Solutions Architect

Solutions Architect

North East Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Waterstons

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design tailored technical solutions and lead large projects for diverse clients.
  • Company: Waterstons transforms businesses through innovative technology with a global presence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy unlimited holidays, flexible working, private healthcare, and a supportive development environment.
  • Other info: Security checks are mandatory due to client industry requirements.
  • Why this job: Join a Gold Investors in People company that values diversity and fosters a collaborative culture.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in Microsoft tech, strong communication skills, and active technical certifications required.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

A Bit About Us

At Waterstons, we don’t just build technology—we create meaningful business transformations. With a global presence spanning the UK and Australia, we partner with businesses to unlock their full potential through innovative solutions. Our clients tell us our people are our greatest strength, and who are we to disagree? That’s why we invest in our team with unlimited holidays, flexible working, and private healthcare —because we believe the best work happens when people feel valued. Did we also mention that we’ve been awarded Gold Investors in People for a fourth consecutive time?

What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you will work closely with clients to understand their challenges and design tailored technical solutions. You’ll lead large projects, contribute to proposals and documentation, and support both in-person and virtual client engagements. With broad technical knowledge and deep expertise in key areas, you’ll also handle occasional escalations from our Managed Services team. As part of a growing, hands-on team, you’ll work across the tech spectrum. Often delivering projects end-to-end, not just designing solutions but seeing them through to implementation across clients of all sizes and sectors.

Your Day-to-Day

  • Experience across a broad range of Microsoft and/or other technologies
  • Deep expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Infrastructure: Servers, Storage, VMware, Backup, DR, Veeam, Windows
  • Modern Workplace: O365/M365, Intune, Autopilot, SCCM, Entra AD/identity
  • Security: Email filtering, web filtering, MFA, AV, ATA/ATP
  • Connectivity: Cisco, Meraki, Fortinet, IPv4/IPv6, DNS, DHCP, IP addressing, VLAN, BGP, VRF, ACL

What We’re Looking For

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

  • At least 3 years of experience in a Microsoft technology environment, ideally within a consulting or MSP setting
  • Broad technical expertise across Microsoft technologies
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a focus on excellent customer service
  • Proven ability to influence stakeholders, set expectations, and independently manage projects
  • Active certifications that support your technical experience

What Would Be Great To Have

Experience in acquisitions or divestments, i.e. taking the architect/lead role in an acquisition or divestment for a client.

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)
  • Rest days
  • 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

At Waterstons, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With benefits like unlimited holidays, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive healthcare, we ensure our team feels valued and supported. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside our Gold Investors in People accreditation, makes Waterstons a fantastic place for Solutions Architects to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
Waterstons

Contact Detail:

Waterstons Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as O365/M365 and VMware. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools during interviews will demonstrate your technical expertise and make you stand out.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully led teams or managed client relationships. Highlighting your ability to influence stakeholders and manage expectations will show that you possess the strong communication skills they are looking for.

✨Tip Number 3

Research Waterstons' approach to business transformations and their commitment to employee wellbeing. Being able to align your values with theirs during the interview can help you connect on a personal level and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company culture.

✨Tip Number 4

If you have any active certifications related to Microsoft technologies, be sure to mention them. This not only validates your technical skills but also shows your commitment to professional development, which is something Waterstons values highly.

We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect

Broad Technical Expertise in Microsoft Technologies
Deep Knowledge of Infrastructure Solutions (Servers, Storage, VMware)
Experience with Modern Workplace Technologies (O365/M365, Intune)
Understanding of Security Protocols (Email Filtering, MFA)
Networking Skills (Cisco, Meraki, IPv4/IPv6)
Strong Communication Skills (Written and Verbal)
Customer Service Orientation
Project Management Skills
Stakeholder Influence and Expectation Management
Active Technical Certifications
Problem-Solving Skills
Experience in Consulting or Managed Services Environment
Ability to Handle Client Engagements (In-Person and Virtual)
Adaptability to Different Client Sectors

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills for the Solutions Architect position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in Microsoft technologies and any consulting or MSP settings. Provide specific examples of projects you've led, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and manage expectations.

Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication is crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your written and verbal skills. Use clear, concise language and consider including a brief example of how you've successfully communicated complex technical information to clients.

Personalise Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalising it. Mention why you are interested in working at Waterstons specifically, and how their values align with your own. This shows genuine interest and can make a positive impression.

How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstons

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

Make sure to highlight your experience with Microsoft technologies and any specific areas of expertise you have, such as Infrastructure or Security. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past projects.

✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills

Since the role involves working closely with clients, it's crucial to showcase your communication skills. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, and be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle client challenges. Prepare examples from your previous roles where you successfully designed and implemented solutions, especially in a consulting environment.

✨Emphasise Your Project Management Experience

Highlight your ability to manage projects independently and influence stakeholders. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led, the challenges you faced, and how you ensured successful outcomes.

Solutions Architect
Waterstons
Location: North East

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