Solutions Architect.

Job Description

JOB TITLE:  Solutions Architect
BUSINESS UNIT/DEPARTMENT:  Commercial – Solutions Team
LOCATION: Chadderton
REPORTS TO:  Survey Manager
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
ROLE PURPOSE: This role supports the central Operations and Solutions function by transforming security survey findings into compliant, risk-mitigated, and costed solution designs. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure that designs, compliance requirements, and indicative costings are accurately developed and communicated across the business.


The role also involves producing client-facing documentation that clearly articulates the solutions recommended by VPS to mitigate identified risks, enabling clients to make informed decisions regarding our services.
LEVEL/GRADE :
DATE:   May-26

Key Accountabilities & Activities
 

Solution design support

• Assist in developing security system designs based on site surveys and client requirements
• Work with senior architects or managers on:
• CCTV layouts
• Access control designs
• Intruder and fixed system integrations

Estimating & Documentation

• Support the creation of:
• Bills of quantities (BoQs)
• Cost estimates
• Technical solution summaries
• Use existing templates and tools to ensure consistency
• Audit Scheduling & Coordination
 
Sales Team Support

• Provide technical back-up to sales teams:
• Answering solution-related questions
• Helping explain technical choices
Attend sales or bid reviews as a technical support resource

Central Ops & Continuous Improvement

Help maintain:

• Standard designs
• Approved product lists
• Solution templates
• Feedback common survey or design issues into central ops
 

Communication & Coordination

• Act as a central point of contact between field teams, management, clients, and contractors.
• Provide regular updates on schedules, appointments, reports, and outstanding actions.
• Escalate compliance conflicts or operational issues where necessary.
• Maintain professional relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
 

Key Performance Indicators
• Timely submission of site designs, solutions decks and compliance paperwork
• Accuracy of site design BOM and technical drafting.
• Attendance coordination efficiency.
• Response times to operational requests.
• Audit completion turnaround times.
 

Essential/Desirable qualifications and experience and personal attributes
Essential:

• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience coordinating schedules, meetings, or appointments.
• Good administrative and data entry skills with high attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to produce accurate reports and maintain records and trackers.
• Strong problem-solving and coordination abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Professional and confident approach when dealing with clients, contractors, and internal teams.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
 

Desirable:

• Knowledge of monitored technology
• Knowledge of integrated system design, costing and compliance
• Previous experience in an administrative, coordination, or operations support role.
• Experience working within surveying, construction, engineering, compliance, or facilities environments.
• Familiarity with scheduling or workforce management systems.
• Experience coordinating audits.
• Knowledge of reporting systems and KPI tracking.
• Experience taking meeting minutes and managing action logs.
• Understanding of compliance or health and safety processes.
• Ability to analyse and present operational data clearly.
• Experience supporting multiple departments or projects simultaneously.