Principal Solution Architect; office locations

Position: Principal Solution Architect (we have office locations  and )
Company Description Genomics England is a global leader in enabling genomic medicine and research, focused on creating a world where everyone benefits from genomic healthcare. Building on the 100,000 Genomes Project, we support the NHS’s world-first national whole genome sequencing service and run the growing National Genomic Research Library, alongside delivering numerous major genomics initiatives. By connecting research and clinical care at national scale, we enable immediate healthcare benefits and advances for the future.

Our mission is to provide the evidence and digital systems so that by 2035 genomics could play a role in up to half of all healthcare interactions, whilst securing the UK’s position as the best place to discover, prove and benefit from genomic innovations. We are accelerating our impact and working with patients, doctors, scientists, government and industry to improve genomic testing, and help researchers access the health data and technology they need to make new medical discoveries and create more effective, targeted medicines for everybody.

Behind the Healthcare and Research outcomes, Genomics England delivers through designing, developing and operating complex healthcare software systems. We're on the cusp of big changes with the real prospect of genomics becoming the fabric of everyday healthcare through the lifetime - from birth to old age.

Job Description Genomics England are hiring a Principal Solution Architect. You will be responsible for managing the architects within the Scalable Tech area (platform and infrastructure services), providing architectural leadership across the service. You will ensure the solutions and platforms developed there align to enterprise direction and organisational priorities. You will supervise architecture across Scalable Tech, support teams in shaping robust and scalable technology solutions, act as a senior leader within the Architecture Chapter, and be responsible for the Scalable Tech input into enterprise architecture.

Your previous roles will include leading architecture across complex technology environments and supporting teams delivering large-scale platforms and services. You will bring experience of managing or mentoring architects, setting direction across multiple initiatives, and balancing strategic architecture leadership with pragmatic delivery support. You will have broad knowledge of complex technology platforms, solution architecture, and enterprise architecture practices, with the ability to work across cloud and on-premise environments as needed.

You will help develop architecture best practice for the chapter, support consistency in how architects work, and provide technical leadership that improves quality, reuse, and long-term maintainability. The complex nature of genomics means we use a wide variety of AWS and on-premise technologies focussed on high-performance compute, high speed storage, advanced security features and genomics-specific services such as Health Omics.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide architectural oversight for major initiatives (Hosting Strategy implementation, AWS platform improvement), ensuring appropriate governance, quality, and technical coherence. Manage and support architects working across the Scalable Tech area, providing leadership, direction, and coaching. Supervise architecture across Scalable Tech to ensure solutions are aligned to enterprise standards, strategic goals, and delivery priorities. Develop, embed, and continuously improve architecture best practice for the Architecture Chapter, including standards, patterns, and ways of working.

Collaborate with engineering, product, and delivery leaders to shape roadmaps and support effective decision-making. Support the evolution of scalable technology platforms across cloud and on-premise environments. Own the Scalable Tech input into enterprise architecture, ensuring local priorities, platforms, and decisions are represented and aligned with wider organisational direction. Promote reuse, consistency, and technical excellence through architecture patterns, guidance, and peer collaboration.

Work closely with architects and engineers across GEL to create coherent end-to-end solutions. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, strong architectural governance, and effective cross-team collaboration. Essential

Skills and Experience:

Significant experience in solution architecture across complex enterprise environments, including cloud (AWS) and on-premise platforms. Demonstrable experience providing architectural leadership across multiple teams or initiatives, balancing strategic direction with delivery support. Experience managing, mentoring, or leading architects, including setting direction, supporting development, and driving high standards of practice. Strong understanding of enterprise architecture principles and the ability to represent a service or domain within wider enterprise architecture discussions.

Proven ability to provide…