Solution Architect

Solution Architect
(Apply online only) per day - Umbrella only
Remote, potential occasional travel to London
12 months

We are seeking a highly experienced Solution Architect to support a large, complex programme with a strong focus on UK Customs. This role requires a seasoned architect who is comfortable operating at enterprise scale, chairing design authorities, and acting as a trusted technical decision-maker across business and technology stakeholders.

You will play a critical role in shaping end-to-end solutions, ensuring architectural integrity, and aligning delivery with strategic, regulatory, and operational requirements.

• Lead solution architecture across complex, multi-stream programmes

• Chair Design Authorities, owning architectural decisions and providing clear direction to delivery teams

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across business and technology

• Define, document, and assure end-to-end solution designs aligned to organisational strategy

• Ensure solutions meet UK Customs business, regulatory, and technology requirements

• Collaborate with delivery teams to ensure architectural designs are implemented correctly

• Assess architectural risks, constraints, and dependencies, providing mitigation strategies

• Support governance processes, including design reviews and assurance activities

• Balance tactical delivery needs with long-term architectural vision

• Contribute to continuous improvement of architectural standards and practices

• 10+ years' experience working in a Solution Architecture role on complex programmes

• Repeated, demonstrable experience chairing Design Authorities

• Proven track record as a trusted architectural decision-maker within large organisations

• 8+ years' experience of UK Customs, covering both business and technology domains

• Strong understanding of enterprise-scale systems, integration, and solution design

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

• Ability to operate confidently in regulated, high-profile environments

• Experience working on large government or public-sector programmes

• Exposure to legacy modernisation and complex system integration

• Familiarity with agile and hybrid delivery models

• Experience influencing architecture across multiple suppliers or vendors