Building a career as a Solutions Architect in the public sector

If you’re looking to move into a senior digital role in the public sector, Solutions Architect is one of the most in-demand options right now. It’s also a role that can look very different depending on the organisation, the program, or the systems involved.

Public sector organisations are under growing pressure to improve services, update ageing infrastructure, and join up digital systems across departments. This means designing solutions that are technically sound, compliant with policy, and workable within existing structures. That’s where Solutions Architects come in. They help teams move from strategy to delivery by mapping out how systems should work in practice, and ensure every decision aligns with the end goal.

In this blog, we explore what a Solutions Architect does, how the role fits into public sector transformation, and how candidates from technical or delivery backgrounds can move into it.

What is a Solutions Architect?

A Solutions Architect is responsible for designing how digital systems are structured, connected, and delivered. That could mean planning a new platform from scratch or improving how existing systems work together. It’s a varied role that blends technical knowledge, planning, and communication. Every solution is different, and so is the day-to-day work.

Some Solutions Architects focus on cloud infrastructure, working across services like AWS or Azure. Others are more involved in software systems, integrations, or data platforms. Depending on the organisation, they might lead discovery sessions, create architecture diagrams, support procurement, or advise on security. The role can span everything from technical design to long-term strategy.

What makes this job different is the range of decisions involved. Solutions Architects think about:

• How a system will be built, and by who.
• How different teams or suppliers will work together.
• How to meet both short-term requirements and long-term goals.
• How to keep services secure, stable, and scalable.
• How to design something that works for developers, users, and the wider business.

It’s a senior role, but there are clear routes in. Many start in development, testing, or infrastructure roles before stepping up. Others move in from business analysis or delivery, building their technical knowledge over time. Junior Solutions Architect jobs are becoming more common, especially in larger teams that support training and progression.

Because the role sits between strategy and delivery, it suits people who enjoy variety and problem-solving. It’s also in high demand. As organisations move more services to the cloud and upgrade older systems, Solutions Architect jobs are growing across both the public and private sectors.

What does a Solutions Architect do in the public sector?

As a Solutions Architect in the public sector, you design the systems that power essential services across the UK. That could mean shaping how NHS data is shared securely, improving local council platforms, or supporting the delivery of national identity programs like One Login. These services are used by millions of people and need to be secure, stable, and built to last.

Public sector systems are often complex, spanning multiple departments and built on legacy infrastructure. They must also meet rigorous standards around procurement, accessibility, and data protection. As a Solutions Architect, your role is to provide a clear, structured plan that enables delivery teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to work together effectively from the outset.

There is a growing demand for architecture professionals across the public sector, driven by the scale and complexity of digital transformation programs. 

Architecture roles are among the hardest to fill, particularly as departments face significant gaps in digital capability. Over 62% of public sector employees say the organisation they work for lacks the digital skills needed for their roles, making experienced Solutions Architects central to improving infrastructure, joining up systems, and delivering long-term change.

As part of your day-to-day work, you’re likely to focus on five key areas:

1. Defining the requirements:
  You’ll work closely with policy leads, service owners, and technical teams to define what the project needs to achieve. That includes identifying system dependencies, understanding constraints, and ensuring user needs are prioritised from the start.

2. Designing the system:
  You’ll produce architecture plans that show how services should be built. This includes selecting platforms, mapping integrations, setting security requirements, and aligning with national service standards. These designs shape how delivery teams work and what gets built.

3. Connecting teams and disciplines:
 You act as a link between developers, suppliers, project managers, and non-technical stakeholders. Part of your job is to make complex decisions understandable – ensuring everyone is aligned and risks are identified early.

4. Supporting compliance and assurance
 Many public sector services must pass formal assessments and align with frameworks like the Technology Code of Practice and GDS Service Standard. You’ll play a key role in helping your team meet these requirements while maintaining momentum through delivery.

5. Planning for long-term success
 Working as a Solutions Architect in the public sector, you’ll design scalable, maintainable, and cost-effective systems. That means thinking about future integrations, support models, and how to avoid creating unnecessary complexity or technical debt.

If you're building a Solutions Architect career path in the public sector, you’ll be working at the intersection of policy, technology, and delivery. The decisions you make will shape how real people experience public services, making the role both challenging and meaningful.

What skills and experience are valued in the public sector?

Solutions Architect jobs in the public sector offer the chance to work on impactful, large-scale digital services. These roles are structured, rewarding, and closely linked to improving how vital systems are delivered and supported. Success depends not just on what you know, but how you apply it in complex delivery environments.

