Hiring: Senior Solutions Architect - Microsoft Solutions

At UBDS Group, with our portfolio including UBDS Digital and Rayo, we are dedicated to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit by investing in innovators who harness technology to drive meaningful change. To support our continued growth and meet project and client demands, we are currently looking to strengthen our Solutions Architecture capability by hiring a Senior Solution Architect with strong Microsoft Fabric experience. This is a senior, client-facing architecture role focused on the design and delivery of Microsoft Fabric platforms within complex enterprise environments.

The successful candidate will take ownership of solution architecture, working from established reference architectures and adapting these to meet specific client requirements. The role will work closely with Lead Engineers, Security Architects, Platform Engineers and other domain specialists to ensure solutions are secure, scalable, operationally viable and aligned with wider enterprise architecture standards. This is primarily a Solution Architecture rather than hands-on engineering role, although the successful candidate will have sufficient technical depth to work closely with engineering teams, challenge technical decisions and provide architectural leadership throughout delivery. The role is offered on a hybrid working basis, combining remote working with client and UBDS site attendance as required.

Responsibilities

• Leading the architecture and design of Microsoft Fabric platforms and associated Microsoft cloud services.
• Working from established reference architectures and adapting designs to meet client-specific requirements, constraints and standards.
• Owning end-to-end solution architecture across platform, networking, security, identity and operational considerations.
• Producing and assuring architecture and solution design documentation.
• Preparing and presenting architecture designs for governance and Design Authority approval.
• Ensuring architectural governance is maintained throughout solution delivery.
• Identifying and managing architectural risks, dependencies, assumptions and key design decisions.
• Working closely with Lead Engineers and Platform Engineers to ensure architectural designs are practical, deliverable and aligned with engineering best practice.
• Collaborating with Security Architects and other domain specialists to ensure security and identity requirements are incorporated throughout the solution.
• Providing architectural leadership and direction across multiple technical workstreams.
• Engaging with client IT and business stakeholders to understand requirements and enable architectural change.
• Clearly communicating technical decisions, options and trade-offs to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Building consensus and securing buy-in across multiple client, architecture and delivery teams.
• Consulting and collaborating with other members of the UBDS architecture capability.
• Interfacing with third-party suppliers and technology partners where required.
• Acting as an escalation point for technical and architectural issues throughout the engagement.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior, client-facing architecture role such as Senior Solution Architect, Solutions Architect or Enterprise Architect.
• Strong experience designing and delivering Microsoft Fabric platforms.
• Broad experience across the Microsoft Azure and Microsoft cloud technology landscape.
• Evidence of previous end-to-end technical design and architectural experience within complex enterprise environments.
• Strong understanding of platform, networking, security, identity and operational architecture considerations.
• Experience working with established reference architectures and adapting them to meet specific client requirements.
• Experience producing architecture documentation and taking designs through formal architecture governance and Design Authority approval.
• Experience working closely with engineering teams while maintaining responsibility for the overall solution architecture.
• The ability to work effectively with business and IT stakeholders, both internally and within client and partner organisations.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence technical decisions and secure buy-in from multiple teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts and architectural decisions clearly.
• Experience working collaboratively with Security Architects, Platform Engineers, Lead Engineers and domain specialists.
• Strong architectural governance focus and the ability to ensure designs remain aligned throughout delivery.
• Experience of end-to-end architecture, from business and technical requirements through to deployment and operational service considerations.
• The ability to work effectively within a matrix management environment and across multidisciplinary teams.
• The ability to work effectively to demanding project and client deadlines.
• Active SC Clearance would be desirable.

Why people choose to grow their careers at UBDS Group

Professionals choose to grow their careers at UBDS Group for its reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation that is deeply committed to both innovation and employee development. At UBDS Group, employees are given unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects across a diverse range of industries, exposing them to new challenges and learning opportunities that are pivotal for professional growth. The Group’s culture emphasises continuous improvement, offering ample training programs, mentorship, and the chance to gain certifications that enhance their skills and marketability. UBDS Group fosters a collaborative environment where creativity and innovation are encouraged, allowing employees to contribute ideas and solutions that have a tangible impact on the company and its clients. This combination of professional development, a culture of innovation, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions makes UBDS Group an attractive place for those looking to advance their careers and be at the forefront of technological and operational excellence.

Employee Benefits

• Training – All team members are offered a number of options in terms of personal development, whether it is technical led, business acumen or methodologies.
• Private medical cover for you and your spouse/partner, offered via Vitality.
• Discretionary bonus based on a blend of personal and company performance.
• Holiday – You will receive 25 Days holiday, plus 1 day for Birthday and 1 day for your work anniversary in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Electric Vehicle leasing with salary sacrifice.
• Contributed Pension Scheme.
• Death in service cover.
• Hybrid Working – UBDS Group offers a flexible working environment to help enable you to operate at your maximum regardless of your location.