At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and evolve the Solution Architecture function, shaping best practices and guiding principles.
- Company: Join a key player in the standards and assurance industry, making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive rates, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape enterprise-wide solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior architecture roles with strong leadership and strategic thinking skills.
- Other info: Travel to London site 4-6 times a month; rate negotiable based on experience.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
WomenWise has partnered with an organisation in the standards and assurance industry on a key opportunity to shape their enterprise-wide solution architecture practice. This is an exciting opportunity for a proven leader in solution architecture.
What you’ll do:
- Lead and evolve the Solution Architecture function, shaping best practice through the development of robust architectural standards, reusable design patterns, and guiding principles.
- Own the Technical Design Authority (TDA) process, ensuring rigorous governance across both change initiatives and operational delivery.
- Define and embed scalable solution architecture frameworks and methodologies that enable consistent, high-quality design across programmes.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders to align architecture with broader organisational goals.
What we’re looking for:
- Proven track record in senior architecture or technical solution design roles, with experience leading both business analysis and end-to-end solution design in complex enterprise environments.
- Deep expertise in enterprise architecture principles, frameworks and practical design methodologies.
- Strong strategic thinker with advanced problem-solving abilities, capable of translating business challenges into scalable, technology-enabled solutions.
- Natural leadership and mentorship skills and experience, with demonstrated experience building and guiding high-performing architecture and design teams.
- Skilled communicator with the ability to influence and present effectively across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Extensive experience leveraging data and analytics to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
If you are interested, please apply with your latest CV. Rate is negotiable depending on experience and will be Outside IR35. This role is hybrid working with a requirement to travel to their London site 4-6 times per month.
Head of Solutions Architecture and Design employer: WomenWise
Contact Detail:
WomenWise Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Solutions Architecture and Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the standards and assurance industry. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and leaders in solution architecture. Building these connections can give you insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully led architecture teams in the past. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your ability to mentor others and drive high performance, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in enterprise architecture principles and frameworks. Being able to discuss current methodologies and how they can be applied to the organisation's goals will demonstrate your expertise and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you leverage data and analytics in decision-making. Think of specific examples where your analytical skills have led to improvements in architecture or design processes, as this aligns with the company's focus on continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Solutions Architecture and Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in solution architecture and technical design. Focus on your leadership roles and any specific frameworks or methodologies you've implemented that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you have successfully led architecture functions and influenced stakeholders.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your expertise in enterprise architecture principles and your ability to mentor teams. Mention any experience you have with data analytics and how it has informed your decision-making in previous roles.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, ensure that your documents are free of errors and well-formatted. A clean, professional presentation can make a significant difference in how your application is perceived.
How to prepare for a job interview at WomenWise
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Head of Solutions Architecture and Design, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, focusing on how you guided high-performing architecture and design teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you've approached complex business challenges in the past. Share instances where your strategic thinking led to scalable, technology-enabled solutions, and how you aligned these with organisational goals.
✨Communicate Effectively with Stakeholders
Since the role requires collaboration with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Prepare to explain complex architectural concepts in simple terms, showcasing your ability to influence and present effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Architectural Standards
Research the latest architectural standards and frameworks relevant to the industry. Be prepared to discuss how you would evolve the Solution Architecture function and implement robust architectural standards and reusable design patterns.