Solutions Architect

Join us as a Solutions Architect and work within a branch of around 40 professionals to help shape the future of social security in Scotland. Were looking for someone passionate about creating innovative solutions integrating public cloud services and Software as a Service platforms. The initial appointment is for 23 months with the possibility of extension for a further 12 to 23 months subject to performance and business need.

We promote autonomy and self-organisation allowing you to influence ways of working and set guiding principles. The Architecture and Design branch part of our Chief Digital Office is divided into six domains: solution cloud enterprise data business and application architecture. We focus on high-level architecture and frameworks to sustainably plan prioritise and deliver change across our digital landscape.

Our solutions are highly integrated with external partners reflecting our role within a wider public sector ecosystem dedicated to simplifying access to information and services. Guided by our Digital and Technology Strategy we aim to deliver devolved and new benefits for the people of Scotland.

If youre seeking a role within a supportive organisation that prioritises your development and growth apply now to join our innovative team.

Social Security Scotland an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government delivers 17 major benefits to around 2 million people across Scotland. The organisation plays a vital role in supporting low-income and disabled individuals carers and families while helping to achieve the Scottish Governments statutory child poverty targets. Our Charter reflects our core values and commitments ensuring clients are treated with dignity fairness and respect and that their feedback helps shape service improvements.

We aim to foster a positive and inclusive organisational culture emphasising employee well-being diversity and inclusion professional development and performance enhancement. Recognising that its workforce is essential to providing high-quality public services Social Security Scotland is dedicated to creating an environment where staff are empowered to grow and contribute meaningfully.

A Solutions Architect is responsible for the assurance and design of digital solutions.

As a Solutions Architect you will undertake structured analysis of technical issues translating this analysis into technical designs that describe a solution. You will be consulted on solutions and can provide design patterns.

You will identify the deeper issues that need resolution and look for opportunities for collaboration with the ability to identify cases for the reuse of common patterns components platforms or solutions. An architect can communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

You will ensure your solutions adhere to the relevant architecture governance.

You will be expected to build effective partnerships with diverse teams across multiple locations and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Presenting recommendations for technologies or improvements to enhance systems to support project goals clearly to management based on knowledge of IT and analysis of systems needs.
• Evaluating the success of a project once the solution has been integrated identifying best practices and lessons learned.
• Act as a key contributor to architecture governance activities ensuring the adoption of good working methods and best practice in the application of technology architecture standards.
• Recommending technologies or improvements to enhance systems to support project goals based on the analysis of systems needs and requirements of the business.
• Contributing to the overall technical strategy and road map for the department in your area of expertise.
• Developing and documenting the proposed technical design for the integration and implementation of technology solutions working with and across other areas of DDaT and the business.
• Ensure designs meet security and operational requirements.
• Act as a Subject Matter expert understanding the bigger picture including wider departmental organisational or cross government strategies to ensure your recommendations and designs are aligned.
• Owning the design of digital component(s) and ensuring the design and solution fit with the wider designs.

Success Profiles
We use an assessment framework called Success Profiles which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each. Find out more about how we assess the Success Profile elements.

Essential Experience

1. Proven experience in Technical Architecture including the ability to design complex technology solutions that meet time cost and quality targets.

2. Demonstrated technical leadership on large projects or critical work-streams with a strong passion for innovative design driving technical excellence and inspiring a culture of innovation.

Behaviours

• Leadership (Level 4)
• Communicating and Influencing (Level 4)

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours here.

Technical / Professional Skills
The Solutions Architect role is aligned to the Senior Technical Architect job role level within the Digital Data and Technology Profession.

These skills will be tested during the Technical Assessment if you are successful at sift stage. They will be not be assessed at application stage. Please review the following to understand the skill expectations: Technical architect - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework

How to Apply
Apply online you must provide a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profiles above.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application but all statements and examples provided must be truthful factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others or generated by artificial intelligence and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

Should a large number of applications be received an initial sift may be conducted using the CV and Supporting Statement on the First Experience criteria. Candidates who pass the initial sift will have their applications fully assessed.

Candidates who are successful at sift stage will be invited to attend an Interview and Technical Assessment. The interview will further assess the Experience and Behaviours listed in the job advert and the Technical Assessment will evaluate the Technical Skills relevant to the role.

Candidates who pass the sift and are invited to the Interview and Technical Assessment stage will receive a Technical Assessment Candidate Pack which will outline the skills to be assessed and the assessment methods to be used.

Following the application sift there may be a telephone interview as part of the assessment process before the main interview.

We aim to provide feedback on request. However if we receive a large number of applications it may not be possible for us to provide specific feedback on your application. We will provide feedback on request to candidates who attend an interview/assessment.

Information Session
We are holding a candidate information session for this role to provide you with information about the application and interview process as well as further information on the role and team.

The session will be held on Thursday 13th November 2025 at 12pm - 1pm.

Please join us using the following link to find out more about the role and working for Social Security Scotland: Join the meeting now

Expected Timeline (subject to change)
Sift w/c 24th November 2025
Interview w/c 8th December 2025
Location In Person in either Dundee or Glasgow

Reserve List
In the event that there are more successful candidates than posts available a reserve list will be kept for up to 12 months.

About Us
Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. Our benefits help people from all walks of life in Scotland. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we more about us here.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

DDaT Pay Supplement
This post is part of the Scottish Government Digital Data and Technology (DDAT) profession and as a member of the profession you will join the professional development system. This post currently attracts a 5000 annual DDAT pay supplement applicable after a 3 months competency qualifying period. The payment will be backdated to your start date in the role. Pay supplements are reviewed regularly and there is one currently underway. Changes will be communicated when the review is concluded.

Initial appointment will be for a period of 23 months with the possibility of extension for a further 12 to 23 months subject to performance and business need.

Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. We embrace a hybrid working style where all colleagues will spend time in either our Glasgow or Dundee offices. There is an expectation of a minimum 2 days per week in your assigned location which will be either Glasgow or Dundee. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for please contact us.

Security Checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks Identity Right to work Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.

Equality Statement
Social Security Scotland are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment should you be successful in securing a post. If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process please contact us at

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further Information
Find out more about our organisation what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.

Read our Candidate Guidefor further information on our recruitment and application processes.

The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 3 years unless successful in gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.

Social Security Scotlands recruitment processes are underpinned by the recruitment principles of the Civil Service Commissioner which outline that selection for appointment be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition - Recruitment - Civil Service Commission ()

If you feel at any time your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles you can make a complaint by contacting Social Security Scotland at in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commissioner.

If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form please contact the Resourcing Team via

Apply before 23:55 on Thursday 20th November 2025.

Contact Name - Resourcing Team
Contact email