Solution Architect (SFIA 5)

Zaizi Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

AWS/Cert funding

Study leave for certifications

Job summary

Zaizi Ltd is seeking an experienced Solution Architect to lead the design and delivery of digital services for the UK's Public Safety sector. You will work with cloud-native architectures, open source technologies, and DevSecOps practices to shape secure, scalable solutions across multiple programmes.

As a trusted technical leader, you will mentor engineering teams, collaborate with government stakeholders, and drive architectural direction while balancing delivery, security, and operational

Qualifications

• Significant commercial experience in solution architecture and technical design.
• Hands-on software engineering background with architectural scope.
• Experience with open source technologies and cloud platforms (AWS).
• Cloud-native architectures and distributed systems are a focus.
• Security architecture and secure-by-design principles.
• Experience with IAM/OAuth2/OpenID Connect.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and technical design of secure, scalable cloud-native solutions across multiple programmes.
• Collaborate with government operational teams to translate business challenges into practical technical solutions.
• Provide architectural leadership to Agile delivery teams and promote best practices.
• Own resolution of complex technical challenges balancing delivery, security, and resilience.
• Influence architectural decisions at senior levels and mentor other engineers.

Skills

Solution Architecture

Software engineering

Open Source

AWS

Cloud-native

Security architecture

IAM

Docker/Kubernetes

DevOps/DevSecOps

Programming languages

Agile delivery

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Zaizi is looking for an experienced Solution Architect to lead the design and delivery of mission-critical digital services that support the UK's Public Safety sector.

This is an opportunity to work in one of the most exciting and meaningful areas of digital transformation, partnering closely with government operational teams to solve complex, real-world challenges that have a direct impact on frontline services and public outcomes.

You’ll work with modern cloud-native architectures, open source technologies, and Agile and DevSecOps practices to shape scalable, secure, and resilient solutions. As a trusted technical leader, you’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary delivery teams, customers, and senior stakeholders to define architectural direction and drive successful delivery.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong software engineering background, having progressed into architecture through hands‑on development experience. This practical foundation enables you to make pragmatic technical decisions, mentor engineering teams, and bridge the gap between strategy and implementation.

Role Objectives

As a Solution Architect, you will:

• Lead the architecture and technical design of secure, scalable, cloud-native solutions across multiple programmes.
• Work alongside government operational client teams to understand complex business challenges and translate them into practical, user‑centred technical solutions.
• Support Agile delivery teams by providing architectural leadership, promoting engineering best practices, and helping teams adopt emerging technologies where appropriate.
• Own the resolution of complex, high‑risk technical challenges, balancing delivery, security, operational resilience, and long‑term maintainability.
• Collaborate with technical and business stakeholders to shape solution options, present recommendations, and influence architectural decisions at senior levels.
• Mentor and support other architects and engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and technical excellence.
• Work across multiple customer engagements, ensuring consistency of architectural standards while adapting solutions to individual client needs.
• Champion modern engineering practices, including cloud-native development, automation, DevSecOps, and continuous improvement.
• Build trusted relationships across Zaizi and our customers, proactively identifying opportunities to improve digital services and deliver greater value.

Technical Requirements

You will have significant commercial experience across many of the following areas:

• Solution Architecture and Technical Design
• Strong software engineering background with previous hands‑on development experience
• Open Source technologies and frameworks
• Cloud platforms, ideally AWS
• Cloud‑native architectures and distributed systems
• Security architecture and secure‑by‑design principles
• Identity and Access Management (OAuth2, OpenID Connect, IAM)
• Containers and container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
• DevOps and DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and Infrastructure as Code
• Experience with one or more programming languages such as Golang, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, or Python
• Experience working within Agile delivery environments and cross‑functional engineering teams

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with technical depth. You’ll be equally comfortable discussing architecture with senior stakeholders, collaborating with customer operational teams, and working alongside engineers to guide implementation.

You’ll be passionate about delivering technology that makes a real difference, enjoy solving complex technical challenges, and thrive in collaborative, fast‑paced environments where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged.

If you don’t meet all the requirements?

Studies show that women and black, Asian and minority ethnic people are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every qualification. So if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the job description, we’d love you to still apply. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role here at Zaizi.

We actively welcome applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, parents, carers, and those from lower socio‑economic backgrounds.

If you need any accommodations to support your specific situation, please feel free to let us know. For candidates who are neurodiverse or have disabilities, we are happy to make any adjustments needed throughout the interview process—just ask!

Salaries - £90,000 - £115,000

SC Clearance:

Zaizi works with UK Central Government departments on a range of projects. To be able to work on our customer projects, employees must be Security Cleared to a standard acceptable to our Government customers. Due to this restriction we can currently only recruit candidates who have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship and who have lived in the UK for the last 5+ years continuously.

Compensation

• Competitive Pay: Salaries reviewed annually to ensure they reflect your performance and market value.
• Loyalty Pension: We invest in your future. Starting at a 5% employer contribution, we increase this by 0.5% every year after your third anniversary, up to a maximum of 8%.
• Protection: Comprehensive Group Life Assurance for peace of mind.

Purpose & Culture

• Real Impact: Work on mission‑critical projects that secure and improve the UK's digital infrastructure.
• Autonomy: A culture that empowers you to make decisions, prototype rapidly, and iterate towards success.
• Service & Community: We support those who serve. 10 paid days for Reservist Military Service.

Work / Life Balance

• Time Off: 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, with the flexibility to Buy/Sell additional days to suit your lifestyle.
• Giving back: 2 paid volunteering days per year.

Development & Growth

• Master Your Craft: Fully funded professional certifications (AWS, GCP, Agile, etc.) supported by 5 days paid study leave.
• Expand Your Horizons: An additional £500 annual “Personal Choice” fund to learn whatever inspires you—work‑related or not.
• Support: Access to 1‑2‑1 professional coaching and team training to accelerate your career.

Health & Balance

• Premium Health: Vitality Private Medical Insurance (includes Apple Watch, gym discounts, and rewards).
• Flexibility: Genuine hybrid working with a WFH equipment allowance to perfect your home setup.

• Wellbeing: Cycle to Work scheme and a commitment to sustainable, healthy working practices.

For further information contact: [e-mail]

Nat Hinds: Head of Talent

Kayla Kirby: Talent Acquisition Specialist