Solution Architect
Solution Architect
(Apply online only) per day - Umbrella only
Remote, potential occasional travel to London
12 months
Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Solution Architect to support a large, complex programme with a strong focus on UK Customs. This role requires a seasoned architect who is comfortable operating at enterprise scale, chairing design authorities, and acting as a trusted technical decision-maker across business and technology stakeholders.
You will play a critical role in shaping end-to-end solutions, ensuring architectural integrity, and aligning delivery with strategic, regulatory, and operational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Lead solution architecture across complex, multi-stream programmes
Chair Design Authorities, owning architectural decisions and providing clear direction to delivery teams
Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across business and technology
Define, document, and assure end-to-end solution designs aligned to organisational strategy
Ensure solutions meet UK Customs business, regulatory, and technology requirements
Collaborate with delivery teams to ensure architectural designs are implemented correctly
Assess architectural risks, constraints, and dependencies, providing mitigation strategies
Support governance processes, including design reviews and assurance activities
Balance tactical delivery needs with long-term architectural vision
Contribute to continuous improvement of architectural standards and practices
Must-Have Skills & Experience
10+ years' experience working in a Solution Architecture role on complex programmes
Repeated, demonstrable experience chairing Design Authorities
Proven track record as a trusted architectural decision-maker within large organisations
8+ years' experience of UK Customs, covering both business and technology domains
Strong understanding of enterprise-scale systems, integration, and solution design
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Ability to operate confidently in regulated, high-profile environments
Nice-to-Have
Experience working on large government or public-sector programmes
Exposure to legacy modernisation and complex system integration
Familiarity with agile and hybrid delivery models
Experience influencing architecture across multiple suppliers or vendors