Job description for Lead Solutions Architect

As our Lead Solution Architect, you will lead the technical direction and solution architecture planning for a very large and complex portfolio of logistics and support applications and databases, spanning from decades old to the very newest cloud technologies. Knowledge and experience of Supply Chain and/or Defence would be beneficial.

As one of the senior leaders in the delivery team, you will have overall accountability for technical aspects of delivery. You will be there to offer guidance and direction to the team as the lead technical authority, unblocking impediments and acting as a servant leader to support them in delivery.

You will influence senior customers and suppliers daily and work closely and collaboratively with acquisitions and support leaders to fulfil the Strategic Command (UKStratCom) and Defence digital vision.

You will ensure the delivery team’s portfolio is delivered in compliance with all relevant digital service policy and standards.

You will supervise supplier test and acceptance activities and will contribute to defect resolution and problem management decision making, to assure data integrity and quality of service delivery to the customer.

You will be expected in the office on average 3 days a week, with regular travel and overnight stays at customer and supplier sites. There will be times when long hours and weekend work are necessary during peak delivery periods, for which you will be given time off in lieu,  or payment – project budget allowing.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading solution architecture and contributing to enterprise architecture of Defence Support logistics digital landscape, enabling the integration of the IT landscape for software and hardware, services, and business processes, and ensuring compatibility across the IT estate.
• Overseeing solution development through to implementation, assessing risks and compatibility issues, and articulating subsequent business impact of new technologies on the organisation and wider community.
• Monitoring service and supplier technical performance and initiating corrective action where necessary to make improvements and mitigate risks.
• Leading and influencing stakeholders at all levels including senior customers and suppliers.
• Contributing as a Senior Leader across the Delivery Team Profession, and the wider organisation’s initiatives, providing subject matter expertise on technical aspects of system development and integration.
• Leading a compliance culture across technical delivery, ensuring alignment with relevant regulatory acts and legislation, policy, and standards.

Person specification

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

• A Degree in one of the following – Computer Science, Information Systems, Systems Engineering or a related field, or similar in experience.
• Significant experience in leading the design and implementation of IT solutions, architecture, and design.
• TOGAF Practitioner and/or BCS Architecture and/or equivalent qualifications.
• Enterprise architecture modelling experience using ArchiMate language.

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

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

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £81,200, Ministry of Defence contributes £23,523 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 27%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So, whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences, and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

More information can be found below:

• DE&S Little Book of Big Benefits: https://bit.ly/3FEb54v
• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
• SALMO Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/SALMO-Terms-and-Conditions

Selection Process Details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.

2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills

Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.

3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.