Strategic Solution Architect — Hybrid IT & Integration

Kent Fire and Rescue Service; Maidstone; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

32 days holiday

Annual pay progression

Blue Light Card

CSSC Card

EAP

Family friendly policies

Internal clubs

Health and wellbeing services

Gym facilities

Free parking

Job summary

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is seeking a Solution Architect (Grade 9) on a fixed-term 18-month contract at Service Headquarters, Maidstone. Hybrid role with at least three days in the office.

The role shapes the Service's technology strategy and governing standards across systems and digital initiatives. You will work with stakeholders, projects and suppliers to understand requirements, assess implications and ensure solutions align with the wider tech landscape and strategic direction.

Qualifications

• Relevant technical qualification or demonstrable experience in IT/solution architecture.
• Proven ability to design and assure technology solutions in a complex organisation.
• Experience implementing and integrating COTS solutions with existing platforms.

Responsibilities

• Act as a self-sustaining technical adviser balancing business requirements, cost, time, security and sustainability.
• Engage with stakeholders early to understand outcomes and translate requirements into practical tech solutions.
• Assess technology options within the existing landscape, identifying dependencies, risks and impacts.
• Identify technical risks early and provide pragmatic recommendations where trade-offs are required.
• Produce clear solution designs and communicate options, risks and decisions to tech and non-tech audiences.
• Collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, project teams and business stakeholders across infra, apps, cyber security and operations.
• Ensure operational sustainability with support arrangements, monitoring and lifecycle management.

Skills

Tech qualification

Solution architecture

COTS integration

System integration

Stakeholder collaboration

Architecture assurance

Education

Relevant technical qualification

Job description

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is seeking a Solution Architect (Grade 9) on a fixed-term 18-month contract at Service Headquarters, Maidstone. Hybrid role with at least three days in the office.

The role shapes the Service's technology strategy and governing standards across systems and digital initiatives. You will work with stakeholders, projects and suppliers to understand requirements, assess implications and ensure solutions align with the wider tech landscape and strategic direction.