Lead Solution Architect (SAM / BEEDS)

Lead the architecture behind major technology modernisation programmes at the Bank of England.
The Bank of England, in partnership with Inspire People, is recruiting experienced Lead Solution Architects to design and deliver complex, cloud-based solutions across its regulatory data services. Hybrid working from London or Leeds, salary up to £90,360 plus an 8% cash benefits allowance, 10-25% discretionary annual bonus and a non contributory pension. 21-month FTC with a view to becoming permanent.

About the role
The Bank of England plays a vital role in maintaining the UK's monetary and financial stability. As part of its ongoing technology modernisation, the Bank is investing in platforms that improve how regulatory data is collected, processed, integrated and used across the organisation.
These programmes include modernising the collection of regulatory submissions from banks and insurers, alongside developing internal data and analytics capabilities that enable supervisory teams to access, analyse and make better use of information.

As a Lead Solution Architect, you will take ownership of solutions from initial requirements and options analysis through to high-level design, architectural governance and delivery. You'll work across cloud technologies, APIs, data integration and analytics platforms, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure and aligned with the Bank's wider technology strategy.
This is a senior architecture role requiring strong technical fundamentals, sound judgement and the ability to confidently present and defend architectural decisions.

As a Lead Solution Architect, you will:
* Lead end-to-end solution architecture, from requirements gathering and technical options analysis through to design, governance and delivery.
* Develop technology strategies, roadmaps and architectural artefacts, including HLDs, blueprints, solution options and target-state designs.
* Design scalable, secure cloud-based solutions incorporating APIs, integrations, data pipelines and analytics platforms.
* Lead solutions through architectural governance and Design Authority, presenting designs, addressing challenges and securing approvals.
* Work closely with business stakeholders, engineers, security teams, Data Architects and suppliers to ensure solutions meet business and technical requirements.
* Evaluate technology options, assess trade-offs and provide recommendations that support the Bank's strategic objectives.
* Support design assurance throughout delivery, ensuring solutions remain aligned with approved architecture and standards.
Essential skills for the Lead Solution Architect include:
* Strong end-to-end Solution Architecture experience, including requirements analysis, technical options assessment, solution design and delivery
* Experience developing architectural artefacts, including HLDs, solution options, blueprints, technology strategies and roadmaps
* Proven architectural governance experience, including personally presenting and defending solution designs through Design Authority or Architecture Review Boards
* Strong cloud architecture experience
* Experience designing integration architectures, including APIs, cloud-based technologies and data pipelines
* Experience working with data and analytics platforms, such as Microsoft Fabric, Databricks or equivalent technologies
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence technical and business stakeholders and gain agreement on architectural decisions

Desirable skills for the Lead Solution Architect include:
* Experience within financial services, regulatory or other highly regulated environments.
* Knowledge of regulatory data collection, submission and validation processes.
* Familiarity with data formats and reporting standards such as XBRL, XML and JSON.
* Experience with Azure data services, including Azure Data Lake Storage, Databricks or Azure Data Factory.
* Understanding of data governance, quality, security and data lifecycle management.
* Experience supporting technology procurement, supplier assessments or large-scale platform modernisation.

Salary
London range: £80,320 - £90,360 base + allowances
Leeds range- £72,320 - £81,360 base + allowances

In return, you can expect a flexible working culture and benefits, including:
* Non-contributory career-average pension.
* 10-25% Discretionary annual performance award.
* 8% benefits allowance, with the option to take as salary or purchase flexible benefits.
* 26 days' annual leave, with the option to buy up to 12 additional days.
* Hybrid working, typically 50% office attendance, with a minimum of 40% per month.
* Flexible start and finish times and adaptable working patterns.
* Working-from-abroad policy, subject to approval.
* Private medical insurance and income protection.

Why join?
You'll work on technology that supports critical national infrastructure and the stability of the UK's financial system. This is an influential role within the Bank, with responsibility for architectural decisions across major transformation programmes. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you'll contribute to the Bank's technology strategy and the delivery of secure, resilient platforms that support its regulatory and supervisory functions.

If you're an experienced Solution Architect looking to take ownership of complex, business-critical technology solutions, we'd love to hear from you. Apply using the link and one of the Inspire People team will be in touch.