Solution Architect - Contract - London

We're looking for an experienced Solution Architect for a contract role in an architecture function, defining and governing the technical design of cloud migration and digital transformation initiatives. You'll translate business requirements into secure, robust and cost-effective end-to-end solutions aligned with enterprise architecture standards. Location: London, UK Day rate: £600–£700 per day (IR35 status to be confirmed) Contract: Initial 6–12 months, likely extension What you'll do:

• Own end-to-end solution architecture from requirements and options analysis through to delivery
• Design cloud-native and hybrid solutions on AWS, Azure or GCP
• Produce HLDs, LLDs and architecture decision records, presenting to design authorities
• Lead cloud migration and modernisation strategy, including landing zones and migration approach
• Define integration architecture using APIs, event-driven and messaging patterns
• Ensure solutions meet non-functional requirements, including security, resilience and FinOps
• Embed security by design against ISO 27001, NCSC cloud security principles and UK GDPR What you'll bring:
• 8–12 years' IT experience, including 4–6 years in solution or enterprise architecture on large programmes
• Proven cloud design and delivery experience; professional-level certification strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of microservices, API-led and event-driven architecture and infrastructure as code
• Experience with TOGAF or equivalent frameworks and architecture governance
• Strong understanding of cloud security, identity, networking, resilience and DR
• Ability to influence technical and executive stakeholders
• Right to work in the UK Desirable: sector experience in financial services, public sector, healthcare or retail; data and AI architecture; multi-cloud and legacy modernisation; ArchiMate, Sparx EA or LeanIX; Agile and DevOps delivery.