Lead Solution Architect

Lead Solution Architect

Reports to: Head of Group IT Solutions & Data Platforms

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Lead Solution Architect to shape the technical architecture underpinning our applications, integrations, data platforms and cloud services.

You will translate complex business requirements into secure, scalable and maintainable solutions while ensuring technology decisions align with our wider business and IT strategy.

Working across Engineering, Delivery, Product, Cyber Security, Infrastructure and Data, you will provide the technical direction needed to create a more consistent, connected and resilient technology landscape.

This is a technical design and architectural governance role. The Lead Solution Architect will influence how solutions are delivered but will not be responsible for project delivery, software development or operational support.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Lead Solution Architect, you will:

Lead the design of enterprise solutions across applications, integrations, cloud platforms and data services

Translate business requirements into clear solution architectures and technical designs

Assess solution options and recommend approaches that balance cost, complexity, scalability and long-term value

Ensure solutions meet functional, security, resilience, performance and operational requirements

Maintain architectural integrity from initial concept through to implementation

Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineers and technical specialists

Lead architecture reviews through the Technology Design Authority

Assess architectural risks and approve designs within delegated authority

Maintain architectural documentation, reusable patterns and technology standards

Support current-state and future-state architecture planning

Identify opportunities to simplify the technology estate, reduce duplication and address technical debt

Define API, messaging and event-driven integration patterns

Support the architecture of data platforms and promote trusted, consistent and governed data

Design secure, resilient and scalable cloud-native and hybrid solutions

Promote automation and Infrastructure as Code principles where appropriate

Embed security, disaster recovery and operational supportability into solution designs

Evaluate emerging technologies and support technology selection and procurement

Present architecture proposals clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

Work effectively with technology vendors, implementation partners and cloud providers

Mentor technical colleagues and help build a culture of engineering excellenceWhat We’re Looking For

You will have:

Significant experience working as a Solution Architect within a complex enterprise environment

Strong experience designing distributed and integrated technology solutions

A strong understanding of application, integration and data architecture

Experience designing solutions using Microsoft Azure or a comparable cloud platform

Strong knowledge of API design, messaging and integration architecture

Experience producing clear architecture documentation and solution designs

A strong understanding of security-by-design, resilience, scalability and disaster recovery

Experience working within Agile delivery environments

Experience facilitating architecture reviews and technical governance

The ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex technical subjects clearly

A pragmatic and commercially aware approach to technical decision-makingDesirable Experience

It would be beneficial if you have:

Experience supporting an established Enterprise Architecture practice

Knowledge of Azure Integration Services

Experience with modern data platforms and analytics solutions

TOGAF or an equivalent architecture certification

Microsoft Azure architecture certifications

Experience working within a highly regulated environment

Experience using UML, ArchiMate or other architecture-modelling approachesYour Approach

You will be a strategic and naturally curious technical leader who can see the bigger picture without losing sight of practical delivery. You will be comfortable constructively challenging decisions, working through complexity and building trusted relationships across technical and business teams.

Collaborative, structured and commercially aware, you will care about engineering quality and make decisions based on long-term organisational value rather than short-term convenience.

What Success Looks Like

Success as Lead Solution Architect will mean:

Technology solutions are secure, scalable, maintainable and aligned with business strategy

Architecture decisions reduce technical debt and unnecessary complexity

Teams increasingly reuse agreed standards, technologies and architecture patterns

Integration and interoperability improve across enterprise platforms

Technical risks are identified and addressed earlier

Technology delivery becomes faster, more consistent and more predictable

Engineering teams have clear technical direction and stronger architectural capability

The organisation develops a simpler, more modern and resilient technology landscapeWe are Panda. We value waste.

We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste.

Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve.

At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together.

We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward.

We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make.

And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing.

Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact.

Take the first step and join us on the journey.

Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.

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