Solution Architect

We are currently recruiting for a Solution Architect to join our IT & Digital team here at SCS Railways.

About the role: SCS IT Team is responsible for managing cloud-based services and on-site facilities for about 2000 users. Our services are SaaS by Construction related solution providers, and our effort is towards ensuring business requirements and service levels are met. The Solution Architect is responsible for the delivery of solutions and ensuring adherence to integration architecture discipline, integration architecture, policies & design for the systems and providing hands-on integration technical capability leading to establish support function within IT department. A strategic thinker who has implemented SaaS and Azure solutions and created high level and low-level technical documentation. This is a hands-on role, the Solution Architect will design, implement solutions (ETLS and Microsoft Power Apps), and ensure the solutions meet the needs of IT requirements with approval and support from both the Solution Architects and Data Architects. The role will report to the Data Architect and will provide cover and support the Solution Architects.

Flexible working: This role will be based in the office for a minimum of 3 days per week.

Main Responsibilities:

• Development and analyse and deliver solutions and ensure integration requirements align with best practice and policies for projects/BAU works which involves IT systems.
• Hands on skill to help deliver Design, Build, Test and also to lead/review the works delivered by third parties.
• Lead and manage integration of architecture activities together with other IT architects, support teams and 3rd party vendors.
• Be 'the go-to person' for all the integration related topics, information and knowledge of the integration technologies, platforms and architecture.
• Closely work with support/service team, 3rd parties to monitor integration related issues and lead resolution in timely manner (specifically production incidents) and take proactive actions.
• Update integration architecture related artefacts (integration inventory, integration architecture/design, guidelines, integration patterns).
• Ensure compliance with IT Security policies, and participate in security, audit and regulatory initiatives.
• Reinforce security rules and elevate where risky activity is detected.
• Manage the schedule & timeline of the activities across multiple systems/regions, assess and avoid conflicts and streamline the work efforts and communicate with relevant parties.
• Document processes, procedures, and plans, including changes, upgrades, and new integrations.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Proven experience of leading data warehouse/SQL/Azure implementations and own the integration strategy through to execution and delivery in established IT department.
• Proven architectural design skills and ability to discuss the merits and trade-offs of using any particular design approach and technology.

Technical Expertise:

• Strong hands-on experience in: Azure cloud services, Python, Databricks and ETLs.
• Protocols and formats REST/SOAP, JSON, XML, etc.
• DevOps tools, CI/CD pipelines, Git, and automated testing frameworks.
• Strong understanding of data warehousing, data pipelines, and cloud-native architecture.
• Demonstrated ability to produce High Level Design and Low Level Design documents (must have).
• Expertise in integration architecture and design patterns.
• Experience in Identity and Access Management, security best practices, and authentication protocols (e.g., OAuth2, SAML).
• Proven track record of leading secure, performant, and scalable solution delivery.
• Experience with cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-on-premise integrations.
• Experience with frontend/backend systems, infrastructure, and enterprise monitoring tools (desirable).
• Ability to influence technical direction and set coding and design standards.
• Excellent troubleshooting, performance tuning, and root-cause analysis skills.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams including architects, business analysts, testers, and vendors.

Behaviours and Attributes:

• Proactive, resourceful, and self-motivated with a delivery mindset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills; works well in teams and builds productive relationships.
• Champions quality, security, and best practice.
• Eager to learn, mentor others, and stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies.
• Thrives in dynamic, complex environments and is adaptable to shifting priorities.

About The Company:

The role will work on the HS2 project. HS2 is the UK’s new high speed rail network. It will be a catalyst for economic growth across Britain, freeing up space on the existing railways and connecting 8 out of the UK’s 10 biggest cities with fast, reliable and frequent high speed services. The Skanska | Costain | STRABAG (SCS JV) is delivering the HS2 London Tunnels Contract. Scope of works includes twin-bored tunnels (TBM), SCL tunnels, shaft sinking, bridge demolition and reconstruction, services diversions, earthworks and the construction of site compounds.

You’ll be a welcomed member of the wider team, with opportunities to take on additional responsibility, join our EDI Champions program or support the local community (e.g. as a STEM ambassador). Your personal and professional development is important to us. We welcome a discussion about how we can support you with further study, or professional membership or attainment for example.

HS2 – working with Skanska, Costain and STRABAG, closely monitors job applications, to ensure an inclusive recruitment process. To ensure we are able to maintain this, and to recruit a diverse workforce, we require candidates to complete the diversity form as part of their application so we are able to monitor and improve our approach to diversity.

Please note, all responses are anonymous and we will not share any of your data with other parties. All data will be held securely, (as stated within the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR) and will be reported to HS2.

It is an SCSJV requirement that all employees, Design House, and Supply Chains must implement and comply with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System with guidance for use, OHSAS 18001:2017 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Information Security Management System, Policies, Plans, Procedures and Processes, and statutory requirements as they affect the Joint Venture’s operations and ensure that the requirements, as applicable within their discipline, are effectively implemented on the project.

Develop a culture of safety on the project through the absolute commitment to the Zero Accidents target and ethos, and develops a wider awareness of quality, environmental issues and demonstrates commitment to achieve continual improvement and Zero tolerance.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation. SCS Railways is a Disability Confident Leader. We want to encourage disabled people to apply for our roles and have an opportunity to display your skills, talent, and abilities. We will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview.

To be considered for an interview under this scheme you have: A physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term effect (over 12 months) adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Demonstrated in your application and pre-interview stage that you meet the minimum job criteria and person specification for the role.