Lead Architect (DV Security Clearance)

CGI Group Inc.; Reading; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking a Solution Lead to shape their Defence ICT bid. You will provide technical leadership, govern solution architecture, and ensure delivery competitiveness. Ideal candidates will have experience in Defence systems, influencing stakeholders, and leading large-scale ICT programs. The role includes strong collaboration and technical contribution across various domains, with competitive compensation and benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent pension

Private healthcare

Share scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading solutions on major ICT programmes and bids.
• Strong background in Defence and Enterprise Business Systems.
• Expertise in architecture, design processes, and systems integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the shaping and governance of CGI's solution and bid deliverables.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with our partner and Defence stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership across CGI's bid team and wider solution areas.

Skills

Technical leadership

Architecture and solution design

Stakeholder influencing

Systems integration

Tools

VMware Cloud Foundation

Teams

SharePoint

Job description

In this role, you will take ownership of shaping CGI's solution for a high-profile Defence ICT bid, leading the technical direction and ensuring our deliverables are robust, cost-effective, and strategically aligned. You will work at the interface between CGI and our partner, establishing trusted relationships and demonstrating technical authority that builds confidence in CGI's role as a key partner.

You will provide leadership across CGI's technical team, governing architecture, design, and integration activities, while also reviewing cost and effort to assure the competitiveness of our submission. By influencing across both CGI and the Prime, you will ensure CGI's contributions are well represented, innovative, and scalable helping secure a significant long-term contract that expands our footprint across applications, security, testing, infrastructure, and service design.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the shaping and governance of CGI's solution and bid deliverables
• Build strong collaborative relationships with our partner and Defence stakeholders
• Provide technical leadership across CGI's bid team and wider solution areas
• Apply disciplined systems architecture and integration practices
• Review solution effort, costs, and competitiveness to ensure value for money
• Contribute expertise across domains including managed applications, workplace services, hosting, networks, security, and testing
• Represent CGI in solution design discussions covering enterprise systems, cloud hosting, and service processes

To succeed in this role, you should bring a strong track record of leading large-scale bids and delivery programmes, ideally within Defence and Enterprise Business Systems. You should combine technical depth in architecture and solution design with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and assure complex solutions.

You should have:

• Proven experience leading solutions on major ICT programmes and bids
• Strong background in Defence and Enterprise Business Systems
• Expertise in architecture, design processes, and systems integration
• Ability to review and contribute across areas including Windows/Server Core Apps, Network Design, Firewall, Cloud Hosting
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership and assurance in multi-party environments

It would be beneficial to have:

• Knowledge of VMware Cloud Foundation (NSX, vRealize, ARIA)
• Experience with Defence networking and workplace applications (Teams, SharePoint)
• Familiarity with storage, backup, application integration, and packaging

At CGI, we are shaping the future of defence technology by delivering complex, high-value solutions that transform capability for the UK MOD. As Solution Lead, you will play a pivotal role in driving one of our most significant ICT bids, bringing technical excellence and leadership to a multi-£100M programme.

We offer a competitive salary, excellent pension, private healthcare, plus a share scheme which makes you a CGI Partner not just an employee. We are committed to inclusivity, building a genuinely diverse community of tech talent and inspiring everyone to pursue careers in our sector, including our Armed Forces.

Due to the secure nature of the programme, you will need to hold UK Security Clearance or be eligible to go through this clearance.