Solutions Architect Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Solutions Architect, or Systems Architect builds and integrates computer and information systems that meet specific business needs. Their primary duties include providing strategic guidance in the development process, making technical decisions regarding solutions and explaining how they will impact the organisation.  

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Solutions Architect duties and responsibilities 

A Solutions Architect works full time and sometimes need to work overtime. They spend much of their time working in an office. There’s little physical activity associated with this role, but it may involve meeting performance standards and strict deadlines. A Solutions Architect’s main duties and responsibilities include:

  • Creating and leading IT system integration processes to meet the organisation’s needs 
  • Conducting regular evaluations of the system architecture and collaborating with project management teams to improve the designs 
  • Evaluating any project constraints and devising alternatives to reduce risks, whilst performing process re-engineering  
  • Keeping stakeholders updated about the status of the project development and budgets and notifying them immediately when issues arise 
  • Analysing and finding any impacts that that technical changes may have on a client’s business proceeding
  • Supervising and motivating development teams to improve their efficiency and productivity 
  • Performing continuous research on emerging technologies to stay updated with the best alternatives and to improve the existing architectures for clients 
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Solutions Architect Job Description Examples:

 

Example 1

Our client is at the forefront of providing data within their specialist sector, they are a growing company that loves technology and operates at the heart of the UK sector.

Job Summary

The Solutions Architect is a key role within the delivery team, working across several development projects to ensure that solutions are defined and developed based on architecture standards and technologies.

The Solutions Architect requires the ability to bridge the gap between business requirements and implementation of technology solutions. You will have an agile mindset willing to push the boundaries of current conventional thinking for architecture design, you will have experience of developing proof of concepts and mindful of market drivers, first mover advantage and not be constrained against existing systems, infrastructure or ways of working.

You will also translate the business strategy into concrete solutions and design and execute a set of solution blueprints that support that strategy. You will evaluate all technology options assess impact on the wider business or customer processes working with both business and IT stakeholders.

We are after someone who can work with our senior management and business development leads to conceive and deliver forward looking solutions, proof of concepts, minimal viable product and not be afraid to move quickly and have the courage to fail fast (not all the time!).

Responsibilities

The focus of the Solutions Architect’s role will be to work in conjunction with senior stakeholders and Senior management team to ensure the firms services are evolved according to architectural strategy:

  • Analyse the existing solution landscape, creating maintaining a road-map for each solution, identifying technical debt and to provide recommendations for improvements
  • Own the representation of both current and future state of technology products
  • Liaise and manage the architecture deliverables from 3rd parties
  • Produce high level, conceptual design documentation and where appropriate create a solution architecture and running prototypes and proof of concept solution
  • Leading the architecture, including mentoring team members and managing resource allocation into projects/products
  • Working collaboratively with Senior Management on solutions road-maps and the development of new products and services with a technical design authority framework
  • Keep abreast of technology trends and advancement capturing relevant content to influence systems design decisions
  • Other key areas will be to manage and enhancements to the architecture of existing systems to ensure they remain performant and cost efficient.

    Skills & Knowledge

  • The Solutions Architect should come from a technical delivery or development background
  • Be quick learner able to pick up both technical and business concepts quickly
  • Demonstrable track record of architecture regarding secure, national network/IT services in a cloud environment using open source technologies
  • Hands-on experience of up to date solutions and tools in the AWS cloud environment
  • Track record of building and running an architecture function including a technical design authority
  • Working knowledge of modern security techniques and solutions
  • Technical assessment of 3rd party technical solutions
  • Systems integration solutions
  • Track record of maintaining coherent technical designs across multiple internal and external service providers and implementations
  • Ability to explain technical designs, issues and recommendations to non-technical stakeholders
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Well organised, structured approach to work
  • Ability to quickly assimilate and understand technical details and new technologies
  • Provide resource and architecture estimates for solutions

    Highly desirable skills

  • Knowledge and understanding of data analytics platforms
  • Knowledge and event driven, service-oriented architectures
  • Expertise in integration technologies such as JBoss Fuse etc
  • Experience of designing flexible and extensible technology services based on Open Standards and industry best practice
  • Knowledge and understanding of multi-channel software platforms
  • Expertise on modern software delivery and maintenance techniques including SAFE and DevOps

    Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

    Salary: £70,000.00-£90,000.00 per year

    Additional pay:
  • Yearly bonus
    Benefits:
  • Additional leave
  • Casual dress
  • Company events
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexitime
  • Work from home
    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

    COVID-19 considerations:
    N/A

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Nottingham: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

    Experience:
  • Solutions Archiect: 3 years 1 year (required)
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    Example 2

    We have a fantastic opportunity for a Solutions Architectto join our Group ITteam here at PZ Cussons, on a Permanent Full-Time basis.

