Solutions Architect (Supplier & Vendor Management)

We are AMS. We are a global total workforce solutions firm; we enable organisations to thrive in an age of constant change by building, re-shaping, and optimising workforces. Our Contingent Workforce Solution (CWS) is one of our service offerings; we act as an extension of our clients' recruitment team and provide professional interim and temporary resources.

We are looking for a Solutions Architect for a 12 Month contract based in Bristol (Up to 3 days per week on site)on behalf of our globally respected client who develop cutting-edge technologies that deliver clean, safe and competitive solutions to meet the planet's vital power needs.

Purpose of the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Solutions Architect for a 12-month contract to play a critical role in delivering complex architecture solutions through external suppliers and service partners. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in enterprise architecture, cloud platforms (Azure and VMWare), and stakeholder engagement, with the ability to translate business outcomes into actionable architectural deliverables without becoming overly technical.

As a Solutions Architect you will be responsible for:

• Architecture Ownership: Lead the definition, documentation, and implementation of solution architectures that align with business strategy, IT standards, and delivery capabilities.

• Stakeholder Management: Engage and manage senior stakeholders, both business and technical, to understand strategic goals, gather requirements, and ensure alignment of technology solutions.

• Supplier & Vendor Management: Work closely with third-party suppliers and service integrators to ensure the correct delivery of architectural components and solutions.

• Outcome-Oriented Approach: Clearly articulate desired business outcomes, define success measures, and work collaboratively to ensure those outcomes are realised.

• Cloud & Infrastructure Expertise: Leverage hands-on experience with VMWare and Microsoft Azure to guide decisions and assess proposed architectures from suppliers.

• Requirements Translation: Translate non-technical business requirements into high-level capabilities and technical specifications, enabling vendors to develop appropriate solutions.

• Governance & Assurance: Ensure architectural designs meet security, scalability, and performance standards, and support risk management and compliance needs.

• Documentation & Communication: Produce and present high-quality architectural artefacts, ensuring clarity and traceability from concept through to delivery.

• User-Centric Focus: Advocate for end-user experience and capabilities, ensuring that all solutions enhance usability and business functionality.

What we require from the Candidate:

• Previous or Active SC Clearance preferred but not essential.

• Proven experience in Solution Architecture, ideally within complex IT environments and large-scale transformation programs.

• Demonstrable expertise in cloud infrastructure (Azure, VMWare) and IT service integration.

• Strong understanding of business strategy alignment, IT functions, and enterprise architecture frameworks.

• Experience working with outsourced IT delivery models, managing and guiding third-party suppliers to deliver against technical and business goals.

• Ability to engage in high-level conversations about outcomes, capability, and user experience, while delegating technical depth to delivery partners.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build trust with diverse stakeholders.

• Strong documentation, presentation, and conceptual design skills.

Next Steps:

If you are interested in applying for this position and meet the criteria outlined above, please click the link to apply and we will contact you with an update in due course.

Please note that due to recent changes in Off Payroll (IR35) legislation, our client only operates with contractors that operate via a PAYE or Umbrella model. We are unable to accept applications from candidates wishing to operate under their own Limited Company.

AMS, a Recruitment Process Outsourcing Company, may in the delivery of some of its services be deemed to operate as an Employment Agency or an Employment Business.