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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical direction of high-profile Defence ICT bids and shape innovative solutions.
- Company: Join CGI, a top-rated employer recognised for its inclusive culture and commitment to tech talent.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, excellent pension, private healthcare, and a share scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology and influence landmark contracts.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading large-scale bids and strong technical expertise in architecture.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly community with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At CGI, we are shaping the future of defence technology by delivering complex, high-value solutions that transform capability for the UK MOD. As Solution Lead, you will play a pivotal role in driving one of our most significant ICT bids, bringing technical excellence and leadership to a multi-£100M programme. Working collaboratively with a partner consultancy, you will define and assure a solution that is compelling, competitive, and trusted, while strengthening CGI’s reputation for disciplined systems integration and innovation. This is a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction of a landmark contract and ensure CGI is positioned at the forefront of delivering mission‑critical digital services.
Due to the secure nature of the programme, you will need to hold UK Security Clearance or be eligible to go through this clearance.
Candidate Profile
In this role, you will take ownership of shaping CGI’s solution for a high‑profile Defence ICT bid, leading the technical direction and ensuring our deliverables are robust, cost‑effective, and strategically aligned. You will work at the interface between CGI and our partner, establishing trusted relationships and demonstrating technical authority that builds confidence in CGI’s role as a key partner. You will provide leadership across CGI’s technical team, governing architecture, design, and integration activities, while also reviewing cost and effort to assure the competitiveness of our submission. By influencing across both CGI and the Prime, you will ensure CGI’s contributions are well represented, innovative, and scalable helping secure a significant long‑term contract that expands our footprint across applications, security, testing, infrastructure, and service design.
Key Responsibilities Include
- Lead the shaping and governance of CGI’s solution and bid deliverables
- Build strong collaborative relationships with our partner and Defence stakeholders
- Provide technical leadership across CGI’s bid team and wider solution areas
- Apply disciplined systems architecture and integration practices
- Review solution effort, costs, and competitiveness to ensure value for money
- Contribute expertise across domains including managed applications, workplace services, hosting, networks, security, and testing
- Represent CGI in solution design discussions covering enterprise systems, cloud hosting, and service processes
Required Qualifications To Be Successful In This Role
To succeed in this role, you should bring a strong track record of leading large‑scale bids and delivery programmes, ideally within Defence and Enterprise Business Systems. You should combine technical depth in architecture and solution design with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and assure complex solutions. Experience across multiple technology domains, particularly in secure and large‑scale environments, will be essential.
You Should Have
- Proven experience leading solutions on major ICT programmes and bids
- Strong background in Defence and Enterprise Business Systems
- Expertise in architecture, design processes, and systems integration
- Ability to review and contribute across areas including Windows/Server Core Apps, Network Design, Firewall, Cloud Hosting
- Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership and assurance in multi‑party environments
It Would Be Beneficial To Have
- Knowledge of VMware Cloud Foundation (NSX, vRealize, ARIA)
- Experience with Defence networking and workplace applications (Teams, SharePoint)
- Familiarity with storage, backup, application integration, and packaging
Lead Architect (DV Security Clearance) in Reading employer: Free-Work UK
Contact Detail:
Free-Work UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Architect (DV Security Clearance) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the defence tech space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies of your previous work, especially those related to large-scale bids and ICT programmes. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your experience shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s for an interview or a casual chat, being able to clearly articulate your vision and how you can contribute to CGI’s mission is key. Keep it concise but impactful – you want to leave them wanting more!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities tailored to your skills and interests. Don’t miss out on your chance to join our awesome team!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Architect (DV Security Clearance) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading large-scale bids and delivery programmes, especially within Defence. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Lead Architect, so don’t hold back on showcasing your technical depth!
Showcase Your Technical Leadership: In your application, emphasise your ability to provide technical leadership and assurance in multi-party environments. We’re looking for someone who can influence senior stakeholders, so share examples of how you've done this in past roles.
Highlight Collaborative Experiences: Since this role involves building strong relationships with partners and Defence stakeholders, make sure to include any relevant experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others. We love seeing teamwork in action!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Free-Work UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around architecture and systems integration. Be ready to discuss your experience with large-scale ICT programmes and how you've led bids in the past. This is your chance to showcase your expertise!
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with partners and stakeholders, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build strong collaborative relationships. Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you've guided teams in complex environments. Highlight specific instances where you've provided technical leadership and assurance, especially in multi-party settings.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the defence technology sector. Being able to discuss these topics will show that you're not just technically proficient but also aware of the broader context in which CGI operates.