    About Us

    PZ Cussons is a global, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, with office locations in the UK, US, Australia, Africa and Asia. Throughout our 135 year history, we have successfully adapted and evolved to the constantly changing consumer, market, and economic environments. Our diverse portfolio of brands can be found across four major categories: Personal Care, Beauty, Food & Nutrition, Home Care and Electricals.

    We have a real passion for our employees, our consumers and our brands and we strive on creating moments of pleasure for everybody, every day. You will recognise some of our renowned, market-leading household names (think Carex, Imperial leather and Original Source…) and now here is the opportunity to join the organisation responsible for them.

    This is a senior level position within our business. You’ll be looking to engage with and influence stakeholders at many levels, driving decision making which will impact the successful delivery of strategic imperatives for years to come.

    The Role

    We are looking for an SAP ERP expert with experience older and newer iterations, and can influence decision making in a productive and collaborative manner and has strong communication skills. You will be reporting to the Head of Applications, working with our Global IT department, and is expected to be completely self-sufficient and able to manage independently the workload/priorities. They will forge strong working relationships within the business functions, senior business leaders across global and regional functions.

    Duties/Accountabilities

    Your main duties will involve (but not limited to):

  • Act as the main custodian of the Global SAP solution and integrated applications, and champion its full adoption - including areas such as processes, workflows, security/roles, training and documentation.
  • Create the SAP future roadmap (S4 / IBP etc)
  • Be part of programmes/projects that require technical expertise across SAP domains
  • Be accountable for the SAP solution design, architecture and roadmap as part of the Architectural Review Board for PZC.
  • Manage relationships with key stakeholders in the business and with partner organisations to unlock the full value in the application estate.
  • Support the establishment of Application Architecture as a critical and well understood function within the PZC business. Help to make sure that it is always involved where it should be and that it is driving the appropriate agendas.
  • Act as the lead consultative authority on the options around all Enterprise and Business Applications within PZC’s estate, in particular drawing on expert knowledge on current and future products and related configuration / integration.
  • Be a custodian for the Global business processes supported by SAP and other applications to help drive consistency
  • Provide SAP application knowledge in relevant areas on best practices and troubleshooting techniques to help drive improvements in the solution
  • Build the reputation of the PZC architecture and application teams outside the business in the wider, external market
  • Work closely with other functions in PZC IT such as Project Management, Service Management, Test Management and PMO to ensure that best practices are driven across the full organisation.
  • Provide deep SAP application knowledge in relevant areas on best practices and troubleshooting techniques to help drive improvements in the solution
  • Provide input and advice to the senior decision-making functions within PZC, to ensure that correct decisions are made

    Key Attributes/Skills:
  • A good track record of implementing and supporting SAP ERP ideally within an FMCG international environment
  • Excellent knowledge of end-to-end business processes
  • Excellent knowledge of TOGAF or alternative methodologies, ideally backed up by certifications
  • Experience of working in a matrix organisation
  • Technical knowledge of all relevant SAP Components and modules
  • Experience of successfully working in cross functional teams
  • Excellent, clear communication skills both written and verbal - ability to communicate and influence at all levels
  • Strong focus on Accountability, prioritisation, and ownership

    Job Type: Full-time

    Additional pay:
  • Bonus scheme
    Benefits:
  • Casual dress
  • Company events
  • Company pension
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexitime
  • Free or subsidised travel
  • Gym membership
  • Life insurance
  • On-site parking
  • Private medical insurance
  • Referral programme
  • Sick pay
  • Wellness programmes
  • Work from home
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Manchester, M22 5TG: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work 8 years (preferred)
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    Example 3

    Initially working as the primary Solution Architect for our integration programme with Raymond James Investment Services, you will be working closely with Developers and D esigners, Project Managers, Business Analysts, Testers, the Change team, and ICT Leadership to design, specify, and develop solutions that align with the overall organisational strategy. Moving forward, you will work closely with the Head of Enterprise Architecture and other technical leaders to play a key role in the integration of our business with Raymond James.
    You will take primary responsibility for modelling and clarifying the future state of Charles Stanley and Raymond James at the application, data and business levels. You will develop models and plans to drive forward the strategy, taking advantage of opportunities to improve business performance and taking responsibility for investigative work to determine requirements, as well as specifying effective business processes, through improvements in information systems, data management, practices, procedures, organisation and equipment.
    You will play a crucial role in the technical development and ongoing support and maintenance of our systems, properties and assets, including Figaro (our main back and front office system), BITA Star (Risk modelling) and WDX (CRM system).
    Key Areas of Responsibility:

  • Design and implement software solutions
  • Align IT software systems with the Integration Project Plans, particularly:
  • Create Application Maps of the future state;
  • Design interaction points between technology from both firms;
  • Work with other programmes to provide technical architecture guidance;
  • Clarify and communicate the future state of the application estate both internally to the programme and externally to stakeholders.

