Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative networking solutions and shape technology strategy.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of technology evolution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share scheme, car salary sacrifice, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology for over 15 million members in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in networking, cloud technologies, and enterprise-scale infrastructure required.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a Solutions Architect who thrives in large, complex enterprise environments? Do you love shaping technology strategy, designing resilient networks, and influencing real change? If you’re experienced with Cisco, ITIL, enterprise-scale infrastructure and modern cloud technologies, this could be your next big move.
As we evolve our technology estate and build the foundations for a future-fit, data‑driven organisation, our Architecture function is at the heart of that journey. This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping how our systems, networks and services operate for years to come.
In this role, you’ll be trusted to set direction, define standards, challenge legacy thinking and guide the delivery of secure, scalable solutions that support over 15 million members. You’ll work across major strategic programmes, influence senior stakeholders, and help steer the organisation’s technology roadmap through complex, enterprise-wide change.
This role is hybrid working which can be discussed on application and we are happy for you to be based on either of our sites in Bristol, Manchester or Walsall.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead the design and engineering of networking and infrastructure solutions across major strategic programmes.
- Support the Head of Technology Strategy & Architecture in delivering the technology change roadmap and input into the overall Technology strategy.
- Translate business needs into robust, scalable technical designs aligned to the Technology Strategy.
- Shape and prioritise the portfolio’s change backlog, ensuring reusable technology patterns and high architectural standards.
- Engage with senior stakeholders across Technology and the business.
- Participate in and occasionally chair the Architecture Review Board.
- Mentor and guide delivery teams, engineers, PMs and analysts to ensure successful outcomes.
- Deliver secure, stable, well-engineered solutions into Technology Operations.
- Leaning in to assist at a technical level during system outages.
Key Skills & Experience
- Strong experience across Networking & Infrastructure.
- Transit routing and network architecture.
- Cabling standards (Copper/Fibre), and structured cabling methods.
- Firewalls, VPN, SDN, and Zero-Trust (SASE) security models.
- Infrastructure monitoring and alerting, techniques, processes and patterns.
- Good understanding of SDWAN technologies.
- Good grounding in Microsoft and Linux technologies.
- Proven experience in a large enterprise environment, including managing vendors.
- Strong grounding in IT Service Management / ITIL.
- Knowledge of Azure expected, AWS (or other main cloud providers) desirable.
- Understanding of TOGAF or similar frameworks.
- Maintaining the Architecture Repository, including documenting patterns, standards, principles, and other artefacts.
- Horizon scanning for upcoming technologies, vulnerabilities or opportunities within your domain.
As a Solutions Architect at RAC, you’ll get benefits that go the extra mile:
- Earnings That Motivate – enjoy a competitive salary plus automatic enrolment in our ‘Owning It Together’ Colleague Share Scheme - a unique opportunity to share in RAC’s future success and be rewarded for the exceptional work you deliver.
- Tools to Drive Your Future – get started with a free RAC Ultimate Complete Breakdown Service from day one, plus access to a car salary sacrifice scheme (including electric vehicle options) after 12 months, delivering serious tax savings.
- Time Off That Matters – enjoy 25 days annual leave, plus...
Solutions Architect in Manchester employer: Rac
Contact Detail:
Rac Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and meetups to connect with other tech enthusiasts. You never know who might be looking for a Solutions Architect just like you!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects and achievements. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly! If you see a company you love, drop them a message on LinkedIn or through their website. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and stay updated! The tech world is always evolving, so make sure you're up to speed with the latest trends and technologies. This will not only boost your confidence but also impress potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Solutions Architect role. Highlight your experience with Cisco, ITIL, and cloud technologies, and don’t forget to showcase your ability to influence change in large enterprise environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about shaping technology strategy and how your skills align with our mission at StudySmarter. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in networking and infrastructure solutions. Use metrics where possible to show the impact of your work.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rac
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Solutions Architect, you need to be well-versed in networking and infrastructure. Brush up on your knowledge of Cisco, ITIL, and cloud technologies like Azure and AWS. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these skills in past roles, especially in large enterprise environments.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role is all about shaping technology strategy. Prepare examples of how you've influenced change in previous positions. Think about times when you’ve defined standards or challenged legacy thinking, and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You’ll be working with senior stakeholders, so demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Prepare to discuss how you've engaged with different teams and influenced decision-making processes. Highlight any experience you have chairing meetings or leading discussions.
✨Be Ready for Technical Challenges
Expect some technical questions or scenarios during the interview. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss how you would handle system outages or design resilient networks. Showing that you can think on your feet will impress your interviewers.
