Solution Architect Specialist

Recruiter: Daniel McCarthy

Career Grade: D 

Internal Closing Date: 26/6/25

With over 175 years of heritage, BT is now the flagship business brand of BT Group. We’ve brought together our best people and capabilities into a B2B powerhouse serving 1.2 million business customers internationally.

We’re a global leader for secure connectivity and collaboration platforms for businesses of all shapes and sizes, from big household names and government departments, right through to sole traders and new start-ups. But it’s not just the technology that matters, it’s what it can do to help them build stronger, smarter, more secure businesses.

We value diversity and inclusion and believe in making a positive impact. We connect for good by championing digital inclusion and equipping people, businesses, and communities with digital skills to thrive.

As a member of our team, you will be part of an organisation that celebrates difference, fosters innovation and provides you with opportunities to be your best. With millions of businesses relying on us daily, joining BT means you can be part of a diverse and multi-skilled team that makes a significant impact to society.

Why this job matters

The purpose of this role is to be accountable for the design of E2E solutions on behalf of Ethernet and Optical Services for BT Business Connectivity products.  Solution designs must be delivered in accordance with agreed roadmaps to facilitate launch of new Business Connectivity products or product features and/or to improve customer or operational experience.
Solutions Architects are responsible for designing the overall technical solution for a given business problem – in this case it is for the development and maintenance of our Business Connectivity products (Ethernet, Optical, IP and Mobile Backhaul). The role spans software (OSS), network infrastructure (working in conjunction with Network Architects/Designers) and organisation design. A Solution Architect not only needs to understand the OSS and network, but also the products and routes to market for that product. A brilliant solution design will deliver a brilliant customer and colleague experience, minimise cost and time to deliver, and have longevity.
The role offers the opportunity to work widely across BT, with multiple stakeholders across Business, Digital, Networks and Openreach.
This Specialist Solution Architect role may also manage a small team of permanent and sub-contract solution designers who are based in the UK or India. 

What you’ll be doing – your accountabilities

Driving delivery of Solution Architecture and Designs for the Business Connectivity (Ethernet, Optical, IP and Mobile Backhaul) Portfolio, along with the leadership and coaching of a team of Solution Architect Professionals or Sub-contract Solution Designers:

• Typically leads  solution design for a specific domain area such as “Ethernet” or “Mobile Backhaul” or a specific project within the domain
• Responsible for the definition and evolution of the solution strategy for the assigned area
• Overseas the solution design work of a small team in that area, providing leadership, direction setting, coaching and review/assurance of the output of the team
• Provides technical direction, working closely with the relevant delivery manager and stakeholders in Business and Digital
• Personally delivers solution designs for specified product, business or operational functionality enhancements supporting  Business Connectivity strategy in alignment with Enterprise
• Architecture roadmaps and guardrails
• These designs could be driven by new product features, customer experience enhancements, operational improvements or network/technology change.
• Develops robust recommendations, proposals and scope of work documents e.g. feasibility studies, including estimated solution costs, timescales and phasing proposals
• Ensures solutions give excellent customer and colleague experience
• Be recognised as a key contributor who is able to provide expert advice to colleagues and senior stakeholders
• Provide expert advice to ensure rapid resolution of operational live issues

The skills you’ll need to succeed

• Advanced knowledge of telecommunications business connectivity services and relevant emerging network/software technologies
• Expert Solution Architect including solution option decision making and road-mapping
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities
• Proactive 
• Excellent communicator
• Strong collaboration skills
• Strong interpersonal skills 
• Strong problem-solving ability 
• Stakeholder management 
• Delivery oriented
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in engineering or computer science, ideally member of a relevant professional institution
• Agile/DevOps methodology

Experience you’d be expected to have

• Track record of leading solution architecture and design deliveries, including initial solution architecture determination and road-mapping
• Delivering on time and to budget
• Knowledge of OSS either as a, component designer, solution designer or tester
• Experience of OSS delivery cycle  
• Experience of process/operational change delivery
• Business Connectivity Products knowledge 
• Understanding of the OSS stack supporting the domain/product area across L2C, T2R & P&B

A FEW POINTS TO NOTE:

Although these roles are listed as full-time, if you’re a job share partnership, work reduced hours, or any other way of working flexibly, please still get in touch.

We will also offer reasonable adjustments for the selection process if required, so please do not hesitate to inform us.

DON'T MEET EVERY SINGLE REQUIREMENT?

Studies have shown that women and people who are disabled, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse or from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and criteria. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can be their best, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement on the Job Description, please apply anyway - you may just be the right candidate for this or other roles in our wider team.