At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement IT systems architecture for a leading life and pension provider.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest pension companies undergoing a major digital transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy career growth, a challenging environment, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal journey in transforming legacy systems into modern architectures.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in software engineering, Azure cloud services, and architectural governance required.
- Other info: Roles based in Manchester or Edinburgh, with flexible commuting 2-3 days a week.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are working with one of the largest pension companies in the UK. They are going through an end-to-end digital transformation, moving from large monolithic legacy systems in a hybrid cloud environment. With much of the pension landscape on similar transformation journeys, our client is doing something very different, setting itself apart from their competitors by also going through a considerable architecture transformation. This is an opportunity to be part of a leading life and pension provider at a pivotal part of their journey. This not only promotes a challenging environment but also provides the capability to grow and progress your career.
Our client is seeking senior solution architects to be part of designing and implementing IT systems architecture to meet the business's requirements.
- Experience:
- Hybrid Architecture & Engineering Expertise: Proven experience in both software engineering and architectural roles, especially across legacy Microsoft tech (Tibco, C#, .NET) and modern Azure-based platforms.
- Cloud Proficiency: Deep understanding of Azure cloud services and architectures—including App Services, Functions, API Management, and data tools like Cosmos DB, Synapse, and Data Lake.
- Cloud Flexibility: While Azure is the primary focus, the client is open to candidates with strong cloud architecture experience in GCP or AWS, provided they can translate principles into the Azure ecosystem.
- Infrastructure & DevOps Skills: Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/Bicep), CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps/GitHub), and containerization, plus strong knowledge of security, IAM, and observability practices.
- Architectural Governance & Frameworks: Familiarity with architectural frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, C4), design standards, and compliance-aligned development—particularly in regulated environments like UK Mutuals.
- Domain & Integration Experience: Background in financial services, ideally in Protection, Pensions (Tibco specialists prioritized), Long-Term Savings, or Cloud/Infrastructure, with the ability to modernize legacy systems into scalable, event-driven architectures.
These roles are based in either Southern Manchester or Edinburgh. You will be expected to commute to the site 2/3 days a week. If you view yourself as a continuous learner and problem solver who enjoys getting hands-on, this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your true self.
Senior Solutions Architect employer: ECR Global
Contact Detail:
ECR Global Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Solutions Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Azure services and legacy Microsoft tech. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools during interviews will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have with digital transformations, especially in financial services. Sharing relevant case studies or examples of how you've successfully navigated similar challenges can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your understanding of architectural frameworks like TOGAF or C4. Being able to articulate how these frameworks can be applied to the company's needs will demonstrate your strategic thinking and alignment with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the industry, particularly those who have experience in pensions or financial services. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into the company culture and potentially lead to referrals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Solutions Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in hybrid architecture and engineering, particularly with legacy Microsoft technologies and Azure cloud services. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise in software engineering and architectural roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the digital transformation journey of the company. Mention your familiarity with architectural frameworks and how your background in financial services aligns with their needs.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include details about specific projects where you have implemented Infrastructure as Code, CI/CD pipelines, or containerization. Highlight any experience you have with security practices and compliance in regulated environments.
Demonstrate Continuous Learning: Mention any recent courses, certifications, or workshops you've completed related to cloud architecture or DevOps practices. This shows your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
How to prepare for a job interview at ECR Global
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with both legacy Microsoft technologies and modern Azure platforms. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully implemented hybrid architectures, as this will demonstrate your capability to meet the company's needs.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the company’s digital transformation journey and how it sets them apart from competitors. Being able to articulate how your skills can contribute to their unique approach will show that you are genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Demonstrate Cloud Flexibility
While Azure is the primary focus, be ready to discuss your experience with other cloud platforms like GCP or AWS. Emphasise your ability to translate architectural principles across different environments, which will highlight your adaptability.
✨Prepare for Governance and Compliance Questions
Familiarise yourself with architectural frameworks such as TOGAF and C4, as well as compliance standards relevant to the financial services sector. Be ready to discuss how you have applied these in past roles, especially in regulated environments.