Solutions Architect

Solution Architect – Contract

Location: Milton Keynes or London – Hybrid
Contract: Initial 6 months, with potential extension
Day Rate: Competitive
IR35: Outside IR35 preferred

We are looking for an experienced Solution Architect to join a complex technology transformation programme within a large enterprise environment.

The role will focus on understanding the existing technology landscape, assessing current capabilities and constraints, defining future-state architecture and developing a practical roadmap for implementation.

You will work across architecture, technology, integration and delivery, engaging with both technical teams and senior business stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

* Assess existing applications, platforms and integration architecture.

* Develop and evaluate technology and architectural options.

* Define target-state architecture and technical principles.

* Identify technical risks, dependencies and opportunities for simplification.

* Translate business requirements into appropriate technical solutions.

* Work closely with engineering teams to validate architectural decisions.

* Support technical prototypes and proof-of-concepts where required.

* Produce clear architecture documentation and implementation roadmaps.

* Facilitate technical workshops and stakeholder discussions.

* Support delivery teams through the transition from architecture into implementation.

Essential Experience

* Strong commercial experience as a Solution Architect or Technical Architect.

* Experience designing and assessing complex distributed systems.

* Strong understanding of APIs, integrations and event-driven architectures.

* Experience with modern application and cloud technologies.

* Strong understanding of software development principles and architecture.

* Experience assessing existing systems and developing practical improvement strategies.

* Comfortable working where requirements or documentation may initially be incomplete.

* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

* Able to explain complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Desirable Experience

* GCP or other cloud platforms.

* Java / JVM technologies.

* Microservices architecture.

* Event-driven architecture.

* Data and integration platforms.

* Enterprise technology transformation or modernisation programmes.

* Experience within large, complex or regulated organisations.

This role would suit a pragmatic architect who is comfortable working at both strategic and detailed technical levels and can confidently challenge assumptions and make evidence-based recommendations