Lead Solution Architect

AMEY; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering solutions provider in the UK is seeking a Permanent Lead Solution Architect to work in a hybrid model based in Birmingham or London. This role is pivotal in delivering bidding excellence and requires extensive experience with IFM contracts and leading successful bid teams. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional communication skills and the ability to translate complex solutions into compelling proposals. Join us to help shape impactful and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Benefits

Competitive annual salary

Career growth opportunities

Comprehensive training programs

Generous pension scheme

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Extensive proven experience as part of a successful bid team.
• Experience of bidding in public and commercial sectors.
• Strong knowledge of IFM and multi-activity contracts.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality tailored solutions for complex requirements.
• Engage in critical bid and solution development workshops.
• Work closely with operational teams to finalize solution designs.

Skills

Excellent time management

Strong written English language skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to solve complex issues

Education

APMP Foundation certification or above

Tools

MS Office proficiency

Job description

Permanent Lead Solution Architect – Hybrid (Birmingham or London)

Hours of Work: 37.5 Monday – Friday

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Growth, the Lead Solution Architect will deliver bidding excellence to help secure commercial and public sector opportunities across a broad range of projects and services.

You will provide specialist solutions architecture, owning and coordinating the design and articulation of compelling, innovative, and effective solutions aligned to our customers' requirements. You will be both an individual contributor and the leader of a high performing team. Demonstrable experience in solution development in Total FM, preferably for public sector contracts.

The role will focus on designing and articulating solutions for identified specialist contract requirements. Typically, these will involve complex and/or integrated services (e.g., transformative IFM, multi‑activity support service contracts and contracts with multiple delivery locations).

This will include determining the best integrated service delivery model and relevant industry partners (including teaming and potential joint ventures), analysis of management and contract structures, assessment of alternative delivery methods, asset management approaches, technology requirements and alignment with other service outputs.

The role requires close working with Bid Leads and other bid team members, as well as colleagues in finance, commercial, legal, HR, other business units and operations, including suitably qualified and experienced subject matter experts.

What you will do

• The development and written articulation of high‑quality, tailored, and integrated solutions for identified complex requirements in their solution design
• Demonstrating an understanding of relevant markets, customers and opportunities, to support the development of customer‑focussed, tailored solutions and proposals
• Preparing for, engaging in and meaningfully contributing to critical bid and solution development workshops
• Working closely with operational teams in the business to draw on their experience and knowledge, and reach agreement on the optimal solution design
• Contributing to the design of Target Operating Models that meet customer needs, Amey business requirements, and align with win strategies
• Designing and articulating overarching solution integration which offers efficiencies and innovation
• Working proactively with key stakeholders in the bid process to develop compelling and persuasive written responses that articulate Amey's value proposition, the benefits of our solution and the differentiators and discriminators of our offer
  • Creating and developing storyboards for relevant responses / sections of proposals, and ensuring that these are adhered to throughout the writing process
  • Gathering and extracting information from key technical experts to develop responses that align with the agreed storyboards, writing plans, tone and style
  • Fully understanding and capturing subtleties and nuances within our solutions to present features, benefits, added value and social value in a clear and compelling way, in line with customers' evaluation criteria
  • Where working with bid writers, reviewing draft storyboards and written responses to provide constructive feedback to authors in line with the win strategy and storyboard requirements, prior to formal reviews
• Contributing to regular solution progress status meetings and updating on individual actions as required
• Demonstrating (to internal stakeholders) the competitiveness of our solution, how the solution meets customer needs and requirements, and the winnability of the solution against Amey's competitors
• Verify that the commercial offering is in line with the technical solution
• Providing integrated solution support in a timely manner as part of the overall bid process
• Contributing to the risk and issues register, to ensure risks and issues are recorded with mitigations and impacts
• Supporting an effective handover to the mobilisation and transition team that explains the solution thoroughly and allows the account team to launch, run, and use the solution that has been designed
• Ensuring clear record‑keeping of all bid documentation including client documents, working and final submission documents and governance documents

What you will bring

• Extensive proven experience as part of a successful bid team
• Strong technical knowledge of IFM and multi‑activity contracts and corresponding mobilisation processes
• Capable of working without supervision as the solutions lead and an individual contributor to a high‑performing matrix bid team
• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills
• A strong understanding of bid writing best practices, bid processes and methodologies
• Demonstrable experience working with senior individuals, subject matter experts and other key stakeholders to gather the information required to craft high‑quality, compelling proposals
• Ability to challenge senior stakeholders where required, to drive the design of client‑focussed solutions that meet client requirements
• Strong written English language skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work well under pressure and in a deadline‑driven environment
• Excellent organisational and project management skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proficient MS Office skills
• Ability to think strategically and balance multiple inputs
• Ability to solve problems and complex issues and secure the buy‑in of others
• Highly developed written and presentational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong management and resilience with ability to adapt styles to the audience and outcomes
• Certified to APMP Foundation level or above
• Experience of bidding to both public and commercial sectors
• Experience of bidding Facilities Management/Technical Services in at least one of the following sectors: Central Government, Public Services, Defence, Justice, Education, Healthcare, Nuclear, Telecoms & Utilities or Manufacturing & Industry

Why join Amey?

At Amey, we work on long‑term stable contracts so you can plan a long‑term career with us. We have been awarded Platinum status by Investors in People which underscores our commitment to supporting our people across every part of our organisation, enabling them to shine. Whether you are starting your career, returning to the workplace or can bring your professional expertise and skills, there is a place for you here.

Our benefits

• Remuneration – Enjoy a competitive annual salary with the potential for yearly reviews to ensure you’re rewarded for your contributions
• Career Growth – Shine in your career with advancement opportunities
• Training Opportunities – Unlock your potential with comprehensive training, including fully funded leadership programs tailored to your personal growth
• Holidays – Enjoy at least 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, and the opportunity to buy further days
• Pension – Generous pension scheme, with extra contributions from Amey
• Flexible benefits – Customise your benefits with options such as insurance benefits, Cycle2Work scheme and access to discounted gym membership
• Exclusive Discounts – Access our online portal filled with discounts from leading retailers, healthcare services, and more, helping you save on the things that matter
• Give Back to community – Two Social Impact Days each year, for volunteering and fundraising opportunities
• Family friendly policies – for new parents or if you provide care for a dependant
• Membership of our Affinity Networks – who connect, support and inspire diverse communities within Amey

About Amey

We are a leading provider of full life‑cycle engineering, operations, and decarbonisation solutions, for transport infrastructure and complex facilities.

Our purpose is to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that enhance life and protect our shared future.

Every day our teams across the UK and internationally do truly important work shaping some of the most complex environments that impact generations to come.

Application Guidance and Diversity & Inclusion

At Amey we constantly evolve how we work to reflect the different needs and backgrounds of our employees. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We believe everyone deserves an opportunity to shine.

As a disability‑confident leader, we’re proud to guarantee applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Please contact our recruitment team at [e-mail] to discuss any access needs, reasonable adjustments or additional support that you may require at any point during the recruitment process.

Apply today

***We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Please apply as soon as possible***

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