Solution Architect (DSO)

This Senior Solution Architect (DSO) will report to the Architecture Manager and will work within the Strategy Regulation and Support Services directorate based in either our London, Ipswich or Crawley office. You will be a permanent employee.

You will attract a salary of £90,000.00 and a bonus of 7.5%. This role can also offer blended working after probationary period (6 months) – 3 days in the office and 2 remote.

Close Date: 09/02/2025

We also provide the following additional benefits:

• Reservist Leave – Additional 18 days full pay and 22 unpaid
• Personal Pension Plan – Personal contribution rates of 4% or 5% (UK Power Networks will make a corresponding contribution of 8% or 10%)
• Tax efficient benefits: cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Occupational Health support
• Switched On – scheme providing discount on hundreds of retailers products.
• Discounted access to sports and social clubs
• Employee Assistance Programme.

Job Purpose

We are looking for an experienced Senior Solution Architect to enhance our Architecture function. This established role is dedicated to strengthening the impact of, and providing recommendations on, technology solutions within the DSO.

You will define and communicate the current and target state architectures across the enterprise to the broader architecture team. You will ensure that the solutions align with, and are informed by, our overarching strategy and architecture principles, supporting organisational goals. In your capacity as a Senior Solution Architect, you will provide guidance, lead engagements, build relationships, and provide service excellence to our partners.

Principal Accountabilities

• Influence technology strategy by collaborating with business teams and leadership, to understand our needs and ensure alignment with technical solutions.
• Engage with business counterparts in aligned directorates to become a trusted advisor and Solution partner.
• Provide recommendations to maximise the value of technology assets via their implementation, access and utilisation.
• Lead complex and technically challenging architectural transformations, coordinating technical SMEs across multiple vendors and internal technology teams.
• Lead on the design and implementation of enterprise solutions and roadmaps for different technology domains.
• Produce roadmaps that allow frequent and incremental delivery of value to the technology landscape.
• Perform architecture assessments of the existing technology landscape to identify any gaps that may exist and provide recommendations on remediation.
• Ensure proposed solutions are compliant with the UKPN Architecture principles and Cyber security standards.
• Evaluate and recommend technology solutions that align with UKPN strategic goals and roadmap.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including architecture diagrams and specifications.
• Work with partners, scrum masters, projects managers and product owners to define technical solutions designs.
• Translate roadmaps into packages of work that allow frequent incremental delivery of value to be included in change programmes/projects.
• Track, analyse and monitor technology performance metrics of technology solutions and products.
• Seek and use feedback, while supporting adaptive design and agile engineering practices to guide the cooperation of programs and teams towards a shared technical vision.
• Coaching skills to upskill junior members of the team across technical, strategy and delivery.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or a STEM field (or equivalent project-related experience).
• Hands-on experience in IT management, with skills in low carbon technologies.
• Expertise in complex systems integration and renewables technology integration.
• Knowledge of Cyber-security architecture, System Integration, Access and Identity management.
• Excellent collaboration and partner management skills.
• Experience of developing, syndicating and communicating architectures, designs and proposals for action.
• Experience working with business solution vendors, technology vendors and products within the energy market.
• In-depth experience designing and implementing solutions, particularly utilising Microsoft Azure platforms and applications.
• Experience as a Senior Architect or similar role in a complex IT environment.
• Experience of applying Enterprise Architecture frameworks i.e. TOGAF or ArchiMate.
• Experience leading the review of technical designs in order to approve their implementation.
• Business acumen, and the ability to communicate to executives, business domain stakeholders and technical staff alike.
• Experience within the Utilities and Electricity distribution industry would be beneficial.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

Managers and supervisors carry both legal and company responsibilities for ensuring the health and safety of their employees, those under their control and those who might be affected by the work undertaken, i.e. public, visitors and employees of other organisations.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

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