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- Tasks: Lead the development of cutting-edge cyber security architectures and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Join NFU Mutual, a top-rated employer in the UK insurance sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonuses, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of technology transformation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT solution architecture and a passion for cyber security.
- Other info: Work in an inclusive environment that values diversity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
NFU Mutual currently has a vacancy for a Senior Solution Architect to support the ongoing development of the IT Cyber architecture for NFUM. This role will be working within the IT architecture team, directly supporting the NFUM IT Cyber Security programme which includes specialists in different architecture and business domains whilst reporting to the Solution Architecture Manager.
The primary responsibility will be to provide support to the NFUM IT Cyber security programme, liaising with other specialists from within the architecture team and programme as appropriate, to develop cyber security solution architectures, create associated solution architecture artefacts and provide solution architecture support to the programme. The role will also be responsible for contributing to and authoring architecture artefacts, such as solution outline definitions, roadmaps, standards and patterns under the guidance and with support of the lead programme Architect.
As a Senior Solution Architect, you will be working closely with IT and business stakeholders, third party suppliers, and fellow architects, enabling effective architectural change, acting as an escalation point for complex technical issues, and contributing to the ongoing development of architecture standards and strategy. You will also bring thought leadership on emerging technologies, trends, and best practices to continually evolve the organisation's technology landscape.
Additionally, the successful candidate will be capable of working on other IT projects and programmes outside the cyber security as and when required. You excel at managing and influencing a wide range of stakeholders, building strong, credible relationships across business, IT, and third party partners to shape and deliver effective architectural outcomes. You are highly collaborative, working closely with delivery teams and fellow architects to co‐create end‐to‐end solutions that balance strategic intent with practical delivery.
You bring confident, well reasoned decision making to complex architectural challenges, able to assess options, and provide clear direction. Through your ability to influence and challenge constructively, you guide stakeholders towards sound architectural decisions that align with governance, standards, and long‐term business goals.
Qualifications & Frameworks
- Good understanding and interest in the Cyber Security technology landscape and industry trends.
- Knowledge of market leading Cyber Security technologies & architectures.
- Demonstrable experience of both IT Solution architecture delivery and specifically within the area of Cyber Security solutions, including awareness of the latest techniques, standards and best practices used.
- Awareness of best practice in IT architecture - ideally with current industry standard certifications e.g. TOGAF Practitioner.
- Demonstrable experience and understanding of a broad range of IT technologies and domains including not only applications but also Infrastructure and Data.
- Good familiarity with IT security best practice for IT system and software development.
- Experience and knowledge of software, system and integration testing; including best practice and automation.
- Experience delivering solutions across hybrid environments, including on‐premise, Azure, AWS, and SaaS, with familiarity in both traditional and cloud‐native technologies.
- Good familiarity with IT architecture governance best practices.
- Demonstrable capability of effectively working with agile teams in a collaborative manner within a commercial environment.
- Experience of DevOps - including Configuration Management, Environment Management, Continuous Integration/Deployment and Release Management.
- Ability to identify and quantify key risks, including familiarity with risk management frameworks.
- Experience of translating business requirements into IT solutions and an ability to define the necessary NFRs to meet required business outcomes.
- Experience of working to tight deadlines and ability to perform under pressure.
- Ideally hold relevant qualifications or practical exposure to recognised industry standards and ways of working, including TOGAF Practitioner, ITIL v4 Foundation, DevOps fundamentals, and Agile development frameworks (or equivalent experience).
Strategic Force
Be the strategic force behind technology transformation at NFU Mutual. Possess current knowledge of the cyber security landscape, including leading technologies and industry trends.
At NFU Mutual, we support an inclusive workplace and value all the differences that make us unique. We celebrate the creativity and innovation that comes from diverse perspectives and experiences and share a common vision of doing the right thing for our customers and employees. We recognise that some candidates may experience barriers during the recruitment process. So, we encourage candidates to discuss any adjustments or accommodations they need to be the best they can be throughout our recruitment process.
We offer a supportive and empowering culture where people are inspired to perform, given opportunities to grow, and recognised and rewarded for their contribution.
Benefits and Rewards
- Salary - £85,000 - £100,000 depending on experience
- Annual bonus (up to 25% of salary)
- Contributory pension scheme, up to 20%, including your 8% contribution
- 28 days annual leave + bank holidays + buy/sell/save holiday trading scheme
- A Family Friendly policy that helps you balance your work and family responsibilities
- Private medical insurance + options to add family members
- Access to savings at High Street brands, travel and supermarkets
- £20 contribution to a monthly gym membership - subject to T&Cs
- Health and wellbeing plan - cashback for dentist, opticians, physio and more
- Employee Volunteering – volunteer in the community for one day each year
- Unlimited access to Refer a Friend £500 bonus scheme
- Life Assurance cover of 4 x salary
- Employee discounts of 15% on a range of NFU Mutual insurance policies.
- Salary sacrifice employee car scheme - subject to eligibility
Senior IT Solution Architect in Stratford-upon-Avon employer: The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited
Contact Detail:
The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior IT Solution Architect in Stratford-upon-Avon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant meetups, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior IT Solution Architect role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience with cyber security solutions and architecture during interviews. Bring examples of how you've tackled complex challenges and contributed to architectural standards in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to NFU Mutual or similar companies to express your interest in potential opportunities. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Tailor your approach! When you get the chance to interview, make sure to align your skills and experiences with NFU Mutual's values and goals. Show them how you can be the strategic force behind their technology transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior IT Solution Architect in Stratford-upon-Avon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in IT solution architecture and cyber security. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of our team at NFU Mutual.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've influenced architectural decisions or led successful projects. This helps us see the impact you can bring to our organisation.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively. This will make it easier for us to understand your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received by the right people and gives you the best chance to stand out in the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited
✨Know Your Cyber Security Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in the cyber security landscape. Be ready to discuss how these can be applied to NFU Mutual's IT architecture, and think about how your past experiences align with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships and guide teams towards effective architectural decisions, as this is crucial for the Senior Solution Architect position.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Architecture Artefacts
Familiarise yourself with common architecture artefacts like solution outlines and roadmaps. Be prepared to talk about your experience in authoring these documents and how they contribute to successful project outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
NFU Mutual values collaboration, so come equipped with examples of how you've worked closely with delivery teams and fellow architects. Emphasise your experience in agile environments and how you co-create solutions that balance strategic intent with practical delivery.