Job Specifications
Strategic Bids Architect
Digital, Data, Cloud and AI Solutions | Complex Public Sector and Defence Programmes
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Strategic Bids Architect to lead the design of complex, large-scale digital, data and AI-enabled solutions for high-value, strategic bids.
This role acts as the senior technical authority across pursuits, shaping end-to-end architectures that are commercially competitive, operationally deliverable and aligned to customer outcomes. You will work closely with growth, bid, service design and delivery teams to create compelling, winnable solutions that balance innovation with cost, risk and feasibility.
You will play a key role “left of the deal”, influencing opportunities early, defining solution strategy and ensuring technology choices directly improve win probability, delivery performance and long-term margins.
Key Responsibilities
Solution Leadership
Lead the design of end-to-end digital, cloud, data and AI architectures for complex and strategic bids
Translate business and operational requirements into integrated technical solutions across applications, data, automation, integration and security
Define architecture vision and technical strategy, incorporating AI, analytics and intelligent automation
Balance innovation with delivery practicality, cost efficiency and risk
Bid & Pursuit Engagement
Act as technical design authority throughout pre-sales and bid development
Shape the technical narrative within proposals and differentiate through digital and AI capabilities
Support client workshops, solution validation sessions and technical orals
Collaborate closely with sales, bid and delivery stakeholders to produce compliant and compelling submissions
Digital & Architecture Governance
Ensure alignment with enterprise architecture standards and responsible AI principles
Present solutions to internal design authorities and review boards
Maintain traceability from customer outcomes through to architecture decisions
Manage risk across data, security, AI models and integrations
Commercial & Financial Awareness
Understand how technical decisions impact cost, pricing, margin and delivery viability
Work with commercial and pricing teams to build robust cost models and ROI cases
Contribute to outcome-based and consumption-based commercial models
Transition to Delivery
Support mobilisation and handover to delivery teams post-award
Document architecture baselines and reusable assets
Experience & Skills
Essential
10+ years’ experience designing large-scale digital transformation or cloud solutions
Proven experience leading solution architecture for complex bids or major programmes
Strong background in cloud platforms (Azure, AWS or multi-cloud environments)
Experience with data platforms, analytics and AI/ML solutions
Strong understanding of APIs, microservices, integration and modern architectures
Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders up to CxO level
Commercial awareness and ability to align technical design with financial outcomes
Desirable
Experience in defence, government or regulated environments
Knowledge of architecture frameworks such as TOGAF
Familiarity with AI governance and responsible AI practices
Experience working in bid, pre-sales or pursuit environments
Core Competencies
Structured problem solving
Clear and confident communicator
Systems thinking
Collaborative working style
Ability to work at pace across multiple pursuits
About the Company
Welcome to LHH!
We're a global leader in HR solutions that future-proofs organizations and careers worldwide. Our Advisory, Career Transition & Mobility, Leadership Development, and Recruitment Solutions enable transformation, and our job is never done because there’s always another tomorrow to prepare for.
We make a difference to everyone we work with, and we do it with local expertise, backed by a global infrastructure and industry-leading technology.
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