Strategic Bid Architect

Strategic Bid Architect (Home Based), inside IR35, initial 6-month contract (rate depending on exp) We’re looking for a Strategic Bids Architect to support high-value, complex digital, data and AI-enabled bids on a contract basis. This role is perfect for an experienced architect who thrives in pre-sales, solution leadership, and shaping commercially competitive technology propositions. The Opportunity As the senior technical lead across major bids, you'll design and govern advanced digital, data and AI architectures — ensuring they are scalable, deliverable, and positioned to win. You’ll work closely with Growth, Service Design, and senior stakeholders to craft innovative, cloud-native, data-driven solutions that demonstrate real measurable outcomes. What You’ll Be Doing Solution Leadership • Lead end-to-end architecture design for strategic bids (cloud, data, AI, automation). • Translate business and outcome requirements into clear, integrated technical blueprints. • Define architecture vision across AI/ML platforms, analytics, automation, integration and security. • Balance innovation with cost, risk, and delivery feasibility. Bid & Pursuit Engagement • Act as the technical design authority across bid cycles. • Shape digital transformation narratives with a strong AI-driven edge. • Support bid writing, technical orals, workshops, and client deep-dives. Digital, Data & AI Governance • Align all architectural elements with enterprise standards and responsible AI frameworks. • Maintain traceability between outcomes, capabilities, architecture and cost models. • Support risk and assurance around data, AI, integration, scalability and security. Commercial Support • Work with commercial teams to model cost structures and justify ROI. • Provide input into outcome-based, consumption-based, and fixed-price bid modelling. • Ensure solutions are compelling, competitive, and architecturally sound. Transition Support • Support handover into mobilisation teams post-award, ensuring architecture continuity. Required Skills & Experience • 10+ years designing large-scale digital transformation solutions. • Deep knowledge of AI/ML, data platforms, analytics, automation and cloud architectures. • Strong experience with AWS/Azure, APIs, microservices, integration and event-driven systems. • Proven track record leading solution design for major bids. • Ability to communicate with CXO-level stakeholders. • Familiarity with TOGAF, ITIL, Agile, Responsible AI frameworks, and architecture modelling tools.