Solution Architect

On behalf of DWP, we are looking for a Solution Architect for a 9 Month contract (Inside IR35) based Hybrid in Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield.

We're looking for an experienced Solution Architect to support the design and delivery of internal systems across HR, Finance, Commercial, and Estates within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This role is critical to ensuring that enterprise-scale solutions are well-architected, integrated, and aligned with DWP's technical strategy. You'll work closely with stakeholders to define non-functional requirements, lead architectural design, and support delivery teams.

As a Solution Architect your main responsibilities will be to:
. Lead the architecture and design of enterprise-scale systems across HR, Finance, Commercial, and Estates domains.
. Define and document non-functional requirements and solution views to support procurement and implementation of SaaS products.
. Design integration solutions using microservices, APIs, and event-based patterns to connect with internal DWP systems.
. Collaborate with stakeholders to articulate business needs and translate them into scalable, secure technical solutions.
. Support delivery teams by providing architectural guidance and ensuring alignment with DWP standards and strategy.
. Present solution designs at governance forums and influence senior stakeholders with clear, concise communication.

Essential:
. Proven experience as a Solution Architect in large-scale enterprise environments.
. Strong background in microservices architecture, API design, and integration platforms.
. Experience designing event-driven architectures and working with file-based transfer mechanisms.
. Demonstrated ability to produce consistent and clear solution views and architectural documentation.
. Experience working on internal systems such as HR, Finance, Commercial, or Estates.
. Ability to engage with senior stakeholders and communicate complex technical concepts effectively.

Desirable:
. Experience in the public sector or large government departments.
. Familiarity with DWP systems or similar enterprise environments.
. TOGAF certification or equivalent architectural qualification.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DWP guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

DWP guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".