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