Lead Solution Architect

Lead Solution Architect
City of London | Hybrid
Circa £120k + bonus + benefits
A Senior Architecture Role With Real Authority

Highly prestigious global financial services organisation with a modern, forward-looking IT function are currently seeking a Lead Solution Architect. This role will act as the central authority for solution architecture across the organisation: setting standards, governing change and ensuring technology decisions align with enterprise strategy, security requirements and regulatory obligations.

This is a senior, hands-on position. You will retain direct responsibility for solution design, threat modelling and architecture consultancy across cloud, on-premises and hybrid environments, while also holding practice-level accountability for governance, prioritisation and the development of the wider architecture team. The organisation is committed to modern working practices, including the use of AI and automation to accelerate delivery, and is looking for an architect who reflects that approach.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and continuously improve the architecture change governance process, including templates, decision records and review forums
• Establish and lead the architecture community of practice, developing capability across the team
• Manage the solution architecture portfolio and prioritise a shared pool of architects against firm-wide demand
• Act as the principal point of contact between the architecture practice, business relationship managers and senior stakeholders
• Remove obstacles and protect the team's capacity to deliver against agreed priorities
• Lead the design, review and delivery of solutions across cloud, on-premises and hybrid technology
• Maintain awareness of emerging technology and threat trends, including AI, large language models and autonomous agent frameworks, and their implications for architecture practice

Key Requirements:

• A broad understanding of enterprise architecture, cloud (Azure), infra, integration, identity, network, security and application platforms.
• Ability to work across cloud, on-prem and hybrid environments.
• Demonstrable experience leading or governing an architecture function, not solely contributing to one
• Experience with architecture modelling approaches such as ArchiMate or UML
• A demonstrable, modern approach to architecture practice, including the practical use of AI tools to support design and delivery
• Financial services experience is advantageous but not essential

What the Role Offers

• A senior, visible position reporting directly to the Head of Architecture, with genuine authority over governance and resource allocation
• The opportunity to shape architecture practice within an organisation actively investing in its modernisation
• Direct influence over how AI and automation are adopted across the architecture function
• A structured three-stage interview process, with flexibility for candidates serving a longer notice period