How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Solutions Architect
Solutions Architect (Contract)
Location: Manchester | Hybrid (3-4 days on-site)
Contract: 10-Week Discovery Phase
Start date: Early August Start
Day rate: To be discussed on the call
The Opportunity
We are recruiting a Solutions Architect for an exciting 10-week discovery and phase-zero engagement based in Manchester. This is a high-visibility piece of work for a commercially minded property and facilities management client, scoping a major technology transformation that could scale into a 6-12 month implementation phase and beyond.
This is not a back-office architecture role. You will be client-facing from day one, working closely alongside a Business Analyst, an industry specialist, and an account lead to map the current state, evaluate solution options, and produce a board-ready recommendation that will shape the client's technology direction for years to come.
The Project
The end client operates two legacy internal systems and is looking to scale significantly without equivalent headcount growth. The goal of this discovery phase is to:
- Map the current technical and process landscape in depth
- Evaluate four potential solution options, including AI-native and modern platform approaches
- Define the future-state architecture and operating model
- Produce polished, board-ready deliverables including process maps, architecture proposals, and a clear recommendation for phase one
Key stakeholders are commercially sharp but not deeply technical. Your ability to translate complex architectural thinking into clear, compelling narratives and visuals will be just as important as your technical depth.
What We Are Looking For
Technical depth
You are not just a strategist or a diagram producer. You get into the detail. You understand how systems actually work, how data flows, where legacy constraints bite, and what real-world implementation looks like. You can challenge assumptions, validate technical direction, and engage meaningfully with developers and engineers on the team.
Reasons to use Rodeo
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.
It 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.
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.
Client-facing credibility
You are comfortable in a room with senior, commercially driven stakeholders. You ask the right questions, you listen well, and you can explain architectural decisions without losing the audience. You are used to building trust quickly.
Visualisation and storytelling
You produce high-quality outputs. Process maps, architecture diagrams, solution evaluations, and board-level presentations that look polished and land clearly. You do not just think in whiteboards; you can turn complex ideas into materials that stand on their own.
Discovery and transformation experience
You have done this before. You know how to run a structured discovery, navigate ambiguity, align stakeholders around a direction, and keep a tight timeline. You are comfortable in the early, uncertain stages of a project where clarity has to be created.
AI and modern tooling awareness
You have a strong awareness of modern AI-native approaches, language models, analytics platforms, and contemporary solution patterns. The project has a significant AI and analytics dimension and the right candidate will bring informed thinking to what good looks like today.
The Role in Brief
- Work closely with the BA from week one to assess the current state and define the future-state architecture
- Evaluate four solution options against business and technical criteria
- Shape and articulate architectural recommendations for a board-level audience
- Produce high-quality visual and written deliverables throughout the engagement
- Operate as a senior, credible voice in client workshops and stakeholder sessions
- Collaborate as part of a small, high-performing team including a BA, Tech Lead, industry specialist, and account lead
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Location and Logistics
Manchester-based. Work takes place across two Manchester locations: a client site in Central Manchester near Piccadilly and a consulting office in the Northern Quarter. Hybrid working with an expectation of 3-4 days on-site per week. Some remote flexibility applies.
The engagement is a 10-week phase with a hard stop and fixed deliverables. No extension is expected for this phase; however, a successful outcome is likely to lead into a longer implementation engagement.
About You
- Proven track record as a Solutions Architect in a consulting or professional services environment
- Strong background in transformation and discovery-phase engagements
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience engaging non-technical senior stakeholders
- Commercially aware and comfortable in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
- Genuine technical depth across systems design, integration patterns, and modern platform options
- Familiarity with Azure environments is advantageous; the exact stack direction is still open
- Experience incorporating AI and analytics thinking into architectural recommendations
About Us
At Inara Talent, we believe everyone deserves a fair chance to shine. We connect great people from all backgrounds with opportunities where they can thrive making sure hiring is fair, inclusive, and genuinely diverse. No matter your background, we focus on what matters: your talent.
“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