Solution Architect at South West Water

At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate. We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area. And we have huge ambitions. Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come. So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater. Would you like to work within a collaborative team where your skills and experience can make a difference? Have you got what it takes to contribute to the IT service of one of the largest businesses in the South West?   We currently have an opportunity for a Solution Architect to join our team based in Exeter. Joining us on a full-time permanent basis, you will receive a competitive salary of up to £62,500 per annum plus excellent benefits.   You will be responsible for supporting the delivery of corporate and operational technology projects and initiatives by engaging with business functions and delivery teams to produce high level solution designs, including establishing and maintaining awareness of requirements and their relationships to business capabilities and outcomes.   You will also ensure the interoperability and integrity of data and applications under development by in-house software development teams and commercial off-the-shelf software deployed in the organisation.  What You'll Be Doing: • Provide architectural consulting expertise, direction, and assistance to support the successful delivery of outcomes through the realisation of capabilities. • Governance and assurance of solution designs within programmes and projects . • Creation of Enterprise-level Base (Current) State, Interim and Target state architecture diagrams and documents. • Creation of Technology Visions, Roadmaps and Strategies. • Document and develop in-depth knowledge of the existing business, infrastructure, data, applications and operational technology portfolio and architecture. • Help establish, maintain, communicate, and enforce established data and design principles. • Conduct research on emerging technologies and recommend technologies that will increase cost effectiveness and flexibility. • Maintain relationships with major suppliers to assess how their services and roadmaps can benefit the business. • Develop, document, make recommendations, and communicate plans for investment including opportunities for innovation and AI, business capability development, analysis of application consolidation, cost reduction opportunities and the identification and communication of technical and business risks. • Ensure designs protect data appropriately and meet IT security requirements and standards. What We're Looking For: • 5 GCSEs or equivalent (including Maths and English, minimum Grade C) • Educated to degree level standard or able to demonstrate working to degree level • Experience in architectural consulting. • TOGAF, BCS or equivalent certification in enterprise and/or solution architecture • Extensive and broad-based IT and business experience, delivering diverse corporate and operational IT services in a medium/large organisation • Strong understanding of information processing principles and practices • Demonstrable experience designing technical solutions in response to business requirements • Familiarity with Information Security and data protection legislation • Use of an Enterprise Architecture Repository Tool • Gathering and analysing business requirements What's In It For You? • We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including: • Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays • A discretionary Bonus • Competitive Contributory Pension • Share-save Scheme • Various health benefits • Wellbeing support programmes • A range of Group Discounts • Cycle to Work Scheme • Financial support services • And plenty more! Closing Date: 26th December 2025 Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.   Our core values which are essential to our success are:   Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on. Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way. Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.