Solutions Architect

Solutions Architect

Full-Time 51000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Waterstons Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and implement innovative Microsoft solutions while collaborating with clients.
  • Company: Join a friendly IT consultancy that values trust and flexibility.
  • Benefits: Enjoy unlimited holidays, private healthcare, and a healthy work-life balance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by solving complex problems with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Hands-on experience with Microsoft technologies and strong client engagement skills.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and development.

The predicted salary is between 51000 - 72000 £ per year.

Who you’ll be joining

We’re problem solvers at heart. Sometimes the answer is technology, sometimes it is strategy, and sometimes it is a strong cup of tea and a bit of thoughtful conversation. Whatever it takes, we work it out with our clients. We’re an IT consultancy that helps organisations get the best out of their technology. That means keeping them secure and keeping the bad guys out, making sure everything works and is easy to use, and doing smart things with data and software to give their business an edge. It is important work, and we care about doing it well and for the right reasons. Life at Waterstons is friendly, flexible and built on trust. We hire people who are curious, thoughtful and good at getting to the heart of a problem. You get support, trust and room to grow in a place that still feels human. The unlimited holidays and private healthcare are a nice touch, although most people stay because it feels like the right place to do good work with good people.

What You’ll Be Doing

We’re looking for an enthusiastic Microsoft Solutions Architect to join our Technology Solutions team as we continue to expand our Microsoft practice and build out our Technology Advisory capability. You’ll be joining a growing team of Architects and Engineers at a pivotal point for the practice. This is not a design it and hand it over role. We’re a hands‑on team, and you’ll be designing, building and leading solutions, not sitting in a dark room writing documentation. You’ll combine deep Microsoft expertise with the confidence to represent Waterstons in front of senior stakeholders, shaping technology direction and delivering meaningful outcomes for our clients. This role can be based in either our Durham or London office.

Your Day‑to‑Day

  • Working directly with clients to understand their challenges and design modern, secure solutions
  • Leading client workshops and technical discovery sessions
  • Architecting Microsoft 365, Azure and hybrid identity solutions
  • Producing technical designs and statements of work
  • Delivering projects hands on, including migrations, configuration and rollouts
  • Leading complex projects from initial design through to implementation and handover
  • Supporting pre‑sales conversations, proposals and tender responses
  • Helping to grow our Technology Advisory capability through thought leadership, case studies and client engagement

What we’re looking for

If some (or most) of the following sound like you, we’d love to hear from you:

  • Strong hands‑on experience across Microsoft 365, Entra Identity, Conditional Access and security, Intune and Autopilot, Azure IaaS and PaaS, Windows Server and Active Directory
  • Experience delivering Microsoft migration and transformation projects, not just designing them
  • Experience delivering Microsoft‑focused projects in an MSP, consultancy, or similarly fast‑paced client environment
  • Comfortable managing multiple projects across different client environments
  • Confident working directly with clients, from understanding problems through to designing and implementing solutions
  • Comfortable supporting pre‑sales activity, including client meetings, statements of work and technical proposals

Nice to have

  • Relevant Microsoft certifications
  • Experience supporting business development activities or events
  • A genuine interest in technology advisory and strategic conversations with clients

How We Take Care of You

As well as offering a competitive salary, we have an attractive benefits package including:

  • A healthy work life balance with flexible and agile working being the norm
  • Unlimited holiday allowance
  • EV car scheme (salary sacrifice)
  • Room to grow with supported development opportunities and sponsored training
  • Enhanced family policies
  • If you ever need it, company sick pay and life assurance
  • Supported wellbeing with regular initiatives, an employee assistance programme and private medical insurance
  • Flexible benefits such as a dental scheme, eye care support, season ticket loan and cycle to work

We require a security check to be carried out on all colleagues due to the nature of some of our clients’ industries. Waterstons is committed to creating an inclusive, understanding, and flexible place to work. We value diversity, equality and inclusion and encourage everyone to ’bring their whole selves’ to work. We believe that a company that works to truly embrace and value diversity, create an environment where everyone from any background can do their best work, and feel valued and appreciated is a better company to work for.

Solutions Architect employer: Waterstons Limited

At Waterstons, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and flexible employer that values curiosity and collaboration. Our culture fosters personal growth and meaningful work, complemented by an attractive benefits package including unlimited holidays and private healthcare. Whether you’re based in our Durham or London office, you’ll find a welcoming environment where your contributions are valued and you can truly make a difference for our clients.
Waterstons Limited

Contact Detail:

Waterstons Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Waterstons' website and social media. Understanding their values and how they approach problem-solving will help you connect with them during your chat.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for hands-on discussions! Since this role is all about designing and implementing solutions, be ready to share specific examples of your past projects. Show them how you've tackled challenges and delivered results in a similar environment.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your client interaction skills! You’ll be working directly with clients, so think about how you can demonstrate your ability to understand their needs and communicate effectively. Role-play scenarios with a friend to build your confidence.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the team, projects, or company direction. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if Waterstons is the right fit for you.

We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect

Microsoft 365
Entra Identity
Conditional Access
Intune
Autopilot
Azure IaaS
Azure PaaS
Windows Server
Active Directory
Project Management
Client Engagement
Technical Design
Pre-sales Support
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills: We want to see how you tackle challenges! In your application, share specific examples of how you've solved problems in past roles. This will help us understand your thought process and how you approach technology solutions.

Be Hands-On in Your Approach: Since this role is all about getting stuck in, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with Microsoft technologies. Talk about projects where you’ve not just designed but also implemented solutions, as that’s what we’re really looking for!

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in our job description. Show us how your background aligns with what we need, especially around Microsoft 365 and Azure.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Waterstons!

How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstons Limited

✨Know Your Tech Inside Out

As a Solutions Architect, you need to be well-versed in Microsoft 365, Azure, and other relevant technologies. Brush up on your hands-on experience with these tools and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've implemented solutions. This will show your depth of knowledge and confidence in front of senior stakeholders.

✨Prepare for Client Conversations

Since the role involves working directly with clients, practice articulating how you approach problem-solving. Think of examples where you've led workshops or technical discovery sessions. Being able to convey your thought process clearly will demonstrate your ability to connect with clients and understand their challenges.

✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience managing multiple projects simultaneously. Highlight any instances where you've successfully delivered Microsoft-focused projects in fast-paced environments. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the demands of the role and keep everything on track.

✨Engage in Thought Leadership

Waterstons values curiosity and strategic conversations. Bring along ideas or case studies that showcase your interest in technology advisory. Discussing your thoughts on industry trends or innovative solutions can set you apart and show that you're not just a doer, but also a thinker who can contribute to the company's growth.

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