Solution Architect

La Fosse Associates; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm is seeking a Solutions Architect to design secure, scalable technology solutions for clients. The role requires collaboration with stakeholders to develop high-quality architectural designs while ensuring compliance with standards. Essential skills include a strong background in Azure and experience in enterprise environments. This hybrid position is based in Birmingham, Manchester, or Cardiff.

Qualifications

• Experience working across one or more IT domains.
• Motivation to learn and explore evolving technologies.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure (IaaS, PaaS) and enterprise integration patterns.

Responsibilities

• Translate business requirements into clear end-to-end solution architectures.
• Define target architectures and develop transition roadmaps.
• Ensure solutions meet security, regulatory, and performance requirements.

Skills

Experience working across one or more IT domains

Proven background as a Solution Architect within complex enterprise environments

Strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure (IaaS, PaaS)

Understanding of enterprise integration patterns and API management

Familiarity with security, compliance, and data privacy best practices

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Motivation to learn and explore evolving technologies

Tools

Microsoft Azure

DevOps

Microsoft 365

Job description

Title: Solutions Architect

Type: Permanent

Location: Birmingham/ Manchester / Cardiff

Working arrangements- Hybrid (2-3x a week)

Industry-Professional Services (Legal sector)

Overview

The organisation is seeking an experienced Solution Architect to join the Architecture & Design team. You will design and deliver secure, scalable, and robust technology solutions aligned to strategic objectives, including a Cloud First approach and ongoing digital transformation. The role involves close collaboration with business stakeholders, delivery teams, and external partners to translate requirements into high-quality architectural designs.

Key Responsibilities

Solution Architecture & Delivery

• Translate business requirements into clear end-to-end solution architectures.

• Define target architectures and develop transition roadmaps.

• Review the current (“as-is”) architecture and identify gaps and opportunities.

• Ensure solutions meet security, regulatory, and performance requirements.

• Provide integration designs for existing systems.

• Align solutions with enterprise roadmaps and contribute to shaping future technology direction.

Technical Leadership

• Offer technical oversight during solution delivery and resolve complex design challenges.

• Act as a bridge between delivery teams and technical functions within IT.

• Support decisions relating to policies such as data residency.

• Feed into and influence enterprise architecture roadmaps.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Explain solution options clearly and support stakeholders in making informed choices.

• Build trusted relationships with business and IT leaders.

• Drive consensus and influence key technical and strategic decisions.

Innovation, Governance & Risk

• Research emerging technologies and industry trends to identify improvement opportunities.

• Highlight architectural risks and recommend mitigation strategies.

• Maintain the information asset register.

• Ensure adherence to policies relating to security, compliance, and data handling.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Experience working across one or more IT domains.

• Proven background as a Solution Architect within complex enterprise environments.

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure (IaaS, PaaS) and cloud-native architectures.

• Understanding of enterprise integration patterns and API management.

• Familiarity with security, compliance, and data privacy best practices.

• Ability to translate business needs into effective technical solutions.

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Ability to identify and take ownership of technical challenges.

• Understanding of project delivery cycles and quality assurance principles.

• Motivation to learn and explore evolving technologies.

• Understanding of data governance and information security standards.

Desirable

• Experience in legal or professional services environments.

• Knowledge of TOGAF or similar enterprise architecture frameworks.

• Experience with DevOps tooling and practices.

• Exposure to business analysis and large-scale business process changes.

• Experience working with third-party suppliers, including offshore teams.

Technology Experience

• Microsoft Azure: IaaS, PaaS, Azure AD, Azure DevOps

• Windows 365, Microsoft 365, Power Platform

• Integration technologies

• Identity and Access Management

• AI capabilities

• Enterprise applications (document management, case management, CRM, finance)

• Solid networking and infrastructure knowledge

• Agile and other project delivery methodologies

Personal Attributes

• Strong strategic thinking, diplomacy, and influencing skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and leadership qualities.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Detail-focused with strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Solution-oriented, resilient, and adaptable.

• Able to prioritise effectively and work independently.

• Positive, proactive, and committed to ongoing professional development.