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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative software solutions and collaborate with diverse teams to solve complex problems.
- Company: Join PA Consulting, a global leader in strategy and technology, dedicated to building a positive human future.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, 25 days leave, and health perks for you and your family.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive tech community that values innovation, learning, and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Hands-on software engineering experience and a passion for problem-solving are essential.
- Other info: Flexible career paths available; no need to follow traditional routes.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Company Description
We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future. As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. Our interdisciplinary teams combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results.
We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists with deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport. Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands.
Job Description
We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future. We challenge where it matters and own the outcome. We combine strategic thinking, customer‑centric service design, and agile engineering practices to accelerate innovation in a tech‑driven world.
Why consider joining our Digital & Data community?
- Join our Digital & Data team working alongside product, design and a wide range of other experts and cross‑disciplinary teams to bring ideas to life through innovative software solutions.
- Grow in a flexible and inclusive environment that values excellence, innovation, and curiosity, with the option to progress on a technical career track.
- Hybrid working – a minimum of 2 days per week in office or on client site.
- Work on a broad variety of projects and tech stacks for clients across seven sectors – each project is unique.
- Collaborate within a supportive and collaborative tech community through knowledge‑sharing, peer‑level support, coaching and mentoring.
- Deepen your expertise through a culture of learning and growth – you’ll have budget to take courses (technical and non‑technical training) and gain certifications.
Our Tech Stack
While we advocate for using the right tech for the right task, you can expect to work with the following technologies to ensure scalable, high‑performance applications:
- Cloud platforms: AWS, Azure, GCP
- Architecture frameworks: TOGAF, Zachmann, MODAF
- Agile methodologies: SAFe, Scrum, Kanban
- Modeling tools: UML, ArchiMate, Ardoq
What You Can Expect
- Create and assure key architecture artefacts such as Key Design Decision, Technical Options Paper, High Level Design.
- Collaborate closely with engineering teams, often taking a lead SME role to define vision and establish architectural guardrails.
- Support senior leaders in shaping their case for change, leading on cost estimation and detailed planning.
- Work with agile best practices and cross‑functionally with multiple teams and stakeholders.
- Hybrid working with the team on client site or in our office, a minimum of two days per week, with flexibility up to five days on a client site.
- Work in an environment that deeply cares about its values.
Qualifications Essential Requirements
- Hands‑on software engineering background with experience leading engineering teams to deliver applications and services.
- Clear understanding and practical application of architecture and delivery methodologies.
- Operating confidently across all architectural domains with a specialism in at least one: Business, Data, Application, Technology, and Security.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
- Proficiency in problem‑solving and analytical thinking.
- Enjoy collaboration with multiple stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment.
- Certifications in appropriate methodologies and cloud technologies are advantageous.
We’re technology agnostic, using the right tools for the job at hand. We’re interested in solution architects with experience across the majority of leading vendors including Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Oracle, IBM, Salesforce, and more.
Assessment Process ⚖️
- Quick video call with one of our tech recruiters to discuss your application, the role, and PA.
- Round 1: Either a competency or technical interview (60 mins).
- Round 2: Either a competency or technical interview, whichever you didn’t do at the first round (60 mins).
- Final round: Meeting with a PA leader – a discussion around your client‑centricity (45 mins).
Life at PA
Life at PA encompasses our peoples’ experience – we enrich working lives by giving them access to unique people and growth opportunities and purpose‑led meaningful work. Our purpose guides how we work with clients and teams and supports our communities, delivering insight and impact and solving the world’s most complex challenges. We focus on building a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets, with a culture of inclusion and equality that unlocks the potential in our people so everyone can be their best self.
Find out more about Life at PA.
Benefits (Overview)
- Health and lifestyle perks with private healthcare for you and your family.
- 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days.
- Generous company pension scheme.
- Opportunity to get involved with community and charity‑based initiatives.
- Annual performance‑based bonus.
- PA share ownership.
- Tax‑efficient benefits (cycle‑to‑work, give as you earn).
Equality and Diversity
We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, or any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from under‑represented groups.
Adjustments or Accommodations
Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us at recruitmentenquiries@paconsulting.com.
Job Information
Firm: PA Consulting
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
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Solution Architect employer: Consultancy.uk
Contact Detail:
Consultancy.uk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as AWS, Azure, and GCP. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these platforms during interviews will demonstrate your technical expertise and alignment with the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your problem-solving skills by thinking of examples where you've successfully navigated complex challenges in previous roles. This will help you stand out during the competency interviews, as they often focus on real-world applications of your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the company’s culture by researching their values and recent projects. During your interviews, reference how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around innovation and collaboration, to show that you're a good cultural fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of PA Consulting on platforms like LinkedIn. This can provide you with insider insights about the interview process and company culture, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Solution Architect role. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your hands-on software engineering background and any experience leading engineering teams. Mention specific projects where you've applied architecture and delivery methodologies.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills, especially in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP. If you have certifications in relevant methodologies, be sure to include them as they can set you apart from other candidates.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only reflects your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrates your understanding of the company's values and how you can contribute to their mission of building a positive human future.
How to prepare for a job interview at Consultancy.uk
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Solution Architect, it's crucial to demonstrate your hands-on software engineering background. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've led engineering teams and the technologies you've used, especially in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP.
✨Understand Architectural Methodologies
Familiarise yourself with architecture frameworks such as TOGAF or Zachmann. During the interview, be ready to explain how you've applied these methodologies in past roles and how they can benefit the company's projects.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams. Discuss how you've collaborated with stakeholders to define architectural vision and establish guardrails, showcasing your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and analytical thinking skills. Practice articulating your thought process when tackling complex challenges, as this will demonstrate your capability to deliver innovative solutions.
