Manager Solutions Architecture

JSS Search; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A global insurance organization is seeking an experienced Solutions Architecture Manager to lead its architecture function. You will be responsible for defining solution architectures while ensuring alignment with business strategies and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in Solution Architecture and a strong background in the insurance sector, along with expertise in cloud technologies and Agile practices. This role combines leadership with hands-on design responsibilities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in a Solution Architecture role.
• 10+ years’ experience in senior development, architecture, or build roles.
• Experience within the insurance sector is mandatory.
• Strong experience across cloud technologies (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
• Solid understanding of enterprise data, integration technologies, and SOA.
• Experience delivering solutions in Agile environments.
• Hands-on experience with architecture and design tools.
• Exposure to AI solutions preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define solution architectures for new and existing IT platforms.
• Ensure solution designs meet enterprise standards.
• Review and assure solution designs from vendors and partners.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of solution architects.
• Establish effective architecture processes and quality controls.
• Produce architecture artefacts for design and operational handover.
• Work with Enterprise Architecture and governance forums.
• Lead solution design workshops and support Agile teams.

Skills

Solution Architecture

Cloud technologies

Stakeholder management

Communication

Agile environments

Education

Architecture certifications (e.g. TOGAF)

Tools

Sparx EA

Visio

Job description

We are partnering with a global insurance organisation that is continuing to invest in its technology and architecture capability. They are seeking a Solutions Architecture Manager to lead a Solution Architecture function while remaining actively involved in the design and assurance of enterprise-scale technology solutions.

This role combines people leadership, architectural governance, and hands-on solution design, with exposure to cloud platforms, ERP integrations, and emerging AI technologies.

The Role

The Solutions Architecture Manager will be responsible for the effective operation, quality, and maturity of the Solution Architecture function, ensuring that technology solutions align with business strategy, architectural standards, and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Defining solution architectures for new and existing IT platforms
• Ensuring solution designs meet enterprise standards across development, data protection, cyber security, and cloud
• Reviewing and assuring solution designs produced by third-party vendors and partners
• Leading, coaching, and developing a team of solution architects
• Establishing effective architecture processes, peer review, and quality controls
• Resource planning and allocation in line with project demand
• Producing architecture artefacts to support design, build, change, and operational handover
• Working closely with Enterprise Architecture and governance forums to validate designs
• Leading solution design workshops and supporting Agile delivery teams
• Participating in technology research and Proofs of Concept, including integration and AI-led initiatives
• Maintaining high standards of documentation, reporting, and stakeholder communication

About You

You’ll be an experienced Solution Architect with a strong technical background and proven people leadership capability, comfortable operating in complex, regulated environments.

Key experience includes:

• 5+ years’ experience in a Solution Architecture role
• 10+ years’ experience in senior development, architecture, or build roles
• Experience within the insurance sector is mandatory
• Strong experience across cloud technologies (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Solid understanding of enterprise data, integration technologies, and SOA
• Experience delivering solutions in Agile environments
• Hands‑on experience with architecture and design tools (e.g. Sparx EA, Visio)
• Exposure to AI solutions (GenAI, Agentic AI, Machine Learning) preferred
• Strong communication, decision‑making, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to lead teams, manage priorities, and deliver high‑quality outputs

Architecture certifications (e.g. TOGAF or equivalent) are advantageous.