Solution Architect

PA Consulting; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and lifestyle perks

25 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Annual performance-based bonus

Tax-efficient benefits

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in Manchester is seeking a skilled Software Engineer to join their Digital & Data team. The role involves leading engineering teams and collaborating on innovative software solutions across various projects. Candidates should have a strong background in software engineering, experience in architecture, and a commitment to continuous professional development. The firm values diversity and offers a range of benefits including flexible working arrangements and performance-based bonuses.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in Software Engineering.
• Ability to lead engineering teams.
• Understanding of architecture and delivery methodologies.
• Experience in at least one architectural domain.

Responsibilities

• Create architecture artefacts and collaborate with teams.
• Support senior leaders on case for change and planning.
• Work using agile methodologies.

Skills

Software Engineering background

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Leadership in engineering teams

Collaboration with stakeholders

Education

Certifications in methodologies and cloud technologies

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

TOGAF

SAFe

Job description

Company Description

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future. As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results. We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. Our deep expertise spans consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport. We operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands.

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.

Why consider joining our Digital & Data community?

• 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 a client site—minimum 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) and gain certifications.

Our tech stack 🚀

• Cloud platforms: AWS, Azure, GCP
• 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 and work on internal projects.
• Hybrid working with the team on client site or in our office a minimum of two days per week; the actual time and location may vary by role or assignment, including up to 5 days per week on a client site.
• An environment that deeply cares about its values.

Qualifications

• 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.

Assessment process ⚖️

• Quick video call with one of our Tech Recruiters – to discuss your application, the role and PA.
• Round 1: Either a competency or technical interview (60 mins).
• Round 2: Either a competency or technical interview, whichever you didn’t do at first round (60 mins).
• Final round 🎉: Meeting with a PA leader – a discussion around your client‑centricity (45 mins).

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).

Equality & Inclusion

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, veteran status, or any other range of human difference. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. Adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process are welcomed—please contact [e-mail].