Solutions Architect

Reply Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Reply Ltd is expanding its architecture capability and recruiting Solution Architects at two career stages. You will design and deliver enterprise-grade architectures across cloud, hybrid, and on‑premise environments, aligning business needs with modern technology and enabling AI-enabled client solutions.

Roles offer progression toward Senior/Lead/Design Authority, with mentoring, certifications, and exposure across sectors within the Reply network.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems or similar, or equivalent IT delivery experience.
• 1-3 years' experience in IT delivery, engineering, or architecture-adjacent roles, or 3-5+ years in architecture roles.
• Experience in regulated industries, ideally financial services or comparable sectors.
• Strong understanding of solution architecture principles across layers, components and interfaces.
• Cloud expertise across AWS, Azure or GCP with associate/intermediate certification or higher.
• Familiar with the software development lifecycle and Agile delivery.
• Strong communication skills with ability to document and diagram clearly.
• Analytical, structured thinker; proactive learner; eligible for UK SC clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and own solution architectures, high-level designs, and readiness reviews.
• Contribute to enterprise integration, APIs, microservices, and cloud implementations.
• Bridge business and IT to deliver measurable value and governance.
• Support full delivery lifecycle from design to oversight.
• Leverage generative AI/agentic AI in client solutions.
• Develop reusable assets, accelerators, and methodologies.
• Provide architectural input into bids, proposals, and engagements.
• Mentor colleagues and raise practice standards.

Skills

Cloud architectures

Solution architecture

Stakeholder engagement

TOGAF / frameworks

Agile delivery

Education

Computer Science / Engineering degree

Tools

TOGAF

Job description

Reply specialises in designing and implementing solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. Structured as a network of highly specialised companies, Reply supports leading European industrial groups in sectors such as Telco & Media, Industry and Services, Banking and Insurance, and Public Administration, helping define and develop business models enabled by new paradigms such as AI, Cloud Computing, Digital Media, and the Internet of Things. Reply's services include Consulting, System Integration, and Digital Services. We are growing our architecture capability - particularly in Financial Services and in AI-led solution architecture - and are recruiting Solution Architects at two career stages. Whether you are taking your first independent steps into architecture or already running design authority on complex programmes, we want to hear from you. As a Solution Architect at Affinity Reply, you will design and deliver enterprise-grade architectures that align business needs with modern technology across cloud, hybrid, and on-premise environments. You will help shape next-generation client solutions by integrating legacy platforms with emerging technologies, including generative and agentic AI, to deliver measurable business outcomes. Depending on your experience, you will either develop your architecture capability within an experienced team or lead end-to-end architecture on complex programmes, acting as a design authority and trusted advisor to senior stakeholders. This role offers a structured progression path with opportunities to grow into Senior, Lead, and Design Authority positions, supported by mentoring, certifications, and exposure across diverse clients and sectors.

Responsibilities

• Design and own solution and technical architectures, producing high-level designs, solution options, impact assessments, and readiness reviews
• Contribute to architecture across enterprise integration, APIs, microservices, and cloud platforms, owning end-to-end delivery or key components depending on experience
• Bridge business and IT by working with stakeholders to ensure solutions deliver measurable business value
• Support the full delivery lifecycle, from design and option assessment through to implementation and oversight
• Design and deliver next-generation solutions leveraging generative AI and agentic AI architectures
• Contribute to the development of reusable assets, accelerators, methodologies, and propositions to strengthen capability
• Provide architectural input into bids, proposals, and strategic client engagements
• Mentor and support colleagues, helping develop architecture capability and raise standards across the practice
• Apply architecture frameworks, templates, and governance consistently across all engagements
• Invest in continuous professional development, seeking feedback, gaining certifications, and enhancing architecture expertise

About the Candidate

• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems or similar, or equivalent IT delivery experience
• 1-3 years' experience in IT delivery, engineering, or architecture-adjacent roles, or 3-5+ years in solution, technical, or domain architecture roles
• Experience working in regulated industries, ideally financial services, or comparable sectors (e.g. healthcare, defence, utilities, government)
• Strong understanding of solution architecture principles, including conceptual, logical, and physical layers, components, interfaces, and non-functional requirements
• Cloud expertise across AWS, Azure, or GCP, supported by associate/intermediate certification or higher
• Working knowledge of the software development lifecycle and Agile delivery methodologies
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to produce clear documentation, diagrams, and engage effectively with stakeholders
• Analytical and structured thinker, with the ability to break down complex problems and drive clarity
• Proactive, self-directed learner with a growth mindset and ability to act on feedback; eligible for UK SC clearance

For established architects

• Experience leading end-to-end solution architecture, understanding regulatory constraints, and designing secure, scalable systems across integration, APIs, microservices, and cloud
• Experience with architecture frameworks (e.g. TOGAF), influencing senior stakeholders, acting as design authority, mentoring others, and contributing to bids and pre-sales
• The following are advantageous: DevOps/IaC experience, modelling tools, data architecture exposure, familiarity with AI architecture patterns, advanced cloud certifications, regulatory frameworks, and consulting or client-facing experience

Reply is an Equal Opportunities Employer and committed to embracing diversity in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, identity, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status or parental status or any other characteristic protected by the Law. Reply is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, please let us know of any Reasonable Adjustments you may need.