Lead Solution Architect

Lead Solution Architect +6 months + +Hybrid working 3 days a week in Reading +Inside IR35 +£95 - £116 per hour +SC cleared role +Sole British national due to nature of the project We are seeking an experienced Lead Solution Architect to provide senior technical leadership across major digital programmes. This is a high-impact role responsible for defining, governing, and evolving the architecture that underpins digital products, platforms, and services. You will lead architectural direction across complex programmes, ensuring solutions are secure, scalable, interoperable, and aligned to enterprise strategy and long-term business objectives. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, architecture teams, and external delivery partners to drive technical excellence and deliver a cohesive digital ecosystem. Key Responsibilities Lead and govern solution architecture activities across major digital programmes Define and evolve enterprise architecture roadmaps aligned to business and digital transformation objectives Provide architectural oversight across cloud, enterprise, and integrated technology solutions Assess and validate technical proposals from delivery partners and suppliers Ensure all solutions meet required standards for cybersecurity, resilience, scalability, and interoperability Shape architecture strategy within RFPs, procurement activities, and delivery governance processes Collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders across multinational programmes Promote best practice architecture principles, standards, and governance across the Digital portfolio Essential Experience Proven experience leading architecture functions across large-scale enterprise programmes Strong background delivering solutions involving technologies such as Azure and SAP S/4HANA Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior and CXO level Strong expertise across Microsoft technologies, enterprise integration, and security Experience leading internal technical teams and managing external delivery partners Strong understanding of enterprise architecture governance and digital transformation Desirable Azure cloud certifications Experience within Defence, Aerospace, or highly regulated environments Exposure to multinational or complex international programmesIf you'd like to discuss this Solution Lead in more detail, please send your updated CV to (url removed) and I will get in touch