At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape innovative tech solutions for a leading financial services group.
- Company: Join Legal & General, a pioneer in safeguarding financial futures since 1836.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holidays, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a culture that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by modernising technology and driving strategic initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in solution architecture and knowledge of cloud technologies required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Legal & General (L&G) is a leading UK financial services group and major global investor. We’ve been safeguarding people’s financial futures since 1836, and strive to build a better society, while improving the lives of our customers and creating value for shareholders. We are one of the world’s largest asset managers and provide powerful asset origination capabilities.
We’re looking for an experienced Solutions Architect to join Legal & General’s Institutional Retirement division. This is a key role shaping end‑to‑end technology solutions across a high‑profile portfolio of change, including investment and finance transformation programmes. You’ll work at the intersection of business and technology, helping modernise legacy platforms, enable cloud adoption, and support data‑led decision‑making. This is a highly collaborative role where you’ll engage with a broad range of stakeholders across L&G, contributing to strategic initiatives and driving meaningful outcomes for customers.
What you’ll be doing:
- Defining end‑to‑end solution architectures across the LGIR portfolio, aligning with strategy and enterprise standards
- Ensuring solutions are fit for purpose, meet business requirements, and deliver value within cost constraints
- Leading analysis of technology options, including cost, risk, and gap analysis, and producing proof of concepts where required
- Communicating solution designs and key decisions to stakeholders and governance forums including Design Authority
- Overseeing and driving solution development and implementation in partnership with delivery teams
- Assessing and selecting technology solutions with business, procurement and service partners, ensuring robust due diligence
- Collaborating across technology and business teams to align architectures, reduce risk and support strategic outcomes
- Identifying and championing innovation and continuous improvement, particularly in cloud, data and modern technology capabilities
Who we’re looking for:
- TOGAF or equivalent architecture certification is desirable, alongside a relevant degree or equivalent professional experience, with ITIL certification considered advantageous
- Strong knowledge of architectural design patterns, IT industry standards and governance frameworks
- Broad understanding of cloud and integration technologies including SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, APIs, SOA, microservices, open data and event‑driven architectures
- Experience with cloud data platforms, ideally Snowflake or similar technologies
- Knowledge of financial services domains such as investments and finance systems, actuarial systems or pensions
- Experience working within regulated environments, with awareness of FCA and PRA requirements, alongside exposure to analytics, business intelligence or AI
- Proven experience leading solution architecture across medium to large‑scale programmes, including cloud‑based delivery and collaboration with development and infrastructure teams
- Strong leadership capability with the ability to influence stakeholders, build effective networks and articulate a clear and compelling vision for future technology direction
Benefits:
- The opportunity to participate in our annual, performance‑related bonus plan and valuable share schemes
- Generous pension contribution
- Life assurance
- Healthcare Plan (permanent employees only)
- At least 25 days holiday, plus public holidays, 26 days after 2 years’ service. There’s also the option to buy and sell holiday
- Competitive family leave
- Participate in our electric car scheme, which offers employees the option to hire a brand‑new electric car through tax efficient salary sacrifice (permanent employees only)
- There are many discounts we offer – both for our own products and at a range of high street stores and online
- We’re creating net‑zero carbon workplaces by 2030 by investing in our sustainable, modern offices across the UK, all designed to bring people together and elevate the in‑person experience
At L&G, we believe it's possible to generate positive returns today while helping to build a better future for all. If you join us, you’ll be part of a welcoming, inclusive culture, with opportunities to collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds, views, and experiences. Guided by leaders with integrity who care about your future and wellbeing. Empowered through initiatives which support people to develop their careers and excel. We care passionately about outcomes rather than attendance and are therefore open to discussing all kinds of flexible working options including part‑time, term‑time and job shares.
Solution Architect employer: LegalAndGeneral
Legal & General is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and career development. With a strong commitment to sustainability and flexible working options, employees can thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to meaningful financial solutions for customers. The opportunity to engage with diverse teams and lead innovative technology initiatives makes this role particularly rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like LegalAndGeneral. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to LegalAndGeneral.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on LegalAndGeneral's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at LegalAndGeneral
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with LegalAndGeneral.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at LegalAndGeneral will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former LegalAndGeneral employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
