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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of innovative IT solutions for national supply chain systems.
- Company: Join a major defence initiative focused on modernising and securing vital systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working with flexible hours and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project that impacts national security and logistics.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Solution Architect with strong integration and cloud platform knowledge.
- Other info: Work collaboratively with multiple vendors and engage in exciting technical decision-making.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We're looking for several experienced IT Solution Architects to join a major defence-related transformation initiative focused on modernising and securing national supply chain systems. This is a permanent role with a hybrid working arrangement, requiring a couple of days per month in the Bristol office.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the design and delivery of complex, end-to-end IT solutions across application, data, infrastructure, and security layers
- Creating architecture artefacts including high-level and low-level designs, interface specifications, and integration models
- Evaluating solution options (buy vs build vs reuse) and supporting platform selection
- Ensuring alignment with technical, security, and regulatory standards
- Supporting stakeholder engagement, workshops, and technical decision-making
- Collaborating with multiple vendors and delivery partners
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience as a Solution Architect on complex, multi-stakeholder programmes
- Deep understanding of both bespoke and COTS systems
- Strong integration knowledge: SOA, ESB, XML, Web Services, MQ
- Experience with distributed, event-driven architectures
- Cloud platform knowledge (AWS or similar)
- Excellent communication, leadership, and consulting skills
Nice to Have
- Industry experience in logistics or supply chain systems (ERP, WMS, OMS, TMS, inventory, procurement, analytics)
- Familiarity with TOGAF, MODAF, or Archimate
- Background in regulated environments (e.g. CMMI Level 3)
IT Solution Architect employer: iO Associates
Contact Detail:
iO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Solution Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies and frameworks mentioned in the job description, such as SOA, ESB, and cloud platforms like AWS. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to speak confidently about your experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence and logistics sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may have insights into the company or the role. This can provide you with valuable information and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with multi-stakeholder programmes and how you've successfully led complex IT solutions in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your leadership and consulting skills, as these are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter and our values, especially regarding innovation and collaboration. Tailoring your conversation to align with our mission can demonstrate your enthusiasm for joining our team and your understanding of our culture.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Solution Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Solution Architect, particularly in complex, multi-stakeholder programmes. Emphasise your knowledge of bespoke and COTS systems, as well as your integration skills with SOA, ESB, and Web Services.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are interested in this role and how your background aligns with the job description. Mention your experience with cloud platforms like AWS and your understanding of logistics or supply chain systems if applicable.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include specific examples of projects where you led the design and delivery of IT solutions. Highlight your ability to create architecture artefacts and your experience in stakeholder engagement and decision-making.
Highlight Soft Skills: Don't forget to mention your communication, leadership, and consulting skills. These are essential for collaborating with vendors and delivery partners, so provide examples of how you've successfully worked in teams or led initiatives.
How to prepare for a job interview at iO Associates
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As an IT Solution Architect, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of both bespoke and COTS systems. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully designed and delivered complex IT solutions, highlighting your integration knowledge and experience with distributed architectures.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Given the collaborative nature of this role, think about past experiences where you've engaged with multiple stakeholders. Prepare examples that showcase your communication and leadership skills, especially in workshops or technical decision-making processes.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Frameworks
Brush up on TOGAF, MODAF, or Archimate as these frameworks are beneficial in architecture design. Being able to discuss how you've applied these methodologies in previous roles will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Understand the Defence Sector Context
Since this role is related to a defence transformation initiative, it’s important to understand the unique challenges and regulations within this sector. Research current trends in national supply chain systems and be ready to discuss how your background aligns with these requirements.
