandate. Working together but often independently, each team member will be expected to work, onsite and remotely, with the client on complex and exciting technology challenges.

Squarcle is committed to equality and diversity and our aim is to build a diverse, dedicated, and high-performing team of subject matter experts to help our clients achieve supply chain and operational excellence.

Job Overview/Introduction

The Consultant, Technology Services department, reports to a Manager and is responsible for the provision of independent expert advice to help identify and solve technical challenges, increase value, and maximise business efficiency and profitability. Using established processes whilst working with the client's senior leadership and support staff the consultant will assist in the creation of digital strategies, processes optimisation and identifying technology solutions to meet client needs.

Squarcle consultants work across both project delivery, business and product development:

• Delivery: Squarcle Technology Services consultants work to supply solutions to the client's changing business needs. The scope of engagements is highly variable and can include core strategy development, large-scale implementation, process optimisation, change management, data analysis, data modelling, solution development and innovative technology introduction.
• Business development: Squarcle places an emphasis on leading sector thinking in the development of the latest ideas. This can include producing white papers and internal research on relevant changes occurring in the sector and the impact on the general economy.
• Product Development. Squarcle is passionate about investing in and developing its own products. This can include conceptualising, designing, and creating cutting-edge products that align with the business's strategic vision, meet customer needs, and drive sustainable growth in the market.

Consultants will have the opportunity to work across four broad subject areas:

• Strategy: Strategy consultants provide clients with guidance in various spheres of business, including corporate strategy, business transformation, and digital and innovation capabilities.
• Operations: Operations consultants provide clients with guidance about business process optimisations to improve operational business capabilities.
• Data and Digital: Data and digital consultants specify and implement technological, data and digital solutions with the client to realise the value of their data.
• Human Capital: Human capital consultants provide clients with solutions for change management and aide with any organisational changes that may affect the employees.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

Primary Duties of the Consultant (Technology & Digital) are to:

• Solution Design & Architecture: Assist in developing and implementing technical architectures that meet business needs, ensure interoperability, and adhere to TOGAF standards.
• Support Technical Direction: Follow guidance on best practices, design patterns, and technology stacks, while contributing to technical delivery.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with senior solutions architects, product managers, developers, and business stakeholders to help translate business requirements into robust technical solutions.
• Governance & Standards: Ensure all solutions comply with government policies, such as security, data protection, and accessibility standards, and align with the appropriate technical standards and frameworks.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on emerging technologies, trends, and best practices to continuously improve and innovate solutions.
• System Integration: Assist in designing and overseeing integration between various systems and platforms, ensuring compatibility, security, and efficiency.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and assist in designing strategies for mitigating technical challenges or risks related to architecture and delivery.
• Security Architecture: Assist in designing secure architectures based on TOGAF's Security Architecture principles, ensuring compliance with relevant security standards and data protection policies.
• Documentation & Communication: Produce clear, comprehensive technical documentation and communicate architecture decisions and designs to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentorship: Support and learn from senior team members, sharing knowledge on emerging technologies and architectural best practices.
• Team Collaboration: Work effectively in diverse teams within an inclusive team culture where people are recognized for their contribution.
• Assist in Developing Technology Capabilities: Help the Head of Technology Services team in developing Squarcle's technology capabilities.

Secondary Roles and Responsibilities

Secondary Duties of the Senior Consultant are:

• Commit to continuous development by supporting the organisation of team events, training sessions and recruitment activities.
• Carry out other duties as specified by the Manager.
• Deputise for the Manager during periods of absence.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Essential)

• TOGAF Certification: Basic understanding of TOGAF principles and certification.
• Knowledge of Architecture Frameworks: Familiarity with architecture frameworks, including Business, Data, Application, Security, and Technology Architecture, and how to apply them to organizational solutions.
• Experience with Digital Solutions: Some experience in designing and implementing digital solutions that align with TOGAF's Architecture Development Method phases. Ability to assist in creating architecture models that ensure scalability, security, and efficiency.
• Understanding of Secure System Design: Basic understanding of secure system design, including security standards, encryption, authentication, and risk management.
• Experience with Technology Solutions: Some experience in designing and delivering technology and digital solutions to solve business problems and create value for clients.
• Cloud Platforms: Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and the basics of cloud-native architectures.
• Agile and DevOps Practices: Experience working in Agile environments with DevOps practices, applying TOGAF architecture governance in agile workflows to align architecture with delivery roadmaps.
• Communication Skills: Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical architecture concepts into business terms and interact with stakeholders at various levels. Basic data modeling and analysis skills.
• Governance Processes: Understanding of governance processes, architecture boards, and compliance standards, both within TOGAF's Governance Framework and aligned with DDAT and GDS standards.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Risk Management: Basic skills in identifying and mitigating risks in the context of architecture, utilising TOGAF's risk management methodologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Desirable)

• Experience working with Government Digital Service (GDS) standards, service design principles, and technology codes of practice. Familiarity with DDAT's professional capability framework.
• Certifications in other architecture frameworks such as ITIL or COBIT to complement TOGAF experience.
• Certifications in cloud platforms (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Architect, Google Cloud Architect) to support TOGAF-aligned cloud-native designs.
• Experience in designing microservices-based architectures and APIs, aligning with TOGAF's Application Architecture principles for modular and scalable systems.
• Practical experience leading digital transformation projects, particularly in the public sector, aligned with TOGAF's enterprise architecture methodologies.

This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 5 years and obtain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you've been recruited for. If it isn't obtained, or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining SC security clearance can be a lengthy process, and we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made if the necessary security clearance isn't obtained within 6 months. If you hold dual citizenship or nationality from another country, please make us aware of this during the application phase. We're unable to offer visa sponsorship.

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