Contract Solutions Architect

Location: Hybrid - Manchester
Contract Type: Outside IR35
Duration: Initial 6 months with extensions
Day Rate: Competitive

Overview

Our client is a leading UK technology consultancy delivering complex transformation programmes across public and private sector organisations. They are looking for an experienced Solutions Architect to lead the design and delivery of cloud-native platforms and enterprise applications. You will work closely with engineering, data, AI and product teams to define architecture, guide delivery and ensure scalable, secure solutions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end solution architecture across application, data, integration, infrastructure and security layers.
  • Produce High Level Designs, Architecture Decision Records and technical documentation.
  • Design cloud-native solutions using Microsoft Azure.
  • Define API-first, event-driven and microservices architectures.
  • Work closely with software engineers, data engineers, product teams and stakeholders.
  • Lead architecture workshops and present designs to technical governance boards.
  • Ensure solutions align with security, performance and operational requirements.
  • Support delivery teams through implementation and provide technical leadership.
  • Drive best practice across DevOps, CI/CD and engineering standards.
  • Mentor engineers and contribute to architecture communities.

Technical Skills Required

Cloud & Infrastructure

  • Microsoft Azure
  • Azure networking and security
  • Identity and access management
  • Hybrid cloud architectures
  • Infrastructure as Code

Architecture & Integration

  • API-led architecture
  • Event-driven architecture
  • Microservices
  • Domain-driven design
  • Enterprise integration patterns
  • Messaging technologies and asynchronous processing

Engineering & DevOps

  • CI/CD pipelines
  • Git-based development
  • Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions
  • Docker and Kubernetes
  • Observability and monitoring

Data & AI Platforms

  • Azure Data Platform
  • Databricks
  • Azure Data Factory
  • Synapse Analytics
  • Data modelling and governance
  • AI and machine learning platform architectures

Software Development

  • C# /.NET
  • Python
  • REST APIs
  • SQL
  • Modern software engineering practices

Experience Required

  • Proven background delivering architecture on large-scale transformation programmes.
  • Strong experience within consultancy or client-facing environments.
  • Ability to operate across multiple workstreams and stakeholders.
  • Experience producing architecture artefacts and supporting governance processes.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Experience working within regulated environments such as financial services, insurance, healthcare or government is advantageous.
  • Previous experience leading distributed engineering teams.

Desirable

  • Azure certifications.
  • Experience with Databricks and AI platforms.
  • Knowledge of GenAI and agentic AI architectures.
  • Experience with container platforms and Kubernetes.
  • Exposure to platform engineering and cloud optimisation initiatives.

Candidate Profile

You are a hands-on Solutions Architect ideally from a consultancy background who combines strong technical depth with excellent stakeholder engagement. You enjoy solving complex problems, influencing engineering teams and delivering high-quality solutions across cloud, data and digital transformation programmes.