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 not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, particularly those who have experience as Solution Architects. Attend relevant meetups or webinars to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could boost your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've successfully led complex IT solutions. Be ready to explain your decision-making process regarding buy vs build vs reuse options, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication and leadership skills during any interactions with us. As a Solution Architect, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders, so demonstrating your ability to convey technical concepts clearly will set you apart.
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.
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 past projects where you led the design and delivery of IT solutions. Highlight your collaboration with vendors and stakeholders, and any experience you have in logistics or supply chain systems.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an IT Solution Architect.
How to prepare for a job interview at iO Associates
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with complex IT solutions, especially in areas like SOA, ESB, and cloud platforms. Highlight specific projects where you successfully designed and delivered solutions, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the logistics and supply chain industry, particularly how IT solutions can enhance these systems. Showing that you understand the business implications of your technical decisions will impress interviewers and show that you're not just a techie but also a strategic thinker.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would engage with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of past experiences where you facilitated workshops or made technical decisions in collaboration with multiple parties. This will highlight your communication and leadership skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you evaluate solution options, such as buy vs build vs reuse. You might be asked to solve hypothetical problems during the interview, so think through your approach to decision-making and how you ensure alignment with technical and regulatory standards.