Let’s explore the key areas public sector employers focus on when recruiting for these roles:

Skills

Public sector organisations look for Solutions Architects who can design systems that meet technical, strategic, and operational goals. Core skills include:

• Designing integrated systems across cloud and legacy platforms.
• Communicating technical decisions clearly and confidently.
• Producing architecture documentation, diagrams, and design artefacts.
• Understanding government requirements around security, accessibility, and data use.
• Supporting Agile delivery and iterative development.
• Aligning solutions with GDS standards and the Technology Code of Practice.

Experience

Strong candidates bring hands-on experience delivering services in real-world conditions. Most hiring managers look for:

• Experience designing and supporting large-scale digital services.
• Leading or contributing to system design in complex delivery programs.
• Familiarity with procurement frameworks such as G-Cloud and Digital Outcomes.
• Working with multidisciplinary teams across departments and suppliers.
• Supporting governance reviews and technical assurance processes.
• Managing architecture decisions with cost, maintenance, and support in mind.

Education and training

While formal education can help, most teams are more focused on practical ability and project-based learning. For those building a Solutions Architect career path, the following are commonly listed:

• Backgrounds in development, infrastructure, DevOps, or digital delivery.
• TOGAF certification is often desirable, though not essential.
• Cloud certifications such as AWS or Azure Solutions Architect.
• Familiarity with public sector delivery frameworks and assurance standards.
• Entry points through junior Solutions Architect roles or technical leadership positions.

As digital transformation continues, IT recruitment in this space remains active. Teams are prioritising candidates who understand both the technical and delivery demands of public services. Whether you’re looking to step up or shift sectors, public architecture roles offer long-term, meaningful work at scale.

How to become a Solutions Architect in the public sector

Demand for Solutions Architect jobs continues to grow across government departments, health services, local authorities, and national infrastructure programmes. As services become more integrated and data-led, the role has moved from technical support to a key part of digital strategy and delivery.

Public sector organisations are focused on long-term value; that means designing systems that are secure, cost-effective, and maintainable. Employers are looking for people who can work across teams, understand constraints, and make decisions that support both users and policy objectives.

There is no single route into public sector architecture. Most candidates move into the role after building experience in technical or delivery-focused positions.

Common starting points include:

• Senior Developer
• Systems Analyst
• Infrastructure Engineer
• Business Architect
• Delivery Lead

What employers look for is not just technical ability, but the way you approach problems. Public sector Solutions Architects are expected to design systems that meet user needs, align with policy goals, and stand up to scrutiny.

Key skills in demand right now:

• Designing systems that work across cloud and legacy infrastructure.
• Writing clear documentation for mixed audiences.
• Managing risk and long-term service planning.
• Working within GDS and Technology Code of Practice standards.
• Understanding accessibility, security, and data protection requirements.

Formal qualifications such as TOGAF, AWS, or Azure certifications are helpful, but not essential. Project-based experience is often more important.

If you want to move into a Solutions Architect role, start by getting experience that brings you closer to system design. You don’t need the job title to start building the approach and knowledge that public sector employers value.

Focus on:

• Getting closer to system design: Look for projects that involve integration, planning, or platform migration. Ask to support architecture reviews or shadow technical design discussions.
• Taking ownership of artefacts: Writing documentation, mapping out processes, or helping with assurance activities shows you understand more than just the technical details. 
• Learning the frameworks: Familiarise yourself with the GDS Service Standard, the Technology Code of Practice, and how these influence procurement and delivery decisions.

Junior Solutions Architect roles are becoming more common, particularly in central government departments and large public sector programmes. These can provide structured development, on-the-job learning, and long-term progression.

Working with a recruiter who specialises in Technology recruitment for public sector organisations can help you identify realistic opportunities and understand what hiring managers are prioritising. Sellick Partnership supports candidates at every stage of their digital careers, matching technical ability with the right delivery environments.

The demand for Solutions Architects within the public sector is on the rise, driven by initiatives to modernise services, integrate complex systems, and enhance engagement. Opportunities are particularly growing in government departments, healthcare agencies, and local authorities seeking to implement scalable and secure digital solutions.

For professionals aiming to advance in this field, focusing on developing a comprehensive understanding of public sector challenges, policies, and technological frameworks is essential. Building expertise in areas like cloud integration, data security, and cross-departmental collaboration will position you to effectively contribute to transformative projects that have a meaningful impact on society.

Explore Solutions Architect jobs with Sellick Partnership

We support candidates across the UK looking to build long-term careers in digital and IT architecture. Whether you're exploring senior opportunities or junior Solutions Architect roles, our team can help you find the right fit.

Get in touch to start your next step with a team that understands public sector IT recruitment.