Solution Architect; Cloud and AI

Welcome to Hastings Direct – From our Group HR Director Pam Angel

We’re a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become The Best and Biggest in the UK market. We’ve made huge investments in our data and tech capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4

Cs culture. We’re proud of the journey we’re on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues.

We provide insurance for over four million customers, but we know there’s even bigger opportunity out there. The fact you’re now reading this job advert means we’ve tempted you to find out more about – we really hope you like what you see, and you’ll join us to share in the success of the exciting chapter that lies ahead.

We understand some people may not apply for jobs unless they feel they tick every box. If you are excited about joining us and think you have some of what we are looking for, even if you’re not 100% sure we would love to hear from you.

• This is a high-impact role in our Solution Architecture team, shaping cloud-first solutions that span multiple platforms and services.
• You’ll be a custodian of our technology estate: evolving roadmaps, promoting re-use, and keeping solutions aligned to our architecture principles and standards.
• You’ll lead technical assessments and architecture decision-making, setting clear direction on patterns, integration approaches, and cloud capabilities.
• Working closely with business and engineering stakeholders, you’ll translate opportunities and challenges into pragmatic target solutions.
• You’ll be part of the fast paced AI delivery cycle, establishing the tools that support from PoC to production rollout.
• You’ll build trusted‑adviser relationships—confidently influencing and negotiating on the flexible elements of the design to land the best outcome.

• Strong hands‑on experience designing and governing solutions on Microsoft Azure (including security, resiliency, and cost considerations).
• Proven ability to modernise application landscapes—shaping new builds and transformations using contemporary architecture patterns.
• Practical AI capability experience—identifying valuable use cases and enabling or building solutions and tools that deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills—able to bring clarity, tell the story of the architecture, and gain alignment across business and technology.
• You’ll be part of a dynamic CIO group where we strive hard to get our work done with a customer focus and collaborative colleague support.

Join us and you’ll find a different way of doing things. We call it the 4

Cs. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company and community. As one of our colleagues, you’ll be helping to drive our growth, so in return, we’ll give you all the support, training and development you need. Not to mention plenty of recognition and rewards, and the scope to voice your ideas and put them into practice.

• Salary – Attractive salary based on experience + car allowance (pay reviews also completed each year)
• Flexible Working – We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach so please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail, including days in the office and at home.
• Competitive Bonus Scheme – All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4
  
  Cs performance bonus, which is usually paid in March. The scheme is based on Hastings’ performance against our business goals and your own personal performance.
• Physical Wellbeing – as a Band 4 colleague, Hastings pay for you to receive private medical Insurance (also known as PMI) This gives you flexibility and convenience to see a specialist or consultant and allows you to decide when and where you will be seen.
• Financial Wellbeing – As well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover and income protection at no extra cost, pension contribution match up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an AWARD WINNING package which includes – discounts and cashback at everyday retailers and on…