  • Provide architecture input to the Development and Change teams.
  • Define and document systems interfaces, data and infrastructure from a conceptual, logical and technical basis.
  • Creation, analysis and maintenance of As-Is and To-Be processes and systems.
  • Translation of business and functional requirements into solutions design.
  • Root cause analysis of business issues and problems.
  • Evaluate technologies and systems for relevance and feasibility to the needs of the programme end state.
  • Stakeholder management.
  • Creation and maintenance of ICT Systems Map.
  • Building of custom solutions.

    Qualifications & Experience:

  • Experience of prototyping and demonstrating potential solution outcomes.
  • Proven experience in designing pragmatic solutions to solve real-world problems that take account of what is possible in a given timeframe.
  • Proven track record of developing and delivering quality systems applications.
  • Computer science degree or equivalent level qualification.
  • Knowledge of, or has worked within, an ISO 27001 accredited organisation and awareness of information security requirements.
  • Familiarity with Enterprise Architecture methodologies (e.g. TOGAF).
  • Full understanding and practical experience of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and project management methodologies (PRINCE2, Agile, Waterfall).
  • Experience working with Data Streaming Technologies such as Apache Kafka.
  • Cloud Accreditation (AWS, GCP or Azure Solution Architect) or equivalent experience.

    Knowledge & Skills:

  • Comprehensive database and SQL skills.
  • Willingness to step outside of your current knowledge to learn new techniques and technologies.
  • Diagramming techniques (swim lanes, flow charts, process maps and system diagrams).
  • Analytical, problem solver with particular attention to detail.
  • Modest, hard-working and energetic with a good sense of humour and passionate about delivering business improvement.
  • Literate and numerate with s trong (written and oral) communications skills.
  • Creative, with the power to think ‘out of the box’.
  • Excellent commercial awareness.
  • An eye for detail and right-first-time accuracy.
  • Proven delivery under pressure.
  • Highly flexible, with the ability to work in environments where documentation may be Type: Full-time
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    Example 4

    1831 – Solutions Architect – Aberdeen or Remote

    About us

    [website] is a managed IT services provider focusing on infrastructure, operational and project requirements across the corporate enterprise market. Our global office presence extends from Aberdeen and London in the UK to Houston, Calgary and Dubai. We have a workforce of +500 staff and contractors worldwide and continually have opportunities in challenging and rewarding roles. At prosource, we pride ourselves on being agile, accepting and embracing change and always doing the right thing for our customers. Our team is built with dynamic, talented and dedicated individuals, who are committed to service excellence, are full of enthusiasm for their specialism and have a desire to keep their skillset current. Teamwork and a “can do/what will it take” attitude is key to working at prosource.

    We have an exciting opportunity for a Solutions Architect to join us in Aberdeen or remotely. The team are based in Aberdeen, however this role can be done on a remote working basis with some flexibility to travel to Aberdeen on a very occasional basis if required (expenses will be paid). The Solutions Architect will be responsible for the development of technology solutions, mapping business requirements to systems/technical requirements and ensuring they are in line with the enterprise architectural plan.

    What to bring
  • Project architecture experience, Oil and Gas experience would be advantageous
  • Full lifecycle experience
  • Extensive experience in areas such as application design and development, application integration, middleware, database management or operations, information security, technical architecture, network management, mobility
  • Excellent understanding of technical specifics and the ability to continually deal with analytical work
  • Good focus on business results and understand how to achieve them given timeframes and resources
  • Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of colleagues, internally and externally
  • Ability to negotiate with stakeholders, understanding the needs of all parties
  • Ability to manage risk
  • Ability to explain architectural concepts clearly
  • Ability to adapt to different and emerging technologies and systems
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Project and resource management skills
  • Self-supporting and proactive
  • Certification in TOGAF and ITIL

