Solutions Design Lead

NFU Mutual; Stratford-upon-Avon; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Solution Design Lead to spearhead innovative IT solutions that align with enterprise strategies. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a talented team, manage complex projects, and collaborate with senior stakeholders to drive impactful change. With a hybrid working model, you will enjoy a balance between home and office work while being part of a supportive and inclusive culture that values diversity and innovation. Join a company recognized for its exceptional workplace and commitment to employee well-being, and help shape the future of solution design in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Annual bonus up to 25%

Contributory pension scheme

28 days annual leave + bank holidays

Private medical insurance

£20 monthly gym contribution

Health and wellbeing cashback plan

Employee volunteering opportunities

Referral bonus scheme (£500)

Life Assurance (4x salary)

Employee discounts on NFU Mutual policies (15%)

Qualifications

• Proven track record in solution architecture and leading design teams.
• Experience in managing complex IT solutions aligned with enterprise strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Solution Design team and manage strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align business outcomes with architectural vision.

Skills

Solution Architecture

Team Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Project Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in IT or related field

Job description

Solution Design Lead

• Lead the Solution Design team, playing a strategic and managerial role.
• Based at our Ryon Hill office, with excellent facilities and surroundings.
• Hybrid working model: up to 80% homeworking and 20% in Stratford-upon-Avon.

About the role

We are seeking a Solution Design Lead for a permanent position. You will fulfill strategic and people management responsibilities, leading the team’s strategy and managing direct reports. You will set the design direction for major change programmes at NFU Mutual, collaborating with senior stakeholders and business areas. Your role includes working closely with Business and IT Architecture teams to align high-level business outcomes with architectural vision. You’ll oversee design activities and organize workload and deadlines for your team.

You will consult with senior business stakeholders on new initiatives, promote the growth of the Solution Design capability, and play a key role in process design and strategy to streamline procedures and accelerate delivery. Your planning skills will ensure effective resource management and successful project outcomes.

About you

You are a strategic thinker and natural leader, passionate about designing innovative, scalable IT solutions aligned with enterprise strategy. You have a strong background in solution architecture, with a proven track record of leading teams responsible for designing robust, secure, and valuable IT solutions.

You excel in complex environments, influencing and collaborating with senior stakeholders. You possess deep architectural knowledge and extensive understanding of the technology landscape. Confident in leading cross-functional teams, managing priorities, and ensuring high-quality, standards-compliant design outcomes, you are also passionate about mentoring and developing others. Your communication skills enable you to build strong relationships across IT and business functions, serving as a go-to expert for solution design.

At NFU Mutual, we support an inclusive workplace, valuing diversity and promoting a culture of innovation and doing the right thing for our customers and employees.

We recognize that some candidates may face barriers during recruitment. We encourage discussions about adjustments or accommodations needed to support your application.

We are a Disability Confident Employer, and signatories of the Race at Work and Women in Finance Charters, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds regardless of age, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity, gender, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.

Benefits and Rewards

Joining us, you will enjoy a supportive culture and benefits including:

• £70,000 - £75,000 annual salary
• Annual bonus up to 25%
• Contributory pension scheme, up to 20%, including your 8% contribution
• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays + holiday trading scheme
• Family Friendly policy for work-life balance
• Private medical insurance with options for family members
• Savings discounts at High Street brands, travel, and supermarkets
• £20 monthly gym contribution (T&Cs apply)
• Health and wellbeing cashback plan
• Employee volunteering opportunities
• Referral bonus scheme (£500)
• Life Assurance (4x salary)
• Employee discounts on NFU Mutual policies (15%)

Working at NFU Mutual

We are a leading UK general insurance and financial services provider with over 110 years of history. Recognized as a Gallup Exceptional Workplace for 2024, and listed among Top Employers, we pride ourselves on a supportive, empowering culture that values our people and community. We are committed to sustainability, growth, and rewarding contributions, ensuring a great place to work now and in the future.