Principal Cloud and AI Solution Architect

Welcome to Hastings Direct. We’re a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become the best and biggest in the UK market. We’ve made huge investments in our data and tech capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture. We’re proud of the journey we’re on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues.

As a Solution Architect, you’ll be joining a team at the forefront of defining our Cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities. You’ll collaborate closely with key stakeholders across the business and technology to design and deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions.

• This is a high-impact role in our Solution Architecture team, shaping cloud-first solutions that span multiple platforms and services.
• You’ll be a custodian of our technology estate: evolving roadmaps, promoting re-use, and keeping solutions aligned to our architecture principles and standards.
• You’ll lead technical assessments and architecture decision-making, setting clear direction on patterns, integration approaches, and cloud capabilities.
• Working closely with business and engineering stakeholders, you’ll translate opportunities and challenges into pragmatic target solutions.
• You’ll be part of the fast-paced AI delivery cycle, establishing the tools that support from PoC to production rollout.
• You’ll build trusted-adviser relationships—confidently influencing and negotiating on the flexible elements of the design to land the best outcome.

• Strong hands-on experience designing and governing solutions on Microsoft Azure (including security, resiliency, and cost considerations).
• Proven ability to modernise application landscapes—shaping new builds and transformations using contemporary architecture patterns.
• Practical AI capability experience—identifying valuable use cases and enabling or building solutions and tools that deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills—able to bring clarity, tell the story of the architecture, and gain alignment across business and technology.

Hybrid working available from our Bexhill location.

• Attractive salary based on experience + car allowance (pay reviews also completed each year).
• Flexible Working – We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach.
• Competitive Bonus Scheme - All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus.
• Physical Wellbeing – Hastings pays for private medical insurance.
• Financial Wellbeing – 4x your salary life assurance cover, pension contribution match up to 10%, and an award-winning package.
• Mental Wellbeing programme – A range of support to help you keep yourself well.
• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your contracted weeks.
• Access to health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, and social events throughout the year.

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.