Principal Solutions Architect

Kingdom People; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kingdom People is seeking a Principal Solutions Architect to lead mission-critical defence architecture initiatives. You will shape secure solutions and steer integration across complex operations while mentoring teams and guiding governance across programs.

The role emphasizes collaboration with military and government stakeholders, driving innovation, and ensuring alignment with client goals and security standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading complex solution architecture in defence or secure environments.
• Strong enterprise architecture governance and standards leadership.
• Experience driving innovation and integrating cutting-edge solutions.
• Proven stakeholder management and strategic customer engagement.
• Outstanding leadership with mentoring track record.
• Familiarity with ISO 27001, NIST, and Secure-by-Design principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design and implementation for mission-critical projects aligned to business strategy.
• Develop and enforce architecture standards and governance for defence programs.
• Evaluate technologies and integrate them to improve operational efficiency.
• Foster relationships with senior military, government, and industry stakeholders.
• Mentor technical teams to drive excellence in architecture.
• Lead transition of experiments to operational capabilities and deployments.
• Contribute to proposals by devising technical solutions aligned with client goals.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Architectural governance

Mentoring teams

Secure design

Proposal development

Tools

TOGAF

Job description

YOU MUST BE A BRITISH CITIZEN AS YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO GO THROUGH SECURITY CLEARANCE TO AT LEAST SC LEVEL.

Principal Solutions Architect required by my rapidly growing Defence and Security Industry client., we’re not just shaping the future of secure information exchange—we’re executing it with precision. Join us as a Principal Solutions Architect and steer the direction of pioneering solutions that empower critical national infrastructure and defence capabilities worldwide. This pivotal role ensures our innovative technologies seamlessly integrate into complex operations, maximizing both security and operational readiness.

Performance Objectives

• Lead architectural design and implementation for mission-critical projects, ensuring alignment with overall business strategy and customer needs.
• Develop and enforce robust architecture standards and governance frameworks to guide multifaceted defence and security programs.
• Drive technical innovation by evaluating emerging technologies and integrating them into existing systems to enhance operational efficiency.
• Establish strong relationships with senior military, government, and industry stakeholders, enhancing collaborative defence strategies.
• Mentor and lead technical teams to cultivate a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the architecture discipline.
• Spearhead the strategic transition of experimental concepts into fully operational capabilities, ensuring seamless integration and deployment.
• Champion business development efforts by devising technical solutions for proposals that align with client goals and industry advancements.

Environment & Resources

As the Principal Solutions Architect, you will report to the Head of Services, collaborating closely with the Chief Architect and various program leads. Work alongside an innovative team equipped with state-of-the-art resources and a commitment to delivering excellence in secure solutions.

Essential Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading complex solution architecture initiatives within defence or similarly secure environments.
• Strong proficiency in developing and managing enterprise architecture frameworks and governance.
• Extensive background in driving technological innovation and integrating cutting‑edge solutions into established systems.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management and strategic customer engagement.
• Outstanding leadership skills with a track record of mentoring technical teams.
• Familiarity with security frameworks such as "ISO 27001", NIST, and Secure-by-Design principles.

Role Selling Points

• Influence the defence sector by directly impacting the security and operational effectiveness of national and international systems.
• Collaborate with leading governmental and industrial partners on high‑stakes projects that shape future defence capabilities.
• Work in an environment that fosters innovation, personal growth, and the practical application of advancements in security technology.
• Be at the forefront of the company strategic initiatives, steering technological solutions that drive global security enhancements