Solutions Architect

Solution Architect – Contract Location: Milton Keynes or London – Hybrid Contract: Initial 6 months, with potential extension Day Rate: Competitive IR35: Outside IR35 preferred We are looking for an experienced Solution Architect to join a complex technology transformation programme within a large enterprise environment. The role will focus on understanding the existing technology landscape, assessing current capabilities and constraints, defining future-state architecture and developing a practical roadmap for implementation. You will work across architecture, technology, integration and delivery, engaging with both technical teams and senior business stakeholders. Key Responsibilities * Assess existing applications, platforms and integration architecture. * Develop and evaluate technology and architectural options. * Define target-state architecture and technical principles. * Identify technical risks, dependencies and opportunities for simplification. * Translate business requirements into appropriate technical solutions. * Work closely with engineering teams to validate architectural decisions. * Support technical prototypes and proof-of-concepts where required. * Produce clear architecture documentation and implementation roadmaps. * Facilitate technical workshops and stakeholder discussions. * Support delivery teams through the transition from architecture into implementation. Essential Experience * Strong commercial experience as a Solution Architect or Technical Architect. * Experience designing and assessing complex distributed systems. * Strong understanding of APIs, integrations and event-driven architectures. * Experience with modern application and cloud technologies. * Strong understanding of software development principles and architecture. * Experience assessing existing systems and developing practical improvement strategies. * Comfortable working where requirements or documentation may initially be incomplete. * Strong stakeholder management and communication skills. * Able to explain complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Desirable Experience * GCP or other cloud platforms. * Java / JVM technologies. * Microservices architecture. * Event-driven architecture. * Data and integration platforms. * Enterprise technology transformation or modernisation programmes. * Experience within large, complex or regulated organisations. This role would suit a pragmatic architect who is comfortable working at both strategic and detailed technical levels and can confidently challenge assumptions and make evidence-based recommendations