Overview
Join us as a Solutions Architect and work within a branch of around 40 professionals to help shape the future of social security in Scotland. We’re looking for someone passionate about creating innovative solutions integrating public cloud services and Software as a Service platforms. The initial appointment is for 23 months, with the possibility of extension for a further 12 to 23 months, subject to performance and business need.
We promote autonomy and self-organisation, allowing you to influence ways of working and set guiding principles. The Architecture and Design branch, part of our Chief Digital Office, is divided into six domains: solution, cloud, enterprise, data, business, and application architecture. We focus on high-level architecture and frameworks to sustainably plan, prioritise, and deliver change across our digital landscape.
Our solutions are highly integrated with external partners, reflecting our role within a wider public sector ecosystem dedicated to simplifying access to information and services. Guided by our Digital and Technology Strategy, we aim to deliver devolved and new benefits for the people of Scotland.
If you’re seeking a role within a supportive organisation that prioritises your development and growth, apply now to join our innovative team.
Social Security Scotland, an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, delivers 17 major benefits to around 2 million people across Scotland. The organisation plays a vital role in supporting low-income and disabled individuals, carers, and families, while helping to achieve the Scottish Government’s statutory child poverty targets. Our Charter reflects our core values and commitments, ensuring clients are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect, and that their feedback helps shape service improvements.
We aim to foster a positive and inclusive organisational culture, emphasising employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, professional development, and performance enhancement. Recognising that its workforce is essential to providing high-quality public services, Social Security Scotland is dedicated to creating an environment where staff are empowered to grow and contribute meaningfully.
Role and Responsibilities
A Solutions Architect is responsible for the assurance and design of digital solutions.
As a Solutions Architect, you will undertake structured analysis of technical issues, translating this analysis into technical designs that describe a solution. You will be consulted on solutions and can provide design patterns.
You will identify the deeper issues that need resolution and look for opportunities for collaboration with the ability to identify cases for the reuse of common patterns, components, platforms, or solutions. An architect can communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
You will ensure your solutions adhere to the relevant architecture governance.
You will be expected to build effective partnerships with diverse teams across multiple locations and technologies.
DDaT Pay Supplement
This post is part of the Scottish Government Digital, Data and Technology (DDAT) profession and as a member of the profession you will join the professional development system. This post currently attracts a £5,000 annual DDAT pay supplement, applicable after a 3 months competency qualifying period. The payment will be backdated to your start date in the role. Pay supplements are reviewed regularly and there is one currently underway. Changes will be communicated when the review is concluded.
Main Duties
* Presenting recommendations for technologies or improvements to enhance systems to support project goals clearly to management, based on knowledge of IT and analysis of systems’ needs.
* Evaluating the success of a project, once the solution has been integrated, identifying best practices and lessons learned.
* Act as a key contributor to architecture governance activities ensuring the adoption of good working methods and best practice in the application of technology architecture standards.
* Recommending technologies or improvements to enhance systems to support project goals, based on the analysis of systems’ needs and requirements of the business.
* Contributing to the overall technical strategy and road map for the department in your area of expertise.
* Developing and documenting the proposed technical design for the integration and implementation of technology solutions, working with and across other areas of DDaT and the business.
* Ensure designs meet security and operational requirements.
* Act as a Subject Matter expert, understanding the bigger picture, including wider departmental, organisational or cross government strategies to ensure your recommendations and designs are aligned.
* Owning the design of digital component(s) and ensuring the design and solution fit with the wider designs.
Closing and Information
Salary - £57,701 - £71,942 (plus, a £5,000 Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) pay supplement after a 3-month qualifying period). Location - Dundee or Glasgow. Hours - 35 hours per week. Closing Date - Thursday, 20th November 2025 at 23:55. Reference - 2605. Employment Type - Permanent.
Further Information
Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post. If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process, please contact us at recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot
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