    What you’ll do
  • Provide input to the roadmaps, architectures, standards and guidelines to assist in the development of the enterprise architecture
  • Develop and maintain detailed system portfolios and roadmaps
  • Act as internal authority for all applications and architecture decisions as well as influence the adoption of enterprise architecture, application lifecycle management toolsets and processes
  • Act as anexpert within the function, providing advice, guidance and support to project delivery staff, and assuming the role of gatekeeper, agreeing and owning the technical design and architecture for any system implementation in the estimating and planning stages of such projects. ensuring these are in line with strategies and enterprise architecture
  • Assist in the development of, review and interpretation of business requirements to ensure alignment between business expectations and current or future IT/IM capability
  • Define and design solutions in response to the business requirements to assist the business in meeting their business objectives
  • Support project management delivery commitments to select, develop, test and implement solutions
  • Assist in the definition of Disaster Recovery solutions and supporting Business Continuity Planning
  • Identify system, infrastructure and project interdependencies and balance competing demands to ensure project deliverables are achieved

    We are committed to recognising and rewarding hard work and offer a competitive benefits package which includes but is not limited to private medical and dental insurance, group life assurance and training and development for all our staff. Bring your career aspirations to us and we will provide you with the opportunities to shine and develop your career.

    If you are enthusiastic, willing to always learn and looking for a challenging but rewarding position where you work for a forward thinking organisation who offer excellent opportunities, please send you CV to our Talent team.

    We welcome applications from disabled candidates, so if you have any access needs or may need adjustments in the assessment process - just let us know.

    [website]

    We can only consider candidates who are legally entitled to work in the UK at the time of application.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Benefits:
  • Additional leave
  • Company events
  • Company pension
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Life insurance
  • Private dental insurance
  • Private medical insurance
  • Referral programme
  • Work from home
    Schedule:
  • Monday to ID: 1831
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    What does a Solutions Architect do? 

    Solutions Architects are responsible for the design of services or applications within a company and are usually part of a solution development team. They must have a balanced mix of business and technical skills and will sometimes work with Enterprise Architects for strategic direction. Their primary focus is on the technical decisions being made about the solution and how they affect the company’s business outcomes. Other members of the development team will then use the information to apply the solution. 

    Solutions Architect skills and qualifications

    Solutions Architect need a range of skills and qualifications to perform their duties effectively. A successful Solutions Architect candidate will also have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that include: 

    • Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills to build lasting relationships with stakeholders, Developers and Software Vendors 
    • Proficiency in programming languages and software such as Java and DevOps 
    • In-depth understanding of computers, operating systems and system security 
    • Proficiency in technical drawing and the ability to interpret technical designs 
    • Excellent project, resource and team management skills 
    • Thorough attention to detail
    • Risk identification and management skills 

    Solutions Architect experience requirements

    Solutions Architect positions require at least eight years of experience in project and product management, IT infrastructure and cloud development, business analysis, software architecture design or related fields. They must have a solid background in managing engineering teams. Additional experience in computer software, hardware analysis and operating systems is necessary.

    Solutions Architect education and training requirements 

    A Solutions Architect position often requires a bachelor’s degree in information technology, software engineering, computer science and related fields. Candidates with a master’s degree in computer science or software engineering are preferable. It’s essential for candidates to seek additional training in coding languages such as Java, Javascript, PHP, and Python. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in business administration with a focus on information systems.

    Solutions Architect salary expectations 

    According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary of a Solutions Architect in the UK is £74,639 per year. Their actual salary varies depending on factors, including experience, education, location and company. 

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If a Solutions Architect is not quite what you’re looking for, here are other job description samples that may fit your needs: 

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    Solutions Architect job description FAQs

    What's the difference between a Solutions Architect and an Enterprise Architect?

    Enterprise Architects and Solutions Architects both develop and implements ways to improve a company’s technological framework. Solutions Architects focus on developing integration patterns and best practices for a company. In contrast, Enterprise Architects oversee architecture domains such as technology, data and application and ensure they align with a company’s standards. 

    What are the different types of Solutions Architect roles?

    There are many different types of Solutions Architect roles. These include Telecom Solutions Architect, Retail Solution Architect, SAP Solution Architect, Microservices Solutions Architect, Integration Solutions Architect, Application Solutions Architect and Lead Solutions Architect. 

    How can you make your Solutions Architect job description stand out?

    To make your Solutions Architect job description stand out, highlight the benefits of working for your company, such as flexible work schedules and remote work. You must also emphasise your company culture and show that your company is a place candidates want to work. You can attract candidates with the same tech stack as your business, so you should use a skills-based job description format. This format automates candidate recruitment and drastically reduces time-to-hire, especially for positions that require a specific set of technical skills. 

    What qualities make a good Solutions Architect?

    A successful Solutions Architect has distinct personality traits. They are usually investigative individuals, which means they are inquisitive, introspective and intellectual. They are logical, analytical, rational, methodical and curious. Some of them are also enterprising, which means they are optimistic, confident, enthusiastic, energetic, extroverted, assertive, ambitious and adventurous. 

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