At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and presentation of innovative IT solutions for schools.
- Company: Join Dataspire Solutions, a leading education IT managed services company.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 32 days holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to mental health and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education by designing solutions that enhance learning experiences.
- Qualifications: Strong consulting experience in IT infrastructure and exceptional communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About the role
Salary: £60-£69k
As a Senior Solutions Consultant, you will lead the discovery, design and presentation of complex, strategic and multi-site opportunities including MAT-wide work and non-standard designs. Your solutions will span the full technology stack including network, cloud, identity, endpoint, backup, security, safeguarding, compliance and operational monitoring.
You will be a key technical voice in customer meetings, bid responses, solution reviews and framework opportunities working closely with Sales, Implementation Services and Systems Operations to ensure what we propose is technically sound, commercially realistic and operationally supportable.
Key responsibilities
- Lead complex discovery across multiple schools, sites, stakeholders or technical domains.
- Design end-to-end solutions spanning networks, cloud, identity, endpoint, backup, security, safeguarding, compliance and operational monitoring using reference architectures and DfE, NCSC and KCSIE guardrails.
- Produce and defend high-quality proposal content including solution overviews, HLDs, diagrams, SOWs, scope, assumptions, responsibilities and acceptance criteria.
- Present recommendations confidently to SLTs, governors, trust leaders and technical steering groups adjusting language for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Peer review proposals, SOWs, assumptions and solution designs produced by Associate and Solutions Consultants.
- Identify design risk, delivery risk, operational risk and commercial risk early and challenge constructively.
- Support strategic bids, tenders, framework opportunities and high-value projects ensuring responses are compelling, compliant and commercially balanced.
- Collaborate with Implementation Services and Systems Operations leaders to validate feasibility, effort, migration approach and operational readiness.
- Capture reusable design patterns and challenge one-off bespoke approaches feeding improvements into standards, templates and the solutions catalogue.
- Mentor and coach Associate and Solutions Consultants in discovery, design quality, documentation and presentation skills.
Technologies you'll design with
- Network and connectivity: HPE Aruba, Cisco Meraki, Ubiquiti.
- Perimeter and edge security: Smoothwall, Securly, Barracuda, Fortinet.
- Servers and virtualisation: Microsoft Windows Server, Hyper-V, VMware (ESXi, vCenter), Dell EMC, HPE ProLiant.
- Collaboration and productivity: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace for Education.
- Identity and directory services: Active Directory, Azure AD, Entra ID, IAM Cloud.
- Endpoint management: Autopilot, SCCM, Intune, Google Endpoint Management, JAMF, Lightspeed, MDM.
- Apple platform management: macOS, iPadOS, iOS, JAMF.
- Storage and backup: SAN, NAS, S2D, Redstor.
- Remote access and voice: RDS, VPN, 3CX, Microsoft Teams.
- Security, filtering and safeguarding: DfE, Cyber Essentials and KCSIE-aligned platforms.
What we're looking for
- Strong consulting experience in complex infrastructure, cloud, network or education technology environments, ideally within an MSP.
- Strong architecture capability. Comfortable working with reference architectures, design principles and end-to-end solutions spanning infrastructure and cloud.
- Broad technical awareness with depth in at least one major domain (network, cloud, identity, security or endpoint).
- Exceptional presentation and communication skills. Proven ability to present confidently to SLT and trust leadership, explain concepts to non-technical audiences and go deep with IT managers.
- Demonstrable presales or bid experience including shaping solutions for RFPs, tenders and framework opportunities alongside sales and finance on pricing.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to manage ambiguity.
- Strong documentation skills. Concise proposals, clear diagrams and structured SOWs.
- A proactive, collaborative approach comfortable owning opportunities end-to-end while operating as part of a wider "One Team".
Nice to have: Previous experience working in or closely aligned to the education sector with understanding of NCSC, DfE and KCSIE standards. If not, your ability to understand educational outcomes and translate them into effective IT solutions is what counts.
What we offer
- Normal hours of work of 37.5 per week.
- Hybrid working – 3 days a week in the office.
- 32 days’ holiday each year inclusive of bank holidays.
- Additional paid Christmas shutdown day.
- Birthday off.
- On-site parking.
- Optional branded workwear.
- Employee Assistance Programme available to support colleagues with wellbeing, mental health, legal, financial and personal advice.
Working with others
- Solutions Design for design governance and reference architectures.
- Implementation Services for delivery validation and cutover feasibility.
- Systems Operations for operational readiness, resilience and monitoring requirements.
- Sales leadership for strategic opportunity shaping.
Development and progression
You will benefit from a structured development framework including:
- Continuing Professional Development (CPDs) aligned to our financial year.
- Monthly 1:1s.
- Pluralsight licence with ringfenced learning time.
- Vendor-led training where needs identified.
- Clear progression path towards Lead Solutions Architect by owning standards, governance, reference architectures and portfolio-level technical direction.
Why this role matters
Our mission is to create dependable, high-performing IT environments that give teachers confidence in using technology and help young people access outstanding learning experiences. In this role, every solution you design will directly influence how teachers teach, how students learn and how schools operate safely and efficiently. If you are motivated by the idea of using your architecture and presentation skills to make a tangible difference in education, this is the role for you.
About Dataspire Solutions
Dataspire is a Manchester-based education IT managed services company, delivering a broad portfolio of services spanning managed IT, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, connectivity, and large-scale ICT projects for new school builds and major refurbishments. We have completed more than 120 DfE-funded projects, reflecting our expertise and the depth of our experience in the education sector. We are proud to be a Mental Health at Work Committed organisation and a Disability Confident employer. We are committed to creating a working environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and able to perform at their best.
Locations
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Solutions Consultant (Solutions Architect) in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Dataspire Solutions values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Dataspire Solutions might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Dataspire Solutions!
✨Direct Apply to Dataspire Solutions
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Dataspire Solutions website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Solutions Consultant (Solutions Architect) in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Dataspire Solutions.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Dataspire Solutions. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dataspire Solutions
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
