Principal Solutions Architect

Office for National Statistics; Newport; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A government statistics agency in the UK seeks a Principal Solutions Architect to lead the solution architecture team. The role involves making impactful architectural decisions across various government projects. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical design expertise and excellent communication skills. The position supports a hybrid working model and offers a comprehensive benefits package including a market-leading pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Hybrid working and flexi-time

Market leading pension scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Opportunities to learn new technology & skills

Qualifications

• Expert in technical design with a proven track record in leading architecture functions.
• Able to communicate complex concepts effectively to various stakeholders.
• Experience in making decisions that impact the system lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead the solution architecture function within the organization.
• Make architectural decisions for projects across government.
• Embed best practices in solution architecture throughout the organization.

Skills

Technical design

Stakeholder communication

Architectural decision-making

Job description

Location: The locations for this role are Newport and Titchfield (Fareham)
We operate a flexible hybrid working model across the UK, with colleagues linked to one of our contractual locations and working between office and remote throughout the week. As part of the hybrid working arrangement there is a 40% minimum office attendance requirement.
Salary: £70,335 - £74,617 + up to £10,000 skills allowance
Working Patterns: All our vacancies are offered as a flexible option of Full time, Part time, Flexible working, Job Share
Closing Date: Apply before 11:55pm on Tuesday 12th August 2025

We're looking for an accomplished solutions architect to take on our Principal Solutions Architect position, acting as head of the solution architecture function within ONS - meaning you're a leader, helping to decide and embed best practise in solution architecture throughout the organisation.

You'll operate not only across all kinds of projects within ONS, but also across government, making this a massively high impact position with lots of influence.

What makes an accomplished solution architect to us?

You'll be an expert in technical design, confident in making architectural decisions with wide ranging consequences. You take in the bigger picture with your thinking, can communicate these concepts to a wide range of stakeholders and keep strategy in mind, making sure your designs are suitable for the whole lifecycle of a system.

For a full job description and details of the skills & experience we are looking for, please click the APPLY button to see our full advert on Civil Service Jobs.

In return we offer you:
Hybrid working and flexi-time so you can work around your life, not the other way around!
A market leading pension scheme - our employer contribution rate is around 29%
A choice of working patterns *for every role* full-time, part-time, job-share.
Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of 26 weeks full pay (subject to qualifying criteria)
Opportunities to learn new technology & skills on the job, utilising blocked out Protected Learning Time in your weekly schedule and taking advantage of the support of our Communities of Practice
Employee Assistance Programmes
Diversity Network Groups
Mental Health Allies
Civil Service Sports and Social club
Generous holiday allowance – 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years service in addition to 9 public holidays

For more information about this role, a full application pack, and to apply, please hit APPLY to be taken to Civil Service Jobs.