Job Description
Location: Manchester (Hybrid)Sector: Insurance & Engineering RiskType: Permanent | Senior Architecture RoleAre you a hands-on Solution Architect who enjoys stepping into complex environments, bringing structure to ambiguity, and turning legacy estates into clear, deliverable roadmaps?A global specialist insurance group is strengthening its Manchester technology hub and is looking for a Senior Solution Architect to play a pivotal role in assessing current-state systems, shaping future architecture, and guiding large-scale migration and modernisation initiatives.This is a role for someone who wants to be close to the business, embedded with delivery teams, and accountable for turning architectural thinking into practical outcomes.Why This Opportunity Stands Out True Solution Architecture – You’ll own solution design from current-state assessment through to target architecture and delivery alignment. Greenfield thinking, real constraints – Apply modern architecture principles to a live, evolving estate following acquisition and integration. Delivery-adjacent impact – Work side-by-side with BAs, engineering leads, and business heads to make architecture actionable. Cloud & migration focus – Shape AWS-led migration strategies and integration patterns across multiple systems. High visibility – Act as the architectural bridge between UK teams and US parent stakeholders.What You’ll LeadAs Senior Solution Architect, you will:
* Assess existing applications and platforms and define clear target-state architectures
* Build and own system and application roadmaps aligned to business priorities
* Design scalable, modular solution architectures including integration and NFRs
* Lead migration and modernisation initiatives across legacy and cloud platforms
* Act as the architecture point of contact between business, BA, and engineering teams
* Produce clear solution diagrams, documentation, and decision artefacts
* Guide teams on API design, integration patterns, cloud usage, and best practice
* Influence senior stakeholders and confidently challenge assumptions where needed
What You BringThis role will suit an architect with:
* Strong Solution Architecture experience (6–10+ years) in complex environments
* Proven delivery of application migration and modernisation programmes
* Hands-on experience with AWS-based architectures (Azure knowledge beneficial)
* Solid grounding in application, integration, and cloud design patterns
* Insurance experience (general insurance is ideal; deep platform specialism not required)
* The confidence to operate with senior, sometimes challenging stakeholders
* A pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset paired with strong communication skills
Major platform experience (PAS, core systems, large enterprise platforms) is welcome, but architecture capability and delivery credibility matter more than any single product.Who This Role Is Perfect ForArchitects who enjoy: Working close to the business rather than at arm’s length Turning complex current states into clear migration paths Owning solution design through implementation Balancing modern architecture with real-world delivery constraints Being the calm, credible voice in technically and politically complex programmesIf you enjoy shaping the journey rather than just describing the destination, this role offers both influence and impact. Please apply now for immediate consideration.