Job: Lead Solution Architect

Rate: Outside IR35

Duration: Until April initially +extensions

Location: Predominately remote with adhoc travel to client site Andover

Clearance: SC or DV

The Lead Solutions Architect will be responsible for defining, governing, and assuring the overall technical architecture of the recruitment system. The role will ensure that the system integrator delivers a scalable, secure, and fit-for-purpose solution that meets business and technical objectives. The role involves close collaboration with stakeholders, technical teams, and programme governance bodies to uphold architectural principles and compliance.
3. Scope of Responsibilities
The Lead Solutions Architect will be responsible for:

Architecture Strategy and Design
Ensuring that the system integrator's architectural approach aligns with the organisation's enterprise architecture principles.
Overseeing the development of high-level and detailed architectural designs.
Technical Governance and Compliance
Validating that all architectural designs comply with organisational policies, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.
Ensuring that security, scalability, and interoperability considerations are embedded within the architecture.
Conducting independent audits and reviews of architectural documentation, including design blueprints, integration models, and data flow diagrams.
Solution Assurance and Integration
Monitoring the development and integration of system components to ensure consistency with architectural designs.
Identifying and addressing risks, dependencies, and constraints that may impact system delivery.
Ensuring that appropriate development environments and tooling are available for effective solution design.
Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting
Acting as the primary interface between the client organisation and the system integrator for architecture-related matters.
Providing regular progress reports to senior stakeholders, highlighting key architectural risks, issues, and mitigation strategies.
Facilitating architecture governance meetings and ensuring clear communication of technical decisions and outcomes.
Risk Management and Continuous Improvement
Managing architectural risk assessment processes, ensuring that potential risks are identified and mitigated effectively.
Driving continuous improvement in architectural methodologies and best practices.
Capturing lessons learned and recommending enhancements for future projects.
4. Key Deliverables

Enterprise and solution architecture blueprints
Technical design documents and integration models
Architecture assurance and compliance reports
Risk and issue registers for architectural activities
Final architecture sign-off report
5. Skills and Experience Required

Proven experience in solution architecture for large-scale IT programmes.
Strong knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF.
Experience working in highly regulated environments, preferably within defence, government, or security-sensitive sectors.
Expertise in cloud technologies, microservices, APIs, and data architecture.
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
Experience in managing third-party suppliers and system integrators.
Knowledge of security assurance and compliance frameworks applicable to defence and public sector projects.
Experience in integration between public, private, and hybrid cloud solutions.
6. Reporting and Governance
The Lead Solutions Architect will report to the Programme Manager and work closely with:

Programme Management Office (PMO)
Security and Compliance Teams
System Integrator's Technical Teams
End-User Representatives and Business Stakeholders
7. Duration and Location
The role will be for the duration of the AFRP implementation, with the possibility of extension based on project requirements. The Lead Solutions Architect may be required to work on-site at key programme locations, with the potential for hybrid working arrangements.
8. Performance Measurement
Success in this role will be measured by:

Compliance with architectural standards and successful validation of system integrator deliverables.
Effective risk management and issue resolution.
Timely delivery of architectural documentation and assurance reports.
Stakeholder satisfaction and confidence in the architectural governance processes.





Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Please note successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment which can take up to a minimum 10 weeks. LA International is a HMG approved ICT Recruitment and Project Solutions Consultancy, operating globally from the largest single site in the UK as an IT Consultancy or as an Employment Business & Agency depending upon the precise nature of the work, for security cleared jobs or non-clearance vacancies, LA International welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people with diverse experience and backgrounds.

Award Winning LA International, winner of the Recruiter Awards for Excellence, Best IT Recruitment Company, Best Public Sector Recruitment Company and overall Gold Award winner, has now secured the most prestigious business award that any business can receive, The Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade, for the second consecutive period.