Head of Solutions Architecture

Head of Solutions Architecture - Birmingham, Hybrid, on-site weekly, salary plus bonus

Step into a pivotal leadership role where you will shape the organisation’s technology landscape and directly influence strategic business outcomes. This is a high-impact opportunity to lead a multi-disciplinary Solutions Architecture function while still remaining hands-on across key projects.

About the Role

As Head of Solutions Architecture, you will own the end-to-end design of enterprise solutions and lead a team of Solution Architects spanning Data, Applications, Digital, Integrations, SaaS, Network and Infrastructure. You will provide technical direction, act as a Technical Design Authority (TDA), and ensure solutions are aligned to the wider IT strategy and enterprise architecture. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will translate business objectives into robust, scalable technology roadmaps and deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage a team of Solution Architects across Data, Applications, Digital, Integrations, SaaS, Network and Infrastructure, setting clear objectives and performance standards. Act as the Technical Design Authority (TDA) for major initiatives, providing governance, oversight and approval of solution designs. Design and validate enterprise-level solutions that align with business goals, IT strategy and architectural principles. Work hands-on as a Solution Architect on selected projects, producing high-quality solution designs, models and documentation. Collaborate closely with the Enterprise Architecture team to ensure solutions adhere to target architectures, standards and roadmaps. Own resource and demand management for the Solutions Architecture function, prioritising work and allocating architects to projects effectively. Mentor, coach and develop team members, building capability and fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration. Engage with senior business and IT stakeholders to understand requirements, influence decision-making and manage expectations around solution options and trade-offs. Key Requirements:

Proven experience in a senior Solutions Architecture leadership role, ideally as Head of or Lead Solutions Architect in a complex enterprise environment. Strong track record in enterprise solution design across multiple domains (e.g. data, applications, digital, integrations, SaaS, network, infrastructure). Demonstrable experience acting as a Technical Design Authority, with responsibility for solution governance and design assurance. Advanced stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage, influence and challenge at senior management and executive levels. Experience defining and delivering IT strategy and technology roadmaps in alignment with business objectives. Solid background in technical leadership, including setting architectural direction and standards for cross-functional teams. Proven experience in resource and demand management within an architecture or technical delivery function. Strong team mentoring and people management skills, with experience building and developing high-performing architecture teams. Desirable Skills:

Experience working within or closely alongside Enterprise Architecture functions in large organisations. Background in hybrid cloud and SaaS-based solution landscapes. Exposure to modern integration patterns and platforms (e.g. APIs, microservices, ESB, event-driven architectures). Familiarity with digital transformation programmes and customer-facing digital solutions. Experience in regulated or highly governed industries where architecture assurance is critical.

Qualifications

Degree-level education in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience. Professional architecture certification such as TOGAF, BCS, or equivalent (required or strongly preferred). Additional certifications in cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, Azure, GCP) or relevant vendor technologies (preferred). Evidence of ongoing professional development in architecture, leadership or IT strategy disciplines (preferred). If you are a seasoned architecture leader who wants to combine strategic influence with hands-on solution design, this role offers the scope and responsibility to make a significant impact. Apply now to take ownership of a critical architecture function in a forward-looking organisation