ISTAR Solution Architect

About the job

ISTAR Solution Architect
Malvern, Farnborough, Bristol

BACKGROUND

QinetiQ fulfils a critical role providing capability research, experimentation, operationalisation and through life mission management services for our Defence and National Security customers. In a world that is becoming more and more uncertain, this work has never been more important, with our customers depending on our services to deliver an advantage where it matters most, and at an increasing pace.

As key area of focus is Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR). This is a vital military capability which delivers critical information to decision makers in support of the planning and conduct of operations. Due to an increasing array of sensors and other sources the volume of data which must be processed is growing exponentially. Digitisation is therefore critical to provide rich insights to our customers at the pace they need.

We are looking to appoint an ISTAR Solution Architect, who will lead in this digitalisation through creation and execution of the QinetiQ ISTAR strategy. With specific emphasis on the Land environment, this Architect will provide the solution leadership across ISTAR customer opportunities, as well as co-ordinating development of new propositions and capabilities.

This an exciting opportunity, to play a key role in shaping how QinetiQ enables our customers around the world to achieve Information Advantage through exploiting digital and data technology.

ROLE PURPOSE

This role will provide the solution leadership and co-ordination across QinetiQ ISTAR areas of focus. Priorities will include:

• Engaging with our customers to shape vision, strategy and requirements.
• Providing solution leadership across strategic captures.
• Ensuring QinetiQ aligns development of ISTAR propositions and capabilities as part of a coherent strategy.

• Providing leadership across QinetiQ capabilities working with our SME's to design and deliver solutions which deliver on customer requirements.
• This will involve very close collaboration across Business Winning, Project Management, Commercial and Finance functions.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Strategy: set the technical/capability/solution strategy across ISTAR initiatives
2. Solution Leadership: Lead a team of technical SME's and engineers from across the company to develop ISTAR propositions and compelling solutions across Strategic Captures.
3. Business Development / Customer Engagement: Engages customers across all levels, acting as a key interface in shaping customer requirements and priorities.
4. Selling of QinetiQ solutions and services: including:
   1. Producing high quality bid response material and proposals, leading workshops and presenting to all levels of the customer as required.
   2. Identifying and articulating the unique selling point of QinetiQ propositions as part of a clear value proposition.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience operating in a Solution Architect role, working with business development to deliver significant propositions to customers.
• Enterprise Information Management / Architecture experience. Able to define how data should be governed, managed and exploited to deliver decisive advantage.
• Strong commercial awareness, able to shape propositions so they achieve optimal contribution to the business.
• Leadership of diverse technical teams, providing clear direction to ensure alignment and effective collaboration.
• Ability to "get stuff done": work through blockers, help the team work through issues and ensure that support is directed to the people who need it.
• Evidence of building customer solutions/services that deliver profitable growth.
• Specific prior experience across ISTAR capabilities would also be desirable.