Lead Solution Architect
| Posting date: | 03 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 01 April 2026 |
| Location: | UK |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | East Midlands Councils/East Midlands Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 8807 |
Summary
Exciting things continue to happen within the Digital Services Team at Derbyshire County Council, and we’re now looking for an exceptional Lead Solutions Architect to help shape, govern, and drive forward our enterprise‑wide technical landscape.
Following a major organisational and digital strategy review, we’re investing in modern tools, innovative platforms, and new ways of working to deliver a large‑scale transformation programme. Our ambition is to build modern, reliable, secure, and user‑centred digital services for Derbyshire’s communities, and this senior role is central to achieving that vision.
As a Lead Solutions Architect, you will play a pivotal leadership role within the Strategy & Architecture function. You’ll define and assure architectural direction across complex programmes, mentor architects, set standards, strengthen governance, and ensure our technology decisions align with Council strategy, organisational priorities, and public value.
What you'll do
- Lead the technical design of enterprise systems and services, justifying and communicating design decisions at all levels of the organisation.
- Provide strategic architectural leadership, ensuring all technical work aligns with Digital Services and Council-wide strategies.
- Guide and mentor architects and technical specialists, strengthening capability across the Architecture function.
- Assure service and system quality, using governance, standards, patterns, guardrails, and principles to steer delivery.
- Work closely with senior managers, organisational leaders, suppliers, and partners to shape and influence strategic initiatives.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships across the Council, supporting transformation opportunities and ensuring that technology delivers best value for money.
- Lead the exploration, evaluation, and adoption of new technologies to promote continuous improvement, innovation, and modern digital delivery.
What you'll bring
Extensive experience in Enterprise and Solutions Architecture, including:
- Applying and maturing Enterprise Architecture frameworks across large organisations.
- Leading technical design functions and assuring complex IT or digital delivery programmes.
- Managing and developing skilled technical teams, promoting a high‑performance, customer‑first culture.
- Producing clear, accessible reports, options appraisals and business cases for senior stakeholders and elected members.
- Maintaining accurate technical and financial information and managing supplier relationships effectively.
- Expert-level communication across technical and non‑technical audiences, influencing outcomes at all levels.
- Ability to define and evolve architectural strategy, patterns, roadmaps, principles, and governance models.
- Expertise in designing systems with high levels of business and technical complexity and risk.
- Deep understanding of architectural patterns, capabilities, technologies and how they drive organisational change.
- Strong leadership skills — inspiring, motivating and developing colleagues while driving continuous improvement.
- Relevant degree or recognised IT qualification, or substantial senior-level experience.
- Professional architecture or management certifications (TOGAF, ITIL, Agile/Scrum) are desirable.
Working for local government offers benefits and stability few sectors can match. We offer:
- 27 days annual leave, rising to 32 after five years’ service
- Flexi time, supporting work–life balance with up to 2 additional days leave per month
- A generous Local Government Pension Scheme
- Guaranteed incremental annual pay increases
- Hybrid working and a supportive team culture
- Strong commitment to professional development, including access to training, certification pathways, mentoring, and architecture communities of practice
- Cycle to work scheme and discounts at selected leisure centres
- And much more
If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for transforming public services and want to work in a collaborative, purpose‑driven environment where your work directly benefits local communities — we’d love to hear from you.
Provisional Interview Date: Week Commencing 30 March 2026