Lead Solution Architect (SFIA 5)

Zaizi is looking for an experienced Solution Architect to lead the design and delivery of mission-critical digital services that support the UK's Public Safety sector. This is an opportunity to work in one of the most exciting and meaningful areas of digital transformation, partnering closely with government operational teams to solve complex, real-world challenges that have a direct impact on frontline services and public outcomes. You'll work with modern cloud-native architectures, open source technologies, and Agile and DevSecOps practices to shape scalable, secure, and resilient solutions. As a trusted technical leader, you'll collaborate with multidisciplinary delivery teams, customers, and senior stakeholders to define architectural direction and drive successful delivery. The ideal candidate will bring a strong software engineering background, having progressed into architecture through hands-on development experience. This practical foundation enables you to make pragmatic technical decisions, mentor engineering teams, and bridge the gap between strategy and implementation. Role Objectives As a Solution Architect, you will: Lead the architecture and technical design of secure, scalable, cloud-native solutions across multiple programmes.Work alongside government operational client teams to understand complex business challenges and translate them into practical, user-centred technical solutions.Support Agile delivery teams by providing architectural leadership, promoting engineering best practices, and helping teams adopt emerging technologies where appropriate.Own the resolution of complex, high-risk technical challenges, balancing delivery, security, operational resilience, and long-term maintainability.Collaborate with technical and business stakeholders to shape solution options, present recommendations, and influence architectural decisions at senior levels.Mentor and support other architects and engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and technical excellence.Work across multiple customer engagements, ensuring consistency of architectural standards while adapting solutions to individual client needs.Champion modern engineering practices, including cloud-native development, automation, DevSecOps, and continuous improvement.Build trusted relationships across Zaizi and our customers, proactively identifying opportunities to improve digital services and deliver greater value. Requirements Technical RequirementsYou will have significant commercial experience across many of the following areas: Solution Architecture and Technical DesignStrong software engineering background with previous hands-on development experienceOpen Source technologies and frameworksCloud platforms, ideally AWSCloud-native architectures and distributed systemsSecurity architecture and secure-by-design principlesIdentity and Access Management (OAuth2, OpenID Connect, IAM)Containers and container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)DevOps and DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and Infrastructure as CodeExperience with one or more programming languages such as Golang, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, or PythonExperience working within Agile delivery environments and cross-functional engineering teamsWhat We're Looking ForWe're looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with technical depth. You'll be equally comfortable discussing architecture with senior stakeholders, collaborating with customer operational teams, and working alongside engineers to guide implementation. You'll be passionate about delivering technology that makes a real difference, enjoy solving complex technical challenges, and thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged. If you don’t meet all the requirements? Studies show that women and black, Asian and minority ethnic people are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every qualification. So if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the job description, we’d love you to still apply. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role here at Zaizi. We actively welcome applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, parents, carers, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. If you need any accommodations to support your specific situation, please feel free to let us know. For candidates who are neurodiverse or have disabilities, we are happy to make any adjustments needed throughout the interview process—just ask! Salaries - £90,000 - £115,000 SC Clearance: Zaizi works with UK Central Government departments on a range of projects. To be able to work on our customer projects, employees must be Security Cleared to a standard acceptable to our Government customers. Due to this restriction we can currently only recruit candidates who have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship and who have lived in the UK for the last 5+ years continuously. Benefits Compensation Competitive Pay: Salaries reviewed annually to ensure they reflect your performance and market value.Loyalty Pension: We invest in your future. Starting at a 5% employer contribution, we increase this by 0.5% every year after your third anniversary, up to a maximum of 8%.Protection: Comprehensive Group Life Assurance for peace of mind.Purpose & Culture Real Impact: Work on mission-critical projects that secure and improve the UK's digital infrastructure.Autonomy: A culture that empowers you to make decisions, prototype rapidly, and iterate towards success.Service & Community: We support those who serve. 10 paid days for Reservist Military Service.Work / Life Balance Time Off: 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, with the flexibility to Buy/Sell additional days to suit your lifestyle.Giving back: 2 paid volunteering days per year.Development & Growth Master Your Craft: Fully funded professional certifications (AWS, GCP, Agile, etc.) supported by 5 days paid study leave.Expand Your Horizons: An additional £500 annual "Personal Choice" fund to learn whatever inspires you—work-related or not.Support: Access to 1-2-1 professional coaching and team training to accelerate your career.Health & Balance Premium Health: Vitality Private Medical Insurance (includes Apple Watch, gym discounts, and rewards).Flexibility: Genuine hybrid working with a WFH equipment allowance to perfect your home setup.Wellbeing: Cycle to Work scheme and a commitment to sustainable, healthy working practices. For further information contact: [email protected] Nat Hinds: Head of Talent Kayla Kirby: Talent Acquisition Specialist