Solution Architect £(Apply online only) per day - Umbrella only Remote, potential occasional travel to London 12 months Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Solution Architect to support a large, complex programme with a strong focus on UK Customs. This role requires a seasoned architect who is comfortable operating at enterprise scale, chairing design authorities, and acting as a trusted technical decision-maker across business and technology stakeholders. You will play a critical role in shaping end-to-end solutions, ensuring architectural integrity, and aligning delivery with strategic, regulatory, and operational requirements. Key Responsibilities Lead solution architecture across complex, multi-stream programmes Chair Design Authorities, owning architectural decisions and providing clear direction to delivery teams Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across business and technology Define, document, and assure end-to-end solution designs aligned to organisational strategy Ensure solutions meet UK Customs business, regulatory, and technology requirements Collaborate with delivery teams to ensure architectural designs are implemented correctly Assess architectural risks, constraints, and dependencies, providing mitigation strategies Support governance processes, including design reviews and assurance activities Balance tactical delivery needs with long-term architectural vision Contribute to continuous improvement of architectural standards and practices Must-Have Skills & Experience 10 years' experience working in a Solution Architecture role on complex programmes Repeated, demonstrable experience chairing Design Authorities Proven track record as a trusted architectural decision-maker within large organisations 8 years' experience of UK Customs, covering both business and technology domains Strong understanding of enterprise-scale systems, integration, and solution design Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills Ability to operate confidently in regulated, high-profile environments Nice-to-Have Experience working on large government or public-sector programmes Exposure to legacy modernisation and complex system integration Familiarity with agile and hybrid delivery models Experience influencing architecture across multiple suppliers or vendors