Solutions Architect

Environment Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Canterbury is seeking an experienced Solutions Architect to shape and deliver technology solutions that support our strategic direction. You will design end-to-end architectures and lead decisions across complex initiatives, ensuring alignment with our enterprise standards and digital strategy.

You'll guide delivery teams and vendors, collaborate with business leaders, and contribute to maturing our architecture practice.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related discipline with at least five years' technical leadership experience.
• Experience in Solution Architect or similar architecture-focused role.
• Strong knowledge of cloud, networking, security and enterprise applications.

Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end solution architecture and high-level designs.
• Lead architecture decisions for complex business and technology initiatives.
• Ensure solutions align with enterprise architecture standards and strategy.
• Guide project delivery teams and vendors to successful outcomes.
• Contribute to the growth and maturity of the architecture practice and digital capability.

Skills

Solution Architect

Cloud technologies

Networking

Security

Enterprise apps

TOGAF

ArchiMate

UML

Agile delivery

Enterprise-scale software

Applications

Data

Technology

Business domains

Cloud platforms

SaaS

PaaS

Architectural patterns

Secure design

Integrated solutions

Data-centric

Communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in Computer Science/Computer Engineering or related

Job description

• Join a purpose-led organisation serving Waitaha Canterbury
• Flexible working and professional development opportunities

At Environment Canterbury, we're working together to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury for current and future generations.

As the regional council for Waitaha Canterbury, we care for the region's air, land, water, and communities. Working alongside mana whenua Ngāi Tahu, stakeholders, and communities, we deliver three essential services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

As Canterbury continues to grow and change, so do we. We operate in a dynamic environment, responding to evolving legislation, policy, and community needs while continuing to deliver for our communities, partners, and te taiao (the environment). Adapting to change, embracing new opportunities, and finding better ways of working are all part of creating great outcomes for Canterbury.

We're looking for an experienced Solutions Architect to help shape and deliver technology solutions that support our strategic direction and organisational outcomes.

Working across a diverse portfolio of projects, you'll partner with business leaders, subject matter experts, project teams, vendors, and technical specialists to design innovative, secure, and scalable solutions.

This is an influential role where you'll provide architectural leadership from concept through to delivery, ensuring solutions align with our enterprise architecture roadmap and digital strategy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design end-to-end solution architecture and high-level solution designs
• Lead architecture decisions for complex business and technology initiatives
• Ensure solutions align with enterprise architecture standards and strategy
• Guide project delivery teams and vendors to achieve successful outcomes
• Contribute to the growth and maturity of our architecture practice and digital capability

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

You're a strategic thinker who enjoys solving complex challenges and connecting business needs with practical technology solutions. You can confidently engage with stakeholders at all levels, translate technical concepts into clear business language, and build strong relationships across a diverse organisation. Equally comfortable influencing strategy and supporting delivery, you'll bring a collaborative approach and a genuine passion for creating better outcomes through technology.

Ideally, you’ll have a tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline with at least five years' experience in a technical leadership role designing and delivering business software solutions. You’ll also have:

• Experience in a Solution Architect or similar architecture-focused position
• Strong understanding of cloud technologies, networking, security, and enterprise applications
• Experience with architecture frameworks and modelling approaches such as TOGAF, ArchiMate, or UML
• Experience working in agile delivery environments
• Experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale business software solutions
• Strong solution architecture expertise across applications, data, technology, and business domains
• Knowledge of cloud-based platforms, SaaS, PaaS, and modern architectural patterns
• Experience designing secure, integrated, and data-centric solutions
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence diverse stakeholders

We're a values-led organisation, and our values shape how we work, make decisions, and support each other every day.

• Kaitiakitanga (Stewardship) We make good decisions today for a better tomorrow.
• Pononga (Integrity) – we act honestly, take responsibility and o what we say.
• Manaakitanga (People First) - we put people first and treat everyone with care and respect.
• Whanaungatanga (Collaboration) – We build strong relationships and achieve more together.
• Māiatanga (Can Do)- We are brave solution focussed and make things happen.

Our values guide the way we work and shape our workplace culture. Throughout the recruitment process, you'll have the opportunity to share examples of how your experiences and approach align with these values.
We know that diverse perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking help us make better decisions and achieve better outcomes for our communities and environment. That's why we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to contribute.

We're also on a journey to become a Treaty partner of excellence. We support our people to grow their confidence and capability in te ao Māori and encourage the use of kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our everyday mahi. Wherever you are on your journey, you'll be welcomed and supported.

Applications close Wednesday 11 November.

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of application and hold work rights that will enable them to fulfil the full term of employment.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal history check. Additional background checks may be required depending on the nature of the role.

If you're excited about this role but don't meet every requirement in the position description, we still encourage you to apply.