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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: Experience as a Solution Architect with strong integration and cloud platform knowledge required.
- Other info: Work collaboratively with diverse teams and vendors in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ 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)
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 latest trends in IT architecture, especially in defence and supply chain systems. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, particularly those who have experience as Solution Architects. Attend relevant meetups or webinars to build connections and gain insights that could give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've led the design and delivery of complex IT solutions. Be ready to explain your decision-making process regarding buy vs build vs reuse options, as this will showcase your practical experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, as well as integration technologies such as SOA and ESB. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will highlight your technical expertise and align with the job requirements.
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, especially in complex, multi-stakeholder programmes. Emphasise your knowledge of bespoke and COTS systems, as well as your integration skills.
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 requirements. Mention your experience with cloud platforms like AWS and your understanding of security and regulatory standards.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include specific examples of projects where you led the design and delivery of IT solutions. Highlight your collaboration with vendors and stakeholders, and any architecture artefacts you created.
Highlight Soft Skills: Since excellent communication and leadership skills are essential for this role, make sure to provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders and led teams in previous positions.
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 of examples where you've effectively engaged with multiple stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you facilitated workshops or made technical decisions that aligned with business goals, showcasing your excellent communication and leadership skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Frameworks
Brush up on TOGAF, MODAF, or Archimate as these frameworks are often used in architecture roles. Being able to reference these during your interview will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also serious about aligning with industry standards.
✨Understand the Defence Sector Context
Since this role is part of a defence-related transformation initiative, it’s beneficial to have a grasp of the unique challenges and regulations within this sector. Research current trends in national supply chain systems and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to modernising and securing these systems.
