Job description

As part of the Information Management & IT function, your impact will be felt across the organisation, helping to embed new technology and tools, automate processes and improve data management. We'll support you to innovate, as you bring positive change and fresh ideas to the team. Don't settle for the status quo. Improve on what's gone before - and drive for what's next.

This role brings access to specialist training and lots of avenues for learning and progression - whether you're interested in developing new technical skills or reaching the next step up. You'll also benefit from a c.27% employer pension contribution. You’ll also have access to a wide range of employee networks, including the Women’s Inclusive Network, Race & Culture Network, Pride Network, Neuro Inclusivity Network – and many more. We recognise that the best people for the job may have commitments outside of work, so we’re pleased to promote flexible working to support our colleagues in balancing work and home life.

We are currently recruiting for Senior Solutions Architects to join our forward thinking and progressive teams in DE&S (Defence Equipment and Support) the SDA (Submarine Delivery Agency), giving you a fantastic chance to form an integral part of our IM&IT (Information Management & Information Technology) function. We have roles across different teams, for instance, leading an Architecture practice of up to 20 people or leading a small team within a larger group of up to 50 Architecture colleagues.

You will lead the technical design of specific solutions to meet DE&S/ SDA business requirements ensuring they meet agreed architectural principles and standards.  You will be responsible for managing a strategic approach to ensure that information and IT is secure, reliable, available, and managed in line with departmental and legal requirements. This will include following a structured approach to enterprise architecture and design, to deliver projects and solutions in line with the strategic intent.

You will require pre-existing strong leadership and management skills to develop and maintain relationships and reputation with an operationally focussed and specialist, stakeholder community. The position of Senior Solutions Architect is one of significant influence and requires an individual with the appetite for significant intellectual challenge and who is prepared to deliver leading edge technical solutions at pace.

Please note, due to the nature of work some posts are Reserved (open to UK Nationals only), some are Non-Reserved. Some posts will require the successful candidate to attain DV (Developed Vetting) clearance once in post. Other roles available require SC (Security Clearance).

Please note some attendance to the stated site may be required for this position.

We strongly recommend tailoring your CV in line with our CV guidance before applying, with specific sections to highlight Key Achievements, Relevant Experience, and Applied Skills & Knowledge.

About the role
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Lead a team of Architects and Designers on large scale projects to ensure high quality work is delivered that meets the needs of the business and required standards. Fulfil Primary Delivery Manager responsibilities for your direct reports Ensure compliance between business strategies, enterprise transformation activities and technical directions, to ensure business needs are met and benefits are realised. Define and create multiple options of systems solutions to inform the decision of the most effective way of meeting business needs, whilst assessing associated risks. Conduct periodic reviews of DE&S implemented solutions and recommend changes and improvements. Work closely with the Business Analyst teams to capture the technical requirements to support solutions design and business change. Provide expert advice and guidance in the delivery of the IT Strategy and ensuring alignment with Business Strategies.

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Experience in leading the design and implementation of IT Solutions, Architecture and Design. A Subject Matter Expert (SME)

It would also be great if you can demonstrate any of the following desirable criteria:

• Degree in an IT related area or equivalent in experience.

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Strategy, Architecture and Solution Design - Expert Development and Implementation - Practitioner Seeing the Bigger Picture – CSBC4 Communicating and Influencing – CSBC4

Benefits

We're pleased to offer a generous benefits package to support everything from your work-life balance to your bank balance, including:

• 25 days’ holiday a year, plus 1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday A market-leading employer pension contribution of around 27 percent, an annual performance-based bonus, and recognition awards Flexible and hybrid working wherever possible, to support your work-life balance (though some attendance to the stated site is required) Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications, with plenty of opportunities and support for progression A huge range of discounts including retail, sports, leisure, restaurants, gifts, days out, holidays, cinema, motoring, insurance, health care, gym memberships, and more Up to six days of paid leave a year for volunteering Enhanced maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave schemes, offering 100% pay for 26 weeks (after a qualifying period) We champion a diverse and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and give their best. We believe that by harnessing the power of different ideas, experiences, and perspectives, we can achieve our ambitions, together. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please let us know.