Consultant Solution/Technical Architect

The Consultant Solution / Technical Architect role provides an opportunity to support a wide range of UK public sector and defence organisations on nationally critical digital programmes. You will provide consultancy to UK public sector and defence organisations to help them get maximum benefit from their ICT investments. You will analyse and develop solution and technical architectures based on the needs of the customer, including the associated technologies and operational processes. You will also research and assess new or unfamiliar technologies developments and routes to exploit these in support of our customers. Our position as a client-side advisor means that this role requires significant stakeholder engagement, dealing directly with the client, including in resolving day-day issues involved in assignment delivery and developing follow-on opportunities, so excellent interpersonal and influencing skills are essential. You will produce high-quality formal deliverables, sometimes to challenging timescales.

#hp, Working either individually or as part of a larger Actica team, you will undertake consultancy assignments that could include:

• Direct engagement with clients to understand their business drivers, requirements and constraints.
• Defining end-to-end solution architectures including Business, Information/Data, Applications and Infrastructure views.
• Development of solutions and product investigation/selection and supporting implementation in critical national infrastructure projects.
• Supporting large ICT procurements, including developing technical requirements and evaluating options.

• A track record in technical or solution architecture for digital projects or programmes is essential.
• The fast-changing nature of the ICT environment together with the need to resource multiple, ad-hoc assignments also requires the individual to be intellectually agile, proactive and self-motivated - with the ability to apply a structured approach to often unfamiliar subject matter.

Desirable:

• Experience working on Digital or ICT programmes within the Defence and / or UK Public Sector.
• Solution Architecture development and review using industry standard frameworks or modelling standards (e.g. TOGAF, Archimate language) and tooling (such as BizzDesign, SparxEA or Archi).

Experience with two or more of the following:

• Cloud Platforms: Understanding of Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Oracle Cloud, or VMware VCF (with ability to design cloud-native or hybrid solutions). Suitable qualifications might include Cisco CCNP, Amazon Web Services Solution Architect, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, Google Associate Cloud Engineer, VMware Certified Professional.
• A solid foundation in infrastructure. Understanding networking, integration of software defined networking within cloud, storage, virtualization, and server technologies such as Cisco, Dell, Palo Alto
• Integration & APIs: REST, event-driven architectures, message brokers, API gateways.
• Data: data models, data flows, data governance, analytical platforms.
• Security: familiarity with NCSC and cloud security principles, identity & access management, zero trust, data protection and regulatory compliance.

You may not feel that your skills precisely match the requirements of this job specification; however, we encourage you to apply if this is a role that appeals to you. We require individuals with a broad skillset, so there may be other aspects of your experience which are equally important to us, but that are perhaps not listed in the role specification above.Actica aims to nurture a diverse workforce through inclusive working practices, promoting equality in our recruitment activities, and by employing candidates on the basis of merit. Discrimination against individuals on the grounds of protected characteristics is not permitted and we take steps to ensure that our staff are made aware of their legal responsibilities when making hiring decisions. We are keen to improve diversity within our organisation and the industries in which we work, and hope to employ individuals who share that view. While Guildford is our home base, consultants typically spend their time working remotely. For most clients, consultants spend 2-3 days working remotely and 2-3 days co-located with colleagues at a client's site or our office in Guildford. For some projects, there will a requirement to work up to 5 days a week co-located with colleagues. All work is team based, with a high level of engagement with other Actica and client team members., About Actica Consulting Actica Consulting is a leading Digital Transformation and Cyber Security consultancy focused on the UK Public Sector. Our teams have a long track record of delivering technology-focused consultancy in a variety of complex environments. Our projects often run over multiple years and contribute to clients' mission-critical objectives and key strategic initiatives. We're proud of our long-term client relationships and excellent track record of delivery; as a result, we're trusted to work on some of the UK Government's most important and sensitive projects. We operate in the following market sectors: Defence, Central Government, National Security, Policing and Public Safety, Utilities, and Transport. Our expertise covers: Organisational Improvement, Delivering Complex Programmes, Digital Engineering, Cyber Security, and AI, Analytics and Data., Actica is a fast-growing Digital Transformation consultancy working primarily for the UK Public Sector and Critical National Infrastructure organisations. Our customers include: MoD, Home Office, Ministry of Justice, Blue Light organisations, National Security organisations, Utilities and other government agencies. We deliver high-quality, high-impact, client side and supply side delivery services. These services include IS strategy, portfolio, programme and project management, procurement support, business transformation and change management, architecture, high- and low-level design, agile transformation and delivery, infrastructure delivery, cyber support and data engineering/analytics support. Our Story We are a privately-owned company founded 25 years ago. We have been trusted to work on some of the UK Public Sector's most critical and challenging projects and have obtained a reputation for providing a high-quality consultancy service which delivers real value to our clients. This is an exciting time in our development. We will soon have a permanent headcount of around 200 people and our plans are to grow our business organically at around 20% per annum - a rate that we believe is sustainable and will not compromise our focus on quality and trust with our clients. In addition, we will make selective acquisitions that build our capabilities and, critically, are aligned with our culture and values. Our Unique Culture Excellence - we approach work with creativity, energy, passion and determination to ensure even the most challenging projects are successfully delivered. Our staff are highly capable individuals, we support them to achieve their full potential and ensure they remain abreast of the latest innovations and best practice in their fields. Client focus - we listen carefully and seek to understand our clients' unique needs. We work hard to deliver against these needs. We want to make a difference, we do not create artificial dependences on our service. We see regular feedback on our service, teams and relationships to enable continuous improvement. Trust - we deliver on our promises and don't let clients or colleagues down. We don't play 'politics'. We encourage open debate around different points of view. We operate impartially basing our decisions on objective evidence. We explain our decisions, even ones that may be unpopular. Partnership - we recognise that clients, staff and suppliers are critical to our success and treat all with respect. We operate an open friendly and supportive culture where everyone is listened to and respected. We encourage constructive feedback and challenges focused on improvement. We work together to deliver the best that the Company can achieve every time., Actica is opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, harassment and bullying. All job applicants, employees and others who work for Actica, clients and members of the public will be treated fairly and will not be discriminated against on any of the above grounds.