Lead Solution Architect

Location: Boston Spa or St Pancras
Hours: Permanent – Full time
Grade: SB4
Salary: £47,250-£61,895 BSP/£51,188-£65,833 STP

About Us
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the world’s greatest research libraries. We are home to over 170 million items from across the globe, ranging from manuscripts, maps, newspapers, and journals to sound recordings, stamps, and digital content. Our mission is to make our collections available to everyone, for research, inspiration, and enjoyment.

Following a recent cyber-attack, we are undertaking a major transformation of our digital infrastructure. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of one of the world's most iconic cultural institutions as we embark on a journey to strengthen our digital resilience, enhance our services, and continue to support the needs of our users in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

The Role
We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Lead Solution Architect to join our team and play a key role in defining and delivering the architectural vision of the British Library. In this role, you will lead a small but growing team of architects, collaborating closely with various stakeholders across the organisation. You will be instrumental in designing robust, scalable, and secure architecture solutions that align with the Library's strategic goals and digital transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities
Be part of the development and implementation of the architectural strategy, ensuring it supports the British Library's strategic objectives and enhances digital security and resilience.
Design and document robust, scalable, and secure architecture solutions, providing technical leadership and guidance to your team and stakeholders.

Collaborate with IT, cybersecurity, and other departments to ensure seamless integration and alignment of architecture with the Library's overall digital strategy.

Develop and maintain architecture roadmaps, standards, and best practices.

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of architects, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Assess and recommend new technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance the Library's digital infrastructure and services.

Ensure compliance with relevant data protection and cybersecurity regulations.

Support the recovery and mitigation efforts related to the recent cyber-attack, implementing measures to prevent future incidents.

Essential Skills and Experience
Proven experience as a Solution Architect, with a strong track record in leading architecture design and implementation in complex environments.

Experience leading a team of architects or engineers, with strong leadership and mentoring skills.

Extensive experience in designing secure, scalable, and high-performance systems and solutions.

Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, practices, and technologies, with experience in designing architectures that incorporate robust security measures.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and manage relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

Experience with cloud platforms, microservices architecture, and modern application development frameworks.

Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and translate business requirements into effective technical solutions.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Why Join Us?
Be part of a historic and prestigious institution dedicated to knowledge and learning.

Opportunity to shape the future of the British Library’s digital architecture and make a lasting impact.

Work in a collaborative, innovative, and supportive environment.

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are a forward-thinking Solution Architect looking to make a difference in one of the world’s leading cultural institutions, we would love to hear from you!

As one of the world’s great libraries, our duty is to preserve the nation’s intellectual memory for the future and make it available to all for research, inspiration and enjoyment. At present, we have well over 170 million items, in most known languages, with three million new items added every year. We have manuscripts, maps, newspapers, magazines, prints and drawings, music scores, and patents. We make our collections and programmes available to all. We operate the world’s largest document delivery service providing millions of items a year to customers all over the world. What matters to us is that we preserve the national memory and enable knowledge to be created both now and in the future by anyone, anywhere.

In return, we offer a competitive salary and a number of excellent benefits.  Our pension scheme is one of the most valuable benefits we offer, as our staff can become members of the Alpha Pension Scheme where the Library contributes a minimum of 28.97% (this may be higher dependant on grade. Another significant benefit the Library provides is the provision of a flexible working hours scheme which could allow you to work your hours flexibly over the week and to take up to 5 days flexi leave in a 3 month period. This is on top of 25 days holiday from entry and public and privilege holidays.  A digital allowance is also available for this position.

Closing date: Open ended
Interview date: Open ended

We are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa for this role, as it does not meet the eligibility criteria required for this immigration route.

Museum Website: https://ce0752li.webitrent.com/ce0752li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC179GF.open?WVID=5071482BMD&VACANCY_ID=53324661En