At a Glance
- Tasks: Design complex IT projects and create high-level and low-level designs for engineering teams.
- Company: Fast-growing MSP specialising in IT services for the education sector.
- Benefits: Up to £80,000 salary, hybrid working, and strong career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team of 200+ technologists across the UK and Ireland.
- Why this job: Join a people-first culture and make a real impact in education technology.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Solution Architect with strong technical writing skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Want to make an application? Make sure your CV is up to date, then read the following job specs carefully before applying.
Role: Solution Architect
Industry: IT Managed Services
Sector: Education
Salary: up to £80,000 depending on experience
Location: South of England / London
I'm working with a well-established, fast-growing MSP that specialises in delivering IT services into the education sector - some of the UK's most recognised independent schools, colleges and academies. They're expanding their technical leadership team and looking for a Solution Architect to own the design of complex IT projects across their client base. If you love the design side of the job - the part where you take a messy brief, walk a site, talk to the people who'll actually use it, and turn it into a design that's elegant on paper and bulletproof in delivery - this is the one.
What you'll be doing:
- Owning the technical design of complex infrastructure, cloud, network and security projects.
- Producing High-Level Designs (HLDs) and Low-Level Designs (LLDs) that engineering teams can build to with confidence.
- Partnering with Account Managers and Project Managers on scoping, proposals, and statements of work.
- Acting as the technical authority in client meetings - building trust with IT Directors, Bursars and Heads.
- Providing design governance and mentoring Project Engineers as they grow.
- Building out reusable reference architectures and education-sector design standards.
What we're looking for:
- A proven Solution Architect, Principal Engineer or senior Project Engineer with real HLD/LLD experience.
- MSP background strongly preferred - you understand the rhythm of project-led delivery across multiple clients.
- Deep Microsoft stack: M365, Azure, Entra ID, Intune, Windows Server, AD, Exchange.
- Strong virtualisation (Hyper-V / VMware) and networking (VLANs, firewalls, wireless).
- Solid grounding in cyber security, backup, and BC/DR design.
- Excellent technical writing - your documents are the deliverable.
- Education-sector experience is a real plus, but strong MSP architects from complex multi-site SME environments will absolutely be considered.
Why this one:
- Part of a larger group - 200+ technologists across multiple UK and Ireland offices.
- Microsoft Solutions Partner with strong vendor relationships.
- 15+ years specialising in education - working with the country's most respected schools.
- Growing fast, investing heavily, and genuinely people-first.
- Hybrid working, real progression, and a culture where good work gets recognised.
Interested? Drop me a DM or send your CV across for a confidential chat - happy to share more detail on the business once we're talking.
Solution Architect in Guildford employer: Nextech
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding Managed Service Provider that prioritises a people-first culture, offering you the chance to lead innovative IT projects within the education sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, hybrid working options, and recognition for your contributions, this role as a Solution Architect provides an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact while collaborating with some of the UK's most prestigious educational institutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in MSPs or the education sector. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to Solution Architecture. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your design process and technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through a portfolio! If you’ve worked on impressive projects, gather them together to demonstrate your design capabilities. This can really set you apart from other candidates when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep Your CV Fresh:Before you dive into the application, make sure your CV is up to date. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in HLD/LLD and MSP environments, as this will catch our eye!
Tailor Your Application:Read through the job specs carefully and tailor your application to match. Use keywords from the description to show us you understand what we're looking for in a Solution Architect.
Show Off Your Technical Writing Skills:Since excellent technical writing is key for this role, make sure your application documents are clear and well-structured. This is your chance to demonstrate that you can produce deliverables that are easy to follow.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nextech
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Solution Architect, you need to be well-versed in the Microsoft stack and other technologies mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of M365, Azure, and virtualisation tools like Hyper-V and VMware. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these technologies in past projects.
✨Prepare Your Design Examples
Have a few examples of High-Level Designs (HLDs) and Low-Level Designs (LLDs) ready to share. Talk about the challenges you faced, how you approached them, and the outcomes. This will showcase your technical writing skills and your ability to deliver elegant solutions.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique needs of the education sector. If you have experience working with schools or colleges, highlight it! If not, research common IT challenges they face and think about how your skills can address those issues.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
In your interview, demonstrate your ability to build trust with clients. Share experiences where you've successfully partnered with Account Managers or Project Managers. Show that you can communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, which is crucial for a Solution Architect.
