Full job descriptionSolution Architect (Contract)
Location: Hybrid 3 days onsite/week (Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, Manchester, Blackpool, Birmingham, Newcastle)
Contract: 6 Months

Opportunity We are supporting a major UK Government programme seeking an experienced Solution Architect to lead the design and delivery of enterprise-scale solutions across business-critical functions including People, Finance, Commercial and Estates.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a high-profile transformation programme where you will shape technical strategy, design modern cloud-based solutions, and work closely with senior stakeholders, engineering teams, and delivery partners.
Key Responsibilities*Design end-to-end technical solutions that align with business requirements and enterprise architecture standards.
*Lead architecture design for large-scale enterprise systems and transformation initiatives.
*Evaluate, select, and implement SaaS products and services.
*Design and govern solutions using microservices, APIs, event-driven architectures, and file-based integrations.
*Produce architecture artefacts, solution designs, and technical documentation for a range of audiences.
*Work closely with engineering and delivery teams to ensure successful implementation.
*Drive the adoption of architecture best practices, patterns, and standards.
*Identify and reduce technical debt while improving long-term platform sustainability.
*Develop technical roadmaps and present solutions at architecture governance forums.
*Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
*Collaborate with business and technology leaders to deliver value-for-money solutions.
Essential Experience*Proven experience working as a Solution Architect within large and complex organisations.
*Extensive experience selecting and implementing Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions.
*Strong expertise in:*Microservices Architecture
*API Design and Integration
*Event-Driven Architecture
*File-Based Data Transfers and Integration Patterns

*Experience designing solutions within public cloud environments (AWS, Azure and/or GCP).
*Strong understanding of enterprise architecture principles and governance.
*Experience creating architecture diagrams, solution views, and technical documentation.
*Demonstrable experience leading architecture on enterprise-scale programmes.
*Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leadership.
*Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Desirable Experience*Experience delivering solutions across People (HR), Finance, Commercial, or Estates domains.
*Experience working within Government or highly regulated environments.
*Familiarity with architecture frameworks and governance processes.