Solutions Architect (OT, Infra, Networks)

Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving real transformational change within our clients. We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data and business applications. We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals.

About the Role

As a Solutions Architect, you’ll be at the forefront of a transformative Cyber Resilience Programme, driving the security, reliability, and future-proofing of the operational technology estate that supports our customer’s business. This is more than just a job - it’s an opportunity to shape solutions that close capability gaps, enhance resilience, and secure systems that power vital operations.

You’ll work across cutting-edge security, infrastructure, hybrid hosting, and networking projects, reporting to the Lead Architect as part of a dynamic Architecture Team. If you thrive in high-impact roles that combine strategy, technical innovation, and stakeholder collaboration, this could be your next challenge.

As a Solutions Architect, you will:

• Defining and delivering end-to-end solutions across multiple projects, ensuring alignment with business and technical goals.
• Collaborating closely with analysts and technical specialists to design well-rounded solutions that meet security and operational needs.
• Applying structured approaches (e.g., TOGAF) to solution architecture, while influencing stakeholders who may favor less formal methods.
• Balancing strategic vision with hands-on detail, confidently delving into design specifics when required.
• Enhancing security and operational resilience by working with technologies such as IDAM, SIEM, remote access solutions, software-defined networks, and hyper-converged systems.
• Supporting procurement processes, from specifying requirements in tenders to evaluating supplier proposals.
• Contributing to technology roadmaps, balancing immediate priorities with long-term objectives.

• Demonstrated experience in solution architecture, with a track record of designing and delivering secure, scalable solutions.

• A solid foundation in operational technology environments, including SCADA systems, embedded controls, and remote site operations.
• Expertise in areas such as security solutions, data networks, virtualization, and real-time systems.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms like Azure or AWS.
• Understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks and methodologies (e.g., TOGAF).
• Experience working with both agile and waterfall delivery approaches.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build consensus and inspire confidence among stakeholders.

Additional experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:

• Identity and Access Management (IDAM)
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and security controls
• Remote access solutions
• Data integration and management
• Compliance with NIS standards
• Software-defined networking and hyper-converged infrastructure

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success.

We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:

Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.

Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.

A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes, an employee assistance programme, discounted cash plan and more…..

At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us.

If we can do anything to help make the hiring process more accessible, please let our talent acquisition team know when you apply so we can support any adjustments.