Solutions Architect , Chippenham, United Kingdom)

Unlocking Impact: A Deep Dive into the Solution Design Authority Role at BT

Are you a seasoned network architect or designer seeking to make a significant impact within a critical sector? BT is offering a compelling opportunity to join its Defence Solution Design Authority practice. This role, positioned as a Lead Consultant with a specific focus as a Compute Network Designer, is not just about technical design; it's about shaping the digital future for defence customers through strategic vision and innovative solutions. Published here to help potential candidates understand the opportunity, this review highlights the advantages and key considerations for this pivotal role.

The Opportunity: What Makes This Role Stand Out?

This position offers a unique blend of strategic influence, technical depth, and collaborative leadership within a vital domain. Here's why it's a stand-out career move:

• Strategic Impact in Defence: As a trusted industry partner, you will conceptualise the strategic vision for defence customers, defining and creating innovative digital solutions that transform their operations. Your work will directly contribute to national security and resilience, offering a profound sense of purpose.
• Broad Technical & Architectural Leadership: You'll be at the forefront of designing scalable, secure, and high-performance network infrastructure across cloud, data centers, and enterprise systems. This involves owning the end-to-end architecture governance and developing comprehensive enterprise architecture artefacts, strategies, and roadmaps.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role thrives on collaboration. You'll work closely with internal teams (Sales, Business, Technology, Security, Operations), key stakeholders, and external third-party technology providers. You'll be part of an industry-leading Solution Design Authority team, engaging with other architects, designers, technology experts, business managers, and business analysts.
• Exposure to Unique & Sensitive Projects: The defence sector presents "highly sensitive and unique opportunities and projects," offering unparalleled challenges and learning experiences that will significantly enhance your professional portfolio.
• World-Class Organisation: BT, with over 175 years of heritage, is a global leader in secure connectivity and collaboration. Joining this team means contributing to an organisation that serves millions of businesses and makes a significant societal impact.

Key Responsibilities: Driving Digital Transformation

As a core member of the Solution Design Authority, your responsibilities will span across the entire solution design lifecycle:

• Providing end-to-end architecture governance, leadership, and solution decision-making aligned with architectural principles.
• Developing and owning enterprise architecture artefacts, strategies, and roadmaps, addressing 'as-is', 'to-be', and transitional states.
• Acting as a subject matter expert, offering consultative engagement to shape complex service changes, delivery, and resource requirements.
• Leading responses to complex customer engagements, including Requests for Information (RFI), Contract Change Notifications (CCN), Solution Design Proposals (SDP), and Winning New Business Bids.
• Producing and owning critical architectural deliverables such as Proof of Concepts (PoC), technology whitepapers, bid collateral (PQQ, ITT), and High-Level Designs (HLD).

Who They're Looking For: Your Profile for Success

To excel in this role, candidates will typically possess a strong blend of technical expertise, architectural acumen, and consulting skills. Essential skills include:

• Deep Network Expertise: Proficiency in Enterprise Networks (IP Layer 1-7), Enterprise Network Security, Boundary Protection, and Service Provider Networks (DWDM, SDH, OTN).
• Vendor Technologies: Hands-on experience with leading ICT vendor technologies and products (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, F5, Nokia).
• Architectural Methodologies: A strong grasp of industry architecture methodologies & languages (e.g., TOGAF, ArchiMate, ITIL, BPMN) and experience with enterprise architecture toolsets (e.g., iServer, IBM Doors).
• Bid & Proposal Experience: Proven experience in responding to complex, multi-vendor public sector propositions and bid proposals (RFI, PQQ, ITN, ITT).
• Strategic Planning: Ability to develop solution roadmaps and governance structures tailored to customer requirements.

Key Consideration: DV Clearance

A significant aspect of this role, particularly within the defence sector, is the requirement for DV (Developed Vetting) clearance. The job description explicitly mentions a £5000 annual bonus for candidates holding DV clearance, indicating it is a crucial prerequisite or highly advantageous for this position. Candidates should factor this into their application process.

Rewarding Your Contribution: Benefits at a Glance

BT offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal life:

• Competitive Remuneration: A competitive salary coupled with a 10% on-target bonus, plus the additional £5000 annual bonus for DV clearance.
• Robust Pension Scheme: A generous BT Pension scheme with a minimum 5% employee contribution and a substantial 10% BT contribution.
• Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service), alongside a huge range of flexible benefits including cycle to work schemes, healthcare options, and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Access to world-class training and development opportunities, enabling continuous growth and skill enhancement.
• Additional Perks: Options to join BT Shares Saving schemes, discounted broadband, mobile, and TV packages, and access to hundreds of retail discounts.

A Welcoming and Inclusive Environment

BT is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. They actively encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds, explicitly stating that they value difference, foster innovation, and connect for good by championing digital inclusion. They welcome flexible working arrangements, including job share partnerships or reduced hours, and offer reasonable adjustments for the selection process. Importantly, BT encourages candidates who may not meet every single requirement to still apply, emphasising their commitment to building diverse teams.

Conclusion

This Lead Consultant / Compute Network Designer role within BT's Defence Solution Design Authority presents an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional to leverage their technical and architectural expertise in a high-impact, strategic environment. If you are passionate about innovative network solutions, thrive in a collaborative setting, and are eager to contribute to critical defence initiatives, this position offers a challenging yet highly rewarding career path within a world-leading organisation.