AQA
Solution Architect

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Solution Architect
Permanent
Manchester: £73,600 - £85,800
Milton Keynes: £76,700 - £89,300
Hybrid working - a minimum of 2 days per week in the office
Introduction
Are you a solution architect who enjoys turning complex business needs into practical, scalable technology solutions? This is an opportunity to shape enterprise-wide technology decisions, influence strategy and work across a varied technology landscape while helping AQA deliver services that support learners and education.
Purpose of the Role
As a Solution Architect, you'll play a key role within the Enterprise Architecture team, working closely with business and technology stakeholders to design solutions that deliver real business value. You'll provide architectural leadership across enterprise technologies, guide solution delivery and help ensure technology investments align with long-term strategic goals. You'll also contribute to the evolution of AQA's technology landscape by balancing innovation, governance and practical delivery.
In this role, you'll be responsible for:
- Designing and guiding technology solutions that meet business requirements while aligning with architectural standards, strategic objectives and delivery priorities.
- Providing expert architectural advice and leadership to stakeholders, project teams and technology colleagues, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure and fit for purpose.
- Driving architecture governance and continuous improvement, including technology roadmaps, horizon scanning, standards development and compliance with enterprise architecture principles.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What's in it for you?
- You'll have the opportunity to influence technology decisions at an enterprise level while continuing to develop your expertise across a broad and evolving technology environment.
- Shape strategic technology direction and influence major business and transformation initiatives.
- Work with a wide range of stakeholders, gaining exposure to enterprise, assessment and group technology teams.
- Develop your professional capability through complex architecture challenges and emerging technology opportunities.
- A 35-hour working week with flexible, hybrid working.
- 25 days' annual leave rising to 30, plus Christmas closure days.
- A benefits package including up to 11.5 percent pension contribution, BUPA healthcare support, wellbeing programmes and volunteering opportunities.
You'll thrive in this role if you have:
- Proven experience as a Solution Architect with a strong track record of delivering technology solutions within complex enterprise environments.
- Strong knowledge of enterprise architecture, cloud platforms, integration approaches and modern technology frameworks, including experience working across applications, infrastructure and data environments.
- The ability to communicate and influence effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery, helping organisations modernise technology while managing legacy environments and operational realities.
- A collaborative, pragmatic mindset with a focus on solving problems, improving ways of working and delivering positive outcomes.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
What's Next?
To apply, please submit your CV and Cover Letter.
Application deadline: Sunday 6th September
#STEC
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills