Strategic Bids Architect Full Time NEW

Solihull, West Midlands
La Fosse Associates

Role – Strategic Bids Enterprise Architect

Location – Solihull, Hook, or London (hybrid)

Salary – up to £95K base + benefits

Industry – Business Process Outsourcing / Public services industry

Purpose

The Strategic Bids Enterprise Architect leads the development of major strategic bids, ensuring proposed solutions align with standard architectures and deliver a competitive, winning proposition for the company. They work closely with the UK&E Growth Team to ensure digital and technology components are effectively addressed, engaging the digital and technology function early in the process. This includes overseeing the selection and governance of strategic partners and suppliers. The Enterprise Architect must understand both the technical and commercial aspects of each bid-assessing how proposed technologies influence win probability and the profitability of awarded contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of technology solutions for strategic bids, ensuring they are affordable, competitive, and aligned with Enterprise Architecture and IT strategy.
• Provide systems engineering support to ensure requirements are effectively cascaded to technology partners and vendors.
• Serve as the Design Authority for solution components delivered by technology partners and vendors on strategic bids.
• Offer architectural leadership and guidance to Senior/Solution Architects and Technical Delivery teams to ensure alignment with sector roadmap designs.
• Support account management activities within the growth team by maintaining a clear view of the digital and technology roadmap for strategic accounts.
• Communicate technical issues and IT solution strategies clearly to Business Unit stakeholders and IT professionals in support of proposed solutions.
• Ensure all solution designs align with business needs and sector technology roadmaps.
• Review vendor and supplier proposals to confirm deliverability, quality, and compliance with Enterprise Architecture standards and sector roadmaps.
• Identify and mitigate business and architectural risks associated with strategic bid solutions.

Required Experience

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in an IT-related discipline is preferred but not mandatory. Strong understanding of modern IT infrastructure, applications, and cloud technologies is essential.
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrates analytical thinking and a logical approach to developing innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Communication: Possesses excellent communication skills, capable of explaining complex technical details clearly and concisely to non-technical stakeholders.
• Flexibility and Innovation: Stays current with emerging technologies, identifies technical issues, and designs effective solutions. Able to adapt plans and decisions as needed.
• Systems Engineering: Experienced in applying systems engineering principles and serving as a design authority.
• Relationship Management: Skilled in building strong, collaborative relationships with clients, operational managers, and colleagues.
• Information Management: Capable of gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information effectively.
• Standards and Compliance: Good knowledge of quality standards, relevant legislation, and best practices.
• Adaptability and Prioritization: Able to manage time effectively, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain focus under pressure.
• Forward Thinking: Anticipates potential problems and develops proactive solutions.
• Enterprise Architecture: Familiar with established Enterprise Architecture frameworks and best practices.

Additional Information

UK SC clearance or willingness to obtain clearance is needed. Ability to travel to company and client sites in Europe and the UK as reasonably required.