Lead Solution Architect (SFIA 5)

Zaizi is looking for an experienced Solution Architect to lead the design and delivery of mission-critical digital services that support the UKs Public Safety sector.

This is an opportunity to work in one of the most exciting and meaningful areas of digital transformation partnering closely with government operational teams to solve complex real-world challenges that have a direct impact on frontline services and public outcomes.

Youll work with modern cloud-native architectures open source technologies and Agile and DevSecOps practices to shape scalable secure and resilient solutions. As a trusted technical leader youll collaborate with multidisciplinary delivery teams customers and senior stakeholders to define architectural direction and drive successful delivery.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong software engineering background having progressed into architecture through hands-on development experience. This practical foundation enables you to make pragmatic technical decisions mentor engineering teams and bridge the gap between strategy and implementation.

Role Objectives

As a Solution Architect you will:

• Lead the architecture and technical design of secure scalable cloud-native solutions across multiple programmes.
• Work alongside government operational client teams to understand complex business challenges and translate them into practical user-centred technical solutions.
• Support Agile delivery teams by providing architectural leadership promoting engineering best practices and helping teams adopt emerging technologies where appropriate.
• Own the resolution of complex high-risk technical challenges balancing delivery security operational resilience and long-term maintainability.
• Collaborate with technical and business stakeholders to shape solution options present recommendations and influence architectural decisions at senior levels.
• Mentor and support other architects and engineers fostering a culture of collaboration continuous learning and technical excellence.
• Work across multiple customer engagements ensuring consistency of architectural standards while adapting solutions to individual client needs.
• Champion modern engineering practices including cloud-native development automation DevSecOps and continuous improvement.
• Build trusted relationships across Zaizi and our customers proactively identifying opportunities to improve digital services and deliver greater value.

You will have significant commercial experience across many of the following areas:

• Solution Architecture and Technical Design
• Strong software engineering background with previous hands-on development experience
• Open Source technologies and frameworks
• Cloud platforms ideally AWS
• Cloud-native architectures and distributed systems
• Security architecture and secure-by-design principles
• Identity and Access Management (OAuth2 OpenID Connect IAM)
• Containers and container orchestration (Docker Kubernetes)
• DevOps and DevSecOps practices CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code
• Experience with one or more programming languages such as Golang Java JavaScript/TypeScript or Python
• Experience working within Agile delivery environments and cross-functional engineering teams

Were looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with technical depth. Youll be equally comfortable discussing architecture with senior stakeholders collaborating with customer operational teams and working alongside engineers to guide implementation.

Youll be passionate about delivering technology that makes a real difference enjoy solving complex technical challenges and thrive in collaborative fast-paced environments where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged.

If you dont meet all the requirements

Studies show that women and black Asian and minority ethnic people are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every qualification. So if youre excited about this role but your experience doesnt align perfectly with the job description wed love you to still apply. You might just be the perfect person for this role or another role here at Zaizi.

We actively welcome applications from people of colour the LGBTQ community individuals with disabilities neurodivergent individuals parents carers and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

If you need any accommodations to support your specific situation please feel free to let us know. For candidates who are neurodiverse or have disabilities we are happy to make any adjustments needed throughout the interview processjust ask!

Salaries

SC Clearance:

Zaizi works with UK Central Government departments on a range of projects. To be able to work on our customer projects employees must be Security Cleared to a standard acceptable to our Government customers. Due to this restriction we can currently only recruit candidates who have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship and who have lived in the UK for the last 5 years continuously.

Compensation

• Competitive Pay: Salaries reviewed annually to ensure they reflect your performance and market value.
• Loyalty Pension: We invest in your future. Starting at a 5% employer contribution we increase this by 0.5% every year after your third anniversary up to a maximum of 8%.
• Protection: Comprehensive Group Life Assurance for peace of mind.

Purpose & Culture

• Real Impact: Work on mission-critical projects that secure and improve the UKs digital infrastructure.
• Autonomy: A culture that empowers you to make decisions prototype rapidly and iterate towards success.
• Service & Community: We support those who serve. 10 paid days for Reservist Military Service.

Work / Life Balance

• Time Off: 25 days annual leave Bank Holidays with the flexibility to Buy/Sell additional days to suit your lifestyle.
• Giving back: 2 paid volunteering days per year.

Development & Growth

• Master Your Craft: Fully funded professional certifications (AWS GCP Agile etc.) supported by 5 days paid study leave.
• Expand Your Horizons: An additional 500 annual Personal Choice fund to learn whatever inspires youwork-related or not.
• Support: Access to 1-2-1 professional coaching and team training to accelerate your career.

Health & Balance

• Premium Health: Vitality Private Medical Insurance (includes Apple Watch gym discounts and rewards).
• Flexibility: Genuine hybrid working with a WFH equipment allowance to perfect your home setup.

• Wellbeing: Cycle to Work scheme and a commitment to sustainable healthy working practices.

For further information contact:

Nat Hinds: Head of Talent

Kayla Kirby: Talent Acquisition Specialist

Required Experience:

Staff IC