At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and optimisation of digital solutions for a global defence programme.
- Company: Join a major multinational firm shaping the future of defence technology.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and strategic leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global defence while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading architecture functions, especially with Azure and SAP S/4HANA.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Lead Solution Architect to join a major multinational digital transformation programme within the defence sector.
Security Clearance: SC clearance is the minimum permitted
Location: Days in Office Hybrid – reading‑based office (days TBC)
About the Programme
This is a unique opportunity to help shape a new organisation from the ground up setting the foundations for generations to come, influencing how we work, and building something world‑class together. The programme unites UK, Italian, and Japanese expertise to drive what's next in global defence. With trust at the heart of everything we do, we empower our people to dare to go beyond, bring their best as one, and leave a mark that matters on a truly global mission.
Job Purpose
Working within the Digital business value stream, the Lead Solution Architect provides senior technical leadership in defining, governing, and optimising the architecture required to deliver digital products, platforms, and services. The role is accountable for ensuring that all digital solutions across major multinational programmes are designed and delivered to a consistently high standard, fully aligned with the enterprise architecture, Digital strategy, and wider business objectives. This position leads both internal architecture teams and external delivery partners, setting architectural direction, assuring solution quality, and embedding best practice design principles across the Digital portfolio. The Lead Solution Architect ensures that all digital systems meet the required standards for interoperability, resilience, cybersecurity, and long‑term scalability, enabling the organisation to build a cohesive, secure, and future‑ready digital ecosystem.
Key Accountabilities
- Provide strategic leadership to the Digital Architecture team, ensuring clear direction, strong technical governance, and full compliance with architectural standards, security requirements, and regulatory obligations.
- Define, own, and evolve the enterprise architecture roadmap, ensuring it remains aligned to the Digital business value stream, supports long‑term transformation goals, and enables seamless interoperability across multinational programmes.
- Critically assess and validate technical proposals from delivery partners, ensuring they are technically credible, secure, cost‑effective, and fully aligned with enterprise architecture principles and programme objectives.
- Shape and contribute to RFPs, procurement activities, and architectural oversight processes, ensuring architectural requirements, quality expectations, and integration considerations are fully embedded from the outset.
- Partner closely with senior leadership across the Digital business and wider organisation to ensure architectural decisions reinforce strategic priorities, drive business value, and support the development of a cohesive, future‑ready digital ecosystem.
Qualifications
Experience is the primary requirement; formal certifications are not mandatory.
Skills and Experience
- Led architecture functions in at least two major programmes (Azure, SAP S/4HANA).
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management up to CXO level.
- Expertise in Microsoft technologies, integration, and security.
Solutions Architect (Azure, SAP S/4HANA) in Reading employer: Employment International
As a leading employer in the defence sector, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid office in Reading provides flexibility while being part of a major multinational digital transformation programme, allowing you to contribute to impactful projects alongside talented professionals from the UK, Italy, and Japan. We prioritise employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and a culture that encourages daring to go beyond, ensuring that your contributions leave a lasting mark on a global mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect (Azure, SAP S/4HANA) in Reading
✨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 Employment International 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 Employment International 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 Employment International!
✨Direct Apply to Employment International
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Employment International 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 Solutions Architect (Azure, SAP S/4HANA) in Reading
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 Employment International.
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 Employment International. 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 Employment International
✨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.
