Practice Lead - Solution Design

Most technology leaders reach a point where they want more influence.

Not just over how technology is delivered, but over the decisions that shape where technology is invested.

Our client is establishing a new Solution Design practice to bring greater structure and consistency to how technology opportunities are identified, assessed and prepared for delivery.

As Practice Lead, you'll lead a team of Solution Leads and Business Analysts while establishing the standards and direction for the function.

Rather than stepping into projects after key decisions have already been made, you'll work with business leaders from the outset to understand the problem, explore different options and help determine the best way forward.

If you're looking for the opportunity to lead people, influence decision-making and create something that will have a lasting impact across the organisation, this role offers exactly that.

What you'll be doing

Reporting to the Director – Technology Strategy & Delivery, you'll establish the Solution Design practice and provide leadership to a team of Solution Leads and Business Analysts.

You'll spend much of your time working with business leaders, architects and delivery teams, helping turn ideas into well-defined initiatives that are ready to move into delivery.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, coaching and developing a team of Solution Leads and Business Analysts
• Establishing consistent standards, governance and ways of working across the practice
• Leading discovery workshops to understand business challenges and shape solution direction
• Evaluating solution options across business, commercial and technical considerations
• Preparing business cases and recommendations for executive review
• Supporting delivery teams as initiatives transition into execution

What makes this opportunity different?

Most organisations ask Solution Architects to respond to projects that already exist.

This role gives you the opportunity to influence what gets delivered before projects even begin.

You'll have the autonomy to challenge assumptions, recommend different approaches and provide independent advice before significant investment decisions are made.

You'll also work alongside the leaders responsible for Delivery Operations, Quality Assurance and Change Assurance to ensure ideas move smoothly from strategy into delivery.

Just as importantly, you'll help establish a function that will continue to shape technology delivery long after the first projects have been completed.

Why now?

The organisation has recently introduced a new Technology Strategy & Delivery operating model, with Solution Design playing a central role in how future initiatives are assessed and prioritised.

The foundations are in place.

Now they're looking for someone to lead the function, develop the team and help shape how it evolves.

Opportunities to influence an organisation at this stage of its journey are rare.

What you'll bring

This opportunity is likely to suit an experienced Solution Architect, Lead Solution Architect, Architecture Lead or Enterprise Architect who is ready to step into a broader leadership role.

You're technically credible, commercially aware and enjoy working through complex business problems.

You may already be mentoring other architects or designers, leading a small team, or simply be the person senior leaders rely on when they need clear, practical advice.

You'll ideally bring:

• Experience shaping solution options for complex technology initiatives
• Experience leading, mentoring or developing Solution Architects, Solution Designers or multidisciplinary teams
• Strong facilitation, communication and executive influencing skills
• The ability to balance business, commercial and technical considerations when evaluating solution options
• Sound judgement, a collaborative leadership style and the confidence to challenge thinking when required

Experience within financial services or another complex enterprise environment will be highly regarded but isn't essential.

Next steps

This is a permanent leadership opportunity offering the chance to lead a newly established function, develop a high-performing team and influence how technology initiatives are shaped across the organisation.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Steven Fulop on 04•• ••• 446 or ••••@xceltium.com, or Anthony Trimboli on 04•• ••• 782 or ••••@xceltium.com.

Please note: xceltium has been exclusively retained to manage this appointment. All direct and third-party applications will be managed by the xceltium team.