Lead Solutions Architect

South Norfolk and Broadland Council; Norwich; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite parking

Employee discounts

Competitive holiday allowance

Wellbeing initiatives

Local Government Pension Scheme

Job summary

South Norfolk and Broadland Councils are seeking an experienced Lead Solutions Architect to shape the Council's ICT & Digital architecture. You will lead a small team of technical specialists, align business needs with applications, data platforms and integrations, and collaborate with suppliers and project stakeholders to deliver innovative digital solutions.

You will combine strategic architecture leadership with hands-on oversight of system integration, technical delivery and service

Qualifications

• Significant experience providing technical leadership within a complex ICT or digital environment.
• Strong knowledge of application architecture, data architecture and modern digital platforms.
• Experience managing and developing technical teams.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate technical concepts into clear business outcomes.
• Knowledge of information governance, cyber security and service management best practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of business applications, integrations and digital services.
• Provide technical leadership across application architecture, data architecture and systems integration.
• Manage and develop a team of technical professionals, supporting performance, capability development and continuous learning.
• Lead technical delivery activities for system upgrades, developments and replacement projects.
• Work closely with suppliers to ensure solutions are delivered effectively and transitioned smoothly into live service.
• Promote best practice in integration, testing, information governance, cyber security and service management.
• Identify opportunities to use emerging technologies and innovative approaches to improve service delivery and organisational efficiency.

Skills

Technical leadership

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Application architecture

Data architecture

Digital platforms

Job description

Shape the Future of Digital Services

We're looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Lead Solutions Architect to join our ICT & Digital team.

This is a key leadership role responsible for shaping the Councils' application and data architecture, ensuring our business systems, integrations and digital platforms support the delivery of high-quality services to residents, businesses and colleagues.

You’ll lead a small team of technical specialists, providing direction, coaching and support while working closely with business teams, suppliers and project stakeholders to deliver innovative digital solutions. The role combines strategic architecture leadership with hands-on oversight of system integration, technical delivery and service improvement activities.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Lead Solutions Architect you will:

• Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of business applications, integrations and digital services.


• Provide technical leadership across application architecture, data architecture and systems integration.


• Manage and develop a team of technical professionals, supporting performance, capability development and continuous learning.


• Lead technical delivery activities for system upgrades, developments and replacement projects.


• Work closely with suppliers to ensure solutions are delivered effectively and transitioned smoothly into live service.


• Promote best practice in integration, testing, information governance, cyber security and service management.


• Identify opportunities to use emerging technologies and innovative approaches to improve service delivery and organisational efficiency.

About You

We're looking for someone who can combine strong technical expertise with excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.

You Will Have

• Significant experience providing technical leadership within a complex ICT or digital environment.


• Experience delivering technology projects, system integrations and service improvements.


• Strong knowledge of application architecture, data architecture and modern digital platforms.


• Experience managing and developing technical teams.


• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate technical concepts into clear business outcomes.


• Knowledge of information governance, cyber security and service management best practice.


• Experience working with suppliers and external partners to deliver successful outcomes.

Closing Date: 19 August 2026

Interview Date: w/c 31 August & 7 September 2026

Why Join Us

We offer flexible working hours for most office-based roles, allowing for a healthy work-life balance.

As part of our team, you will enjoy a range of employee benefits:

• free onsite parking


• employee discounts


• a competitive holiday allowance


• wellbeing initiatives


• the opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme

South Norfolk and Broadland Councils are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and all applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate checks for the position, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The Councils reserve the right to close any and all vacancies at any time if there is judged to be a sufficient number of applications received.