Senior Solutions Architect (Implementation)

SUMMARY:
Amazing chance to join a Software Development company that develops software for the insurance industry. They are a medium size company that look after their staff and give recognition. They have been around for over 25 years and have an international footprint in London.

POSITION INFO:
The Senior Solutions Architect functions within the Architecture team, acting as primary deputy to the VP of Implementation Architecture. This is a senior technical role that combines deep implementation architecture expertise with team leadership and mentoring responsibilities. The role operates as the first escalation point for Solutions Architects, leads the architecture function on complex and high-risk client implementations, and assumes the responsibility and acts with the full authority of the VP in their absence. The role is instrumental in translating the VP''s frameworks into day-to-day architectural practice across the team. A core differentiator of this role from the Solutions Architect level is the expectation to actively develop and mentor the Solutions Architect team, contribute to the creation and refinement of company standards (not merely follow them), and own the architectural delivery of solutions. Team Leadership Stands in for and supports the role of the VP of Implementation Architecture in the VP''s absence, with full decision-making authority over architecture matters Serve as the primary first-level escalation point for technical and architectural issues raised by Solutions Architects Provide regular input to the VP on team performance, workload, and emerging skills gaps Contribute to the recruitment and onboarding of new Solutions Architects Mentoring and Team Development Act as the primary technical mentor for all Solutions Architects within the team Conduct structured technical reviews of SA work product, providing clear, constructive, developmental feedback Support the VP in identifying team-wide skills gaps and contributing to targeted development plans Actively share knowledge through internal workshops, pair sessions, and documentation Champion a culture of continuous learning and quality improvement within the architecture team Architectural Standards and Governance Create, refine, and document architectural standards and implementation methodologies under the governance of the VP Conduct formal architecture reviews of SA work product before escalation to the VP Ensure all Solutions Architects apply approved standards, principles, and company configuration principles consistently Identify inefficiencies in solutions and define methods to mitigate risk and reduce long-term technical debt. Contribute architectural input to the product roadmap and standards evolution Complex and Strategic Client Implementations Own the architecture delivery for most complex, high-risk, or strategically significant client implementations Lead and chair client technical requirements workshops and discovery sessions Produce comprehensive project-documented outputs including solution designs, implementation plans, and estimated project plans Translate client requirements into precise technical capabilities and functions within the platform Sign off technical specifications, job cards, project plans, implementation plans, and change request forms Pre-Sales Support Lead the architecture input for pre-sales engagements on complex or high-value opportunities Define bespoke solution architectures for prospective clients during the sales process Produce and present proof-of-concept solutions and demonstrations for key prospects Provide accurate and defensible estimates for complex solution scopes Technical Deep knowledge of solution and implementation architecture principles and practices Ability to define, document, and refine architectural standards at a team level Proficiency in cloud architectures, integration patterns, and configuration principles Ability to model and graphically represent complex architectural concepts Insurance Good understanding of Insurance concepts Ability to implement Insurance based contextual systems Able to hold conversations relating to Insurance and the application requirements Leadership & Mentoring Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior-to-mid technical team members Strong facilitation skills for running workshops, technical reviews, and client discovery sessions Ability to act decisively and lead the team independently when the VP is unavailable Strong relationship management skills with internal and external stakeholders Communication Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to present and market architectural solutions to client and internal audiences Ability to translate complex technical concepts clearly for non-technical stakeholders Personal Attributes Highly analytical with critical thinking and strong problem-solving skills Deadline-driven with strong time management skills Resilient, tenacious, and adaptable Solutions-oriented with a thirst for knowledge and continuous improvement Ability to work independently and as part of a self-managed team Minimum Grade 12; a relevant Information Technology qualification is strongly preferred Working knowledge of MS SQL Server 2012+, MySQL, and cloud implementation architectures Proven experience in a Senior Developer, Team Lead, or Solution\/Implementation Architect role Experience leading architectural delivery on complex software implementation projects Familiarity with Agile Project Management methodologies Experience engaging directly with clients at a senior technical level Experience mentoring or coaching junior technical team members In depth Insurance Knowledge (Commercial, Personal etc. Experience in an InsurTech or Insurance software environment is strongly preferred Relevant Microsoft or Cloud certifications are advantageous