At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape technical direction and manage delivery for Defence sector projects.
- Company: Join a close-knit team within a larger innovative organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, learning budget, social events, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for self-directed career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in Defence while developing your career in tech.
- Qualifications: Experience with MOD, cloud-native platforms, and strong technical design skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our Information Intelligence practice designs and delivers bespoke technical solutions to some of the most complex operational challenges in the Defence sector. Off the back of significant growth in this part of the business, we're now looking to bring in an experienced Solutions/Technical Architect to join the team.
This role calls for regular weekly travel to customer sites in Bristol and/or Corsham, so it suits someone comfortable splitting their time between client locations.
You’ll sit at the heart of the delivery team, shaping technical direction across Software, Infrastructure and Network Solutions from early-stage architecture assessments right through to managing client relationships and owning delivery against agreed timelines. That means covering the full project lifecycle: shaping the initial concept, gathering and specifying requirements, designing the architecture, implementing infrastructure and software, and supporting the solution once it's live.
Day to day, this looks like:
- Writing technical Statements of Requirements for networks, applications and platforms
- Assessing and defining technical architectures against business needs
- Producing both high-level and detailed technical and operating model designs
- Acting as a trusted advisor to clients navigating technology choices and complex problems
- Working with a broad technology stack, particularly open-source tools and components
- Deploying systems across AWS, Azure, and private cloud environments
- Owning and developing key customer relationships
- Staying ahead of a fast-moving technology landscape
- Mentoring and supporting other members of the delivery team
Ideally, you’ll have a track record of working directly with the MOD, designing and implementing large-scale, cloud-native platforms and applications. We’d also like to see:
- Experience writing technical requirements for cloud-native applications and platforms
- A background in digital transformation and IT infrastructure modernisation
- Enterprise architecture planning and strategic input at scale
- Strong technical design skills, from high-level down to detailed
- A track record of owning project deliverables end to end
- Confidence in engaging senior stakeholders and customers directly
Given the nature of the work, current high-level security clearance (MOD DV) is preferred. To be eligible, you’ll need to be a British citizen who has lived in the UK continuously for the past five years.
Expect the feel of a close-knit team, backed by the resources of a much larger organisation. Along with a competitive salary, you’ll get:
- Flexible hours — 37.5 hours a week, structured your way
- Learning & development — budget for external courses and conferences, a dedicated career coach, and guilds for sharing knowledge across the business
- A genuine social calendar — regular team and company-wide events
- Long-term security — matched pension contributions and private healthcare
We’re committed to an inclusive, team-first environment with self-directed career growth and reasonable adjustments available throughout the hiring process.
Solution Architect- Defence in Bristol employer: Forward Role
At Forward Role, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among our Cloud & DevOps Engineers. With competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth in the thriving tech hubs of London and beyond, we empower our employees to tackle complex engineering challenges in National Security environments while working with cutting-edge technologies like AWS and Kubernetes. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your expertise and supports your career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect- Defence in Bristol
✨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 Forward Role 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 Forward Role 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 Forward Role!
✨Direct Apply to Forward Role
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Forward Role 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 Solution Architect- Defence in Bristol
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 Forward Role.
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 Forward Role. 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 Forward Role
✨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.
