Solution Architect – Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) About the Role We are looking for an experienced Solution Architect with proven experience in delivering complex technology programmes to join our Digital Technology Architecture team. This is a key role within a major Manufacturing Execution System (MES) replacement programme, supporting a wider business transformation initiative involving internal stakeholders and specialist consultancy partners.
You will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering technology solutions that support manufacturing operations. Acting as a trusted technical advisor, you will translate business requirements into scalable, secure, and compliant solution designs while ensuring alignment across applications, data, security, and integration domains.
This is an excellent opportunity to influence a strategic transformation programme within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
*This role will require UK Security Clearance (SC) and sole UK nationality to comply with ITAR regulations on UK Defence projects.
Key Responsibilities
Design and deliver end-to-end solution architectures for the MES replacement programme, ensuring alignment with business and enterprise technology strategies.
Define integration approaches between MES, ERP, quality, automation, and other operational systems.
Produce and maintain architecture artefacts, including solution designs, data flows, integration models, and technical documentation.
Collaborate with business stakeholders, project teams, vendors, and consultancy partners to ensure solutions meet operational and regulatory requirements.
Ensure security, compliance, data governance, and validation requirements are embedded within solution designs.
Apply architecture governance and standards, supporting design reviews, risk management, and architectural decision-making throughout the programme lifecycle.
Provide technical leadership and architectural guidance to support successful programme delivery.
About You
Essential Experience
Proven experience operating as a Solution Architect on large-scale business transformation or technology delivery programmes.
Strong experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and their integration within manufacturing and operational environments.
Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, shop-floor operations, automation technologies, and operational systems.
Experience applying enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF or equivalent.
Strong knowledge across:
Application architecture for MES and manufacturing systems
Data architecture, governance, lineage, and record management
Security architecture within regulated and operational environments
Integration technologies, including APIs, middleware, messaging platforms, and OT interfaces
Experience working with third-party consultancy and delivery partners within complex transformation programmes.
Experience within highly regulated manufacturing sectors such as Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Aerospace & Defence, or similar industries.
Desirable Skills & Attributes
Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
Collaborative and pragmatic approach, with the ability to influence decision-making across diverse teams.
Strong attention to detail while maintaining focus on strategic architectural objectives.
Ability to balance hands-on technical design with broader enterprise architecture considerations.
Why this role matters?
This is an opportunity to play a key role in a business-critical transformation programme, shaping the future manufacturing technology landscape within a complex and highly regulated environment. You will work alongside experienced architecture professionals, operational stakeholders, and industry-leading consultancy partners to deliver solutions that drive efficiency, compliance, and innovation.
Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits package
Company bonus scheme
Generous contributory Pension Scheme
Life assurance
25 days holiday (increasing with service)
Plus lots of flexi-benefits
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