Solution Architect

Role: Solution Architect Industry: IT Managed ServicesSector: Education Salary: up to £80,000 depending on experience eLocation: South of England / London

I'm working with a well-established, fast-growing MSP that specialises in delivering IT services into the education sector - some of the UK's most recognised independent schools, colleges and academies.

They're expanding their technical leadership team and looking for a Solution Architect to own the design of complex IT projects across their client base.

If you love the design side of the job - the part where you take a messy brief, walk a site, talk to the people who'll actually use it, and turn it into a design that's elegant on paper and bulletproof in delivery - this is the one.

What you'll be doing

Owning the technical design of complex infrastructure, cloud, network and security projects. Producing High-Level Designs (HLDs) and Low-Level Designs (LLDs) that engineering teams can build to with confidence. Partnering with Account Managers and Project Managers on scoping, proposals, and statements of work. Acting as the technical authority in client meetings - building trust with IT Directors, Bursars and Heads. Providing design governance and mentoring Project Engineers as they grow. Building out reusable reference architectures and education-sector design standards.

What we're looking for

A proven Solution Architect, Principal Engineer or senior Project Engineer with real HLD/LLD experience. MSP background strongly preferred - you understand the rhythm of project-led delivery across multiple clients. Deep Microsoft stack: M365, Azure, Entra ID, Intune, Windows Server, AD, Exchange. Strong virtualisation (Hyper-V / VMware) and networking (VLANs, firewalls, wireless). Solid grounding in cyber security, backup, and BC/DR design. Excellent technical writing - your documents are the deliverable. Education-sector experience is a real plus, but strong MSP architects from complex multi-site SME environments will absolutely be considered.

Why this one Part of a larger group - 200+ technologists across multiple UK and Ireland offices. Microsoft Solutions Partner with strong vendor relationships. 15+ years specialising in education - working with the country's most respected schools. Growing fast, investing heavily, and genuinely people-first. Hybrid working, real progression, and a culture where good work gets recognised.Interested?

Drop me a DM or send your CV across for a confidential chat - happy to share more detail on the business once we're talking.