Lead Solution Architect
| Posting date: | 02 September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £77,967 to £90,926 per year |
| Additional salary information: | pension |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 16 September 2025 |
| Location: | Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA |
| Company: | Parliamentary Digital Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 6377_1756814689 |
Summary
The Opportunity
We are seeking a skilled Lead Solutions Architect to join our Enterprise Architecture team. You'll work closely with our EAs and Solution Architect community. You will work predominantly, as a leader and manager embedding SA capability into an Agile delivery model which is based predominantly on SAFe, (scaled agile). A series of delivery portfolios, Value Streams sits at the heart of our delivery model, you will liaise with senior stakeholders within PDS and Parliament representing the architecture community and helping them to deliver meaningful outcomes through great solution design.
- work collaboratively with the Enterprise Architects to ensure that the SA team delivers into the Value Streams, aligned to business capabilities and overarching enterprise strategies, Business, Data, Applications, Cyber and Technology,
- provide recommendations to Value Stream Sponsors and product owners for product improvements, ensuring alignment with overall digital and technology strategies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- play a leading role in architecture governance activities, promoting the adoption of best practices in applying Parliament's principles and standards, escalating deviation from standards to appropriate governance bodies.
- lead the design and peer review processes for new solutions and products, ensuring alignment with Parliament's technical standards and governance models.
- manage, coach, develop, and mentor junior Architects within the broader architecture community of practice, ensuring development plans are realistic and achievable.
What You Need
- proven experience of leading and maturing a Solution Architecture function delivering into an agile operating environment, across a complex set of architectures, in a challenging stakeholder landscape
- demonstrable experience of developing solution designs within a cloud first, cloud native organisation, considering the application of resilience and security requirements delivering into highly complex set of stakeholders and a unique operating environment
- experience of demonstrating technology leadership through significant contribution to the development of accessible, reusable reference architectures, the definition of technology policies and standards, and the development of clear and well-followed technical governance processes.
- experience of leading the translation of business problems into pragmatic architectural designs, anchored in robust technology solution design principles, customised to meet unique organisational requirements.
- excellent communication skills to engage and lead others in a clear, honest and enthusiastic way. Explaining complex issues in a way that is persuasive and easy to understand, delivering difficult messages with clarity and sensitivity.
- experience of working in a product centric organisation to develop product visions, strategies and roadmaps that align with the organisation's strategies and technical standards. Experience of bringing together multiple applications into a coherent product view.
- the ability to pass security clearance, backed by the right to work in the UK
About The Team
The Office of the CTO, led by the Chief Technology Officer, is a pivotal function within PDS and Parliament. It is dedicated to fostering strategic relationships, providing technology leadership, and developing technology and data platforms. Its primary purpose is to drive the development and delivery of technologies and systems that support the strategic goals of Parliament.
The Office of the CTO oversees several critical teams, including Enterprise & Solutions Architecture, Technology Platforms, Data & Search Platforms, Strategic Relationships & Initiatives, and Commercial Partnerships. This office plays a crucial role in driving innovation, designing solutions, managing strategic relationships, and ensuring the efficient operation of digital and technology services across Parliament.
About Us
UK Parliament is steeped in history and tradition. It is an important part of UK life and we need to ensure as many people as possible can engage with its work. This is why we are at the start of a huge transformation programme powered by technology. The Parliamentary Digital Service (PDS) works with the House of Commons and the House of Lords with all their IT and digital needs. We are here to realise the digital ambitions of a modern Parliament and welcome you to join us in building a digital democracy.
Our Package
Please refer to our Candidate Information Pack for a full list of our benefits which include:
- up to 35 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays
- generous maternity pay policy up to 6 months full pay
- great pension scheme options (contributory and non-contributory)
- on-site subsidised gym, nursery, catering, post office, travel office and GP
- flexible options including hybrid working and family friendly policies
How To Apply
Please make sure you're clear on the requirements of the role. These can be found in the Job Description and Candidate Information Pack. You will need to upload a CV and show how you meet criteria's 1, 2 and 3. Our application process is anonymous, so please remove any personal information from your CV.
Apply By:
Interviews: 29th + 30th September 2025
Format: Presentation + Panel Interview (Remote)
Our Culture
For our people, we provide an amazing opportunity to bring their talents to an institution that sits right at the heart of society in the UK. We are helping to change UK Parliament and strengthen democracy. What matters here is your potential for growth and your commitment to playing your part in our ongoing success.
We are passionate about providing an environment which promotes inclusion, diversity and equality. Regardless of your age, gender, ethnicity, beliefs or any of the other things that make you, you. We welcome applications from people who feel under-represented in the workforce. This includes those who may feel disadvantaged because of their socioeconomic circumstances.