Lead Solution Architect Platform Strategy

Lead Solution Architect (Platform Strategy)UtilitiesHybrid: 2 days per week onsite in Warwick6 months£800 per day

In short: We're seeking a Lead Solution Architect to drive a small team in delivering application / platform design ensuring a solid framework is in place for future planned solution architecture.

In full:

About the role:

We are currently looking for a Lead Architect to join the Strategy and Architecture team supporting the Engineering and Customer Solutions Directorate focusing on Connections Reform.

This new role will allow the post holder an opportunity to be influential in defining the End-to-End Solution and Roadmaps for the Strategic Architecture for Connections Reform.

The Lead Architect role is a strategic and delivery-focused leadership role responsible for shaping, assuring, and governing architecture across Connections Reform. This role acts as the single point of design authority, ensuring alignment with the business' enterprise architecture standards, digital transformation goals and business aspirations.

The role is primarily located in Warwick, where the Connections Reform team is based. However, there is flexibility for the position to be based in Wokingham, provided the successful candidate can attend the Warwick office on a weekly basis.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Working with the wider team to define the end-to-end strategic solution for Connections Reform aligned with enterprise strategy.
• Develop and maintain architectural designs and roadmaps to transition to the strategic solution as required.
• Create capability models, identifying capability gaps and new capabilities that are required.
• Drive options and recommendations for review.
• Lead resolution of design issues within the team/domain in collaboration with specialists and architects. Managing escalations as required.
• Apply and support architecture team and delivery teams across waterfall, agile, and hybrid methodologies.

Architecture Governance

• Act as the authority for Process, Data, Security, and Technology within the domain in collaboration with wider DD&T teams as appropriate.
• Assure architecture and design artefacts through formal and peer reviews aligning with the Architecture Governance Framework.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted partner to senior Business and IT stakeholders.
• Support portfolio digital charters, planning, budget estimation, and business planning.
• Engage with external stakeholders (e.g. suppliers, TOs, DNOs, Ofgem) where relevant.

People Leadership

• Line manage and mentor a team of Solution, Platform, and Technical Architects.
• Support recruitment, retention, and career development.
• Advocate for the Architecture Community and contribute to improved working practices.

LeanIX Governance

• Responsible for architectural content in LeanIX.
• Review and approve fact sheets for Applications, Interfaces, and IT Components.
• Participate in the Quality Seal process and governance workflows.

About you We're looking for someone who:

• is a strategic thinker and delivery leader who thrives at the intersection of business ambition and technical execution. You bring clarity to complexity, guiding programmes, platforms and domains through architectural rigour and stakeholder alignment.
• will have a strong foundation in enterprise and solution architecture, with experience across multiple delivery methodologies (agile, waterfall, hybrid). You understand how to balance innovation with compliance, and design with operability.
• will lead by example-mentoring architects and influencing senior stakeholders. You're comfortable making decisions, resolving design conflicts, and driving consensus across diverse teams.
• can build trusted relationships across business and IT. You know how to listen, challenge, and co-create. Whether engaging with internal teams or external regulators like Ofgem or DESNZ, you represent architecture with clarity and confidence.
• can see the bigger picture. Can translate enterprise strategy into actionable architecture, define roadmaps, and identify capabilities that future-proof our platforms and services.
• will be hands-on when needed-supporting solution shaping, assuring artefacts, and guiding delivery teams. You understand the pressures of programme timelines and know how to keep architecture relevant and responsive.
• will uphold architectural standards and governance processes, including LeanIX content ownership and Quality Seal reviews. You ensure architecture is not just documented but lived and applied.

Please be advised if you haven't heard from us within 48 hours then unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion, we may however keep your details on file for any suitable future vacancies and contact you accordingly. Pontoon is an employment consultancy and operates as an equal opportunities employer.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.