Solution Architect

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