Solution Architect

PA Consulting; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and lifestyle perks

25 days annual leave

Generous company pension scheme

Annual performance-based bonus

Job summary

PA Consulting in Westminster seeks a skilled Solution Architect to lead innovative software projects. The role emphasizes hybrid working, integrating technical and agile methodologies, and leading collaborative teams across diverse sectors.

An ideal candidate will have a strong Software Engineering background, understand architecture frameworks, and thrive in problem-solving environments. PA Consulting values innovation, teamwork, and professional growth with ample learning opportunities and benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience leading engineering teams to deliver applications.
• Practical application of various architecture methodologies.
• Specialism in at least one architectural domain required.

Responsibilities

• Work with multiple teams using agile methodologies.
• Lead projects across various sectors delivering innovative solutions.
• Collaborate with clients to problem-solve technical challenges.

Skills

Hands-on Software Engineering background

Problem-solving and analytical thinking

Collaboration with stakeholders

Deep understanding of architectures

Education

Relevant certifications in methodologies and cloud technologies

Tools

AWS

Azure

Google Cloud Platform

Job description

Job Description

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future. We challenge where it matters and own the outcome. We combine strategic thinking, customer-centric service design, and agile engineering practices to accelerate innovation in a tech-driven world.

Join our Digital & Data team working alongside product, design and a wide range of other experts and cross‑disciplinary teams to bring ideas to life through innovative software solutions.

Grow a flexible and unique career within a trust-based, inclusive environment that values excellence, innovation, and curiosity. You have the option to progress with us on a technical career track. No need to go onto the Partner career track if this doesn’t align with what you want to do.

Hybrid working - our approach is to be in the office or on client site minimum of 2 days per week.

Work on a broad variety of projects and tech stacks for clients across seven sectors – no project is ever the same.

Join other experts within our supportive and collaborative tech community through knowledge‑sharing and peer‑level support, coaching and mentoring.

Deepen your expertise through our culture of learning and growth – you’ll have budget to take courses (technical and non-technical training), plus gain certifications.

While we advocate for using the right tech for the right task, you can expect to work with the following technologies to ensure scalable, high-performance applications:

• Architecture frameworks: TOGAF, Zachmann, MODAF
• Agile methodologies: SAFe, Scrum, Kanban
• Modeling tools: UML, ArchiMate, Ardoq

What you can expect

Create and assure key architecture artefacts (e.g., Key Design Decision, Technical Options Paper, High Level Design).

Collaborate closely with Engineering teams, often taking a lead SME role to define vision and establish Architectural Guardrails.

Support senior leaders in shaping their case for change, leading on cost estimation and detailed planning.

Work to agile best practices and cross‑functionally with multiple teams and stakeholders. You’ll be using your technical skills to problem solve with our clients, as well as working on internal projects.

Hybrid working with the team on client site or in our office a minimum of two days per week. However, the actual time you spend and where you spend it will vary by role or assignment, including up to 5 days per week on a client site.

Qualifications

Essential requirements

• Hands‑on Software Engineering background with experience leading engineering teams to deliver applications and services.
• Clear understanding and practical application of architecture and delivery methodologies.
• Operate confidently across all architectural domains with a specialism in at least one: Business, Data, Application, Technology, and Security.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
• You thrive in problem‑solving and analytical thinking.
• You enjoy collaborating with multiple stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment.
• Certifications in appropriate methodologies and cloud technologies are advantageous.
• We’re technology agnostic, using the right tools for the job at hand, and you’ll have access to our strong partnerships with AWS, Azure and GCP. We’re interested to hear from Solution Architects with experience across the majority of leading vendors including Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Oracle, IBM, Salesforce and more.

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Benefits

• Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare for you and your family.
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days.
• Generous company pension scheme.
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity‑based initiatives.
• Annual performance‑based bonus.
• PA share ownership.
• Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn).

Equal Employment Opportunity

We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief veteran status, or other by any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

Adjustments or accommodations

Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on [email protected]