Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative digital solutions for the defence sector and shape architectural strategies.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on high-profile defence projects with a global impact.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible hybrid working, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a pioneering team that values innovation, excellence, and trust.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in national and global defence capabilities while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in defence or aerospace architecture and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 95 - 116 £ per hour.
+6 months + Hybrid working 3 days a week in Reading + Inside IR35 + £95 - £116 per hour + SC cleared role + Sole British national due to nature of the project
Job Overview: You'll play a pivotal role in shaping cutting-edge digital solutions for the defence sector. This senior leadership position offers the opportunity to lead architectural strategies within complex aerospace and MOD environments, ensuring that all digital initiatives are secure, scalable, and aligned with strategic goals. Based in Reading with flexible hybrid working options, you will work on-site to support sensitive programmes, making a tangible impact on national and global defence capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic technical leadership within the Digital business stream, guiding the architecture of digital products, platforms, and services.
- Ensure all solutions across multinational defence programmes meet high standards of quality, security, interoperability, and scalability.
- Lead and mentor internal architecture teams and external partners, establishing best practices and architectural governance.
- Develop, maintain, and oversee enterprise architecture roadmap, aligning it with long-term transformation objectives.
- Assess technical proposals from partners, ensuring they are credible, cost-effective, and compliant with security and enterprise standards.
- Contribute to RFPs, procurement processes, and architectural reviews, embedding requirements from project inception.
- Collaborate closely with senior leadership to ensure architectural decisions support strategic priorities and business growth.
- Ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards and regulatory requirements pertinent to defence projects.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Proven extensive experience leading architecture in large-scale defence, aerospace, or digital transformation programmes (minimum two major programmes preferred).
- Strong expertise in Microsoft technologies, cloud (Azure), integration, and security.
- Demonstrable leadership and stakeholder management skills, including engagement with C-level executives.
- Relevant experience working within MOD, Defence Digital, or UK aerospace environments.
- Certifications in cloud technologies (e.g., Azure certifications) are desirable but not mandatory.
- Ability to assess complex technical proposals, articulate strategic architectural direction, and guide multi-disciplinary teams effectively.
What We Offer:
- Exciting opportunity to work on high-profile defence projects with a mission-critical impact.
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements in Reading, supporting work-life balance.
- The chance to influence the future of defence digital ecosystems and be part of a pioneering, globally connected team.
- Competitive contract terms with potential for long-term collaboration.
- A chance to grow your career within a forward-thinking company that values innovation, excellence, and trust.
If you'd like to discuss this Solution Lead in more detail, please send your updated CV to (url removed) and I will get in touch.
Solution Lead / Chief Engineer in Reading employer: CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler
Contact Detail:
CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Lead / Chief Engineer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current trends in digital solutions for defence. We want you to showcase your expertise in Microsoft technologies and cloud solutions, so be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, and applying directly helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our innovative team!
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Lead / Chief Engineer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership in architecture and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in defence or aerospace.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for digital solutions in the defence sector and how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Don’t forget to mention your experience with Microsoft technologies and cloud services like Azure. We want to see how you’ve applied these skills in real-world scenarios, especially in large-scale programmes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of digital solutions in the defence sector. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in aerospace and MOD environments, especially around security and scalability. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight how you mentored others and established best practices. This role is all about strategic leadership, so demonstrating your ability to guide and inspire will set you apart.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the company’s current projects and their strategic goals. Be ready to discuss how your architectural strategies can align with their objectives. Showing that you understand their mission and can contribute to it will make a strong impression.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their approach to cybersecurity compliance or how they envision the future of their digital ecosystems. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your strategic thinking capabilities.