Principal Solutions Architect (UK)

Job Posting TitlePrincipal Solutions Architect (UK) Description & Requirements Be part of something great Maximus is a global organisation that specialises in providing health and employment services to millions of people every year. Here in the UK we employ around 5,000 people across the country to deliver services that have a profound impact on people's lives. From assessments and health services to employability programmes and specialist support, we do work that matters with people who care. The Role: Transform our clients through world class CX Join our dynamic technology team and be at the forefront of digital transformation as a Principal Solution Architect, driving technical solutions and innovation across transformative programmes in both pre-sales and delivery in large scale BPX deals. You will operate as a senior technology voice, combining deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen to drive outcomes that matter. This strategic role drives solution architecture development, and cross-functional integration throughout the opportunity lifecycle-from initial shaping through successful transition to delivery. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with proven experience with large scale projects, including competitive analysis, estimation methodologies, and compliance frameworks. This role will require you to see and drive towards the company strategy while rolling up your sleeves to create compelling, differentiated, and executable solutions for our customers. Key Responsibilities Solution Leadership & Strategy • Lead solution design and strategy for large, complex government pursuits• Define and oversee technical win themes, discriminators, and innovation differentiators• Collaborate with capture managers and business development teams to shape opportunities pre-RFP through deep, meaningful and direct engagement with customers• Facilitate and lead solution reviews with executives and subject matter experts• Lead large, complex initiatives of strategic importance involving cross-functional teams Technical Architecture & Innovation • Design scalable, extensible, and flexible solutions leveraging cutting-edge technologies• Incorporate capabilities from Maximus Accelerators and internal reusable capabilities and offerings to drive differentiation• Leverage reference architectures, demonstrations, playbooks, and various technology artifacts• Stay current with leading solution architectures and industry hyperscalers (AWS, Microsoft, Google, ServiceNow, Salesforce)• Ensure compliance with technical requirements and validate solution feasibility Proposal Development & Competitive Analysis • Own technical solutions for RFI, RFP, and RFQ responses, including whitepaper creation and concept development.• Conduct competitive analysis of industry pricing approaches and award trends• Support Black Hat exercises at bid level and perform market/sector competitive analysis• Review technology solutions for compliance with federal and corporate standards Estimation & Cost Management • Own and drive competitive top-down estimates using expert judgment, comparative/analogous estimation, parametric estimation, and three-point estimation techniques• Guide teams on estimation best practices, cost optimizations, risk quantification, and pricing strategies• Interface with pricing and delivery teams to ensure solution viability and cost realism• Assess market trends, seasonal impacts, and service level agreement implications Team Leadership & Collaboration • Lead and mentor other Solution Architects to advance in both their capabilities and their careers.• Provide guidance, coaching, and training to technical employees across the organization• Act as bridge between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders both internal and external to Maximus.• Collaborate with operations, information security, and human resource teams early in capture process to ensure implementable solutions• Work directly with customers to understand needs to design tailored solutions Implementation • Work with delivery teams to build implementation plans addressing technical operational readiness• Fulfil the chief engineer role for project delivery - you design it, you build it.• Ensure solutions are designed with implementation and operational considerations• Collaborate with delivery teams to guarantee effective operational implementation Communication & Stakeholder Management • Develop and deliver presentations and demonstrations to internal and external stakeholders• Communicate complex technical concepts to senior leadership and non-technical audiences• Build trust and credibility through consistent delivery and transparency• Present high-level solution concepts and estimation models to stakeholders Essential Skills - What You'll Bring • Deep technical and hands on understanding of modern cloud platforms, including AI and data solutions.• Proven experience delivering material impact in creating winning technology solutions for large bids (£20-200M+), large contracts, or public sector clients, ideally leveraging AI as a USP.• Deep experience in several of the following technologies: Salesforce, ServiceNow, Dynamics 365, AWS Connect, Genesys, Verint, Case Management including native AI capability• Outstanding communication-able to explain complex topics to technical and non-technical audiences with clarity and confidence.• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building across diverse teams.• Collaborative mindset-enthusiastic about co-creating with colleagues, partners, and clients.• Driving capability modelling sessions with business, vendors and technology stakeholders to create roadmap architectures• Agile approach to problem-solving and adaptability in dynamic environments.• Experience with Managed Services, IT Services, and Software Development opportunities• Experience in one or more additional technology areas such as Secure Software, DevOps, CI/CD, or Site Reliability Engineering; Data Management and Governance; Data Science; Data Analytics; infrastructure; cloud; platform; software as a service offering.• Track record of crafting solution architectures rooted in business needs, customer journeys, and innovation.• Ability to thrive in flexible, fast-paced environments across multiple time zones• String commercial acumen, including understanding pricing models• Excellent organisational skills-comfortable juggling multiple priorities and deadlines.• Curiosity and a desire for continuous learning in technology and beyond.• A passion for presenting, public speaking, or sharing insights at industry events. Desirable Skills - What Makes You Stand Out • Experience in designing and implementing secure cloud solutions and proficient in cybersecurity• Compliance standards, and risk management framework experience through the delivery and accreditation of solutions in a highly regulated customer environment.• Experience supporting Black Hat exercises at bid level• Knowledge of security, monitoring, performance, and SLA standards• Comfort with cross-cultural, cross-functional collaboration in global organisations.• Recognition for empowering inclusive, diverse teams and championing ethical technology.Maximus is committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the recruitment process. We know that feeling included has a dramatic impact on personal well-being and are working to ensure that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment due to any personal characteristic. Advertisements for posts will include sufficiently clear and accurate information to enable potential applicants to assess their own suitability for the post.We are a Disability Confident Leader, thanks to our commitment to the recruitment, retention and