Microsoft 365 Solution Architect (EDRMS)

Since our establishment in 1990, Methods has partnered with a range of central government departments and agencies to transform the way the public sector operates in the UK.

Our mission is to improve and safeguard public-facing services. We apply digital thinking to ensure the future of our public services is centred around our citizens.

Our human touch sets us apart from other consultancies, system integrators and software houses - we have a customer-centric value system whereby we focus on delivering what is right for our clients.

We passionately support our clients in the success of their projects while working collaboratively to share skill sets and solve problems. At Methods we have fun while working hard; we are not afraid of making mistakes and learning from them.

Methods are experts in delivering secure, resilient cyber and information services – keeping systems and data safe. We help reduce risk and vulnerabilities from cyber-attacks by developing a security road-map tailored to your unique needs. We help organisations improve processes such as threat management by building an identity management programme, and establishing prevention, detection and response capabilities to cyber-attacks.

We are looking for an experienced Microsoft 365 Solution Architect to provide architectural leadership for a major Enterprise Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) programme. This is a strategic architecture role, focused on designing enterprise-scale Microsoft 365 information management solutions rather than day-to-day platform administration or engineering.

Working alongside Information Governance, Records Management, Security, Business Analysis, Migration and Change teams, you will define the technical architecture that underpins secure, compliant and scalable information management across Microsoft 365.

The Role

As the Microsoft 365 Solution Architect, you will own the end-to-end architectural design of a Microsoft 365-based EDRMS, ensuring the platform delivers robust document and records management while meeting governance, compliance and operational requirements.

You will provide technical leadership across SharePoint Online, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Purview and the wider Microsoft 365 ecosystem, producing high-quality architectural artefacts, guiding delivery teams and ensuring solutions are secure, auditable and aligned with best practice.

This role requires someone who can bridge technical architecture with information governance, translating complex business and regulatory requirements into practical, scalable Microsoft 365 design patterns.

Requirements

• Lead the architecture and solution design for a Microsoft 365 Enterprise Document and Records Management System (EDRMS).
• Design scalable, secure and resilient Microsoft 365 solutions supporting enterprise information management.
• Define architecture across SharePoint Online, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Purview and associated Microsoft 365 services.
• Develop logical and high-level solution designs, architecture documentation and technical standards.
• Design information architecture including metadata, taxonomy, document classification and content structures.
• Define approaches for records management, retention policies, sensitivity labels, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), auditing and compliance.
• Ensure security, privacy and governance principles are embedded throughout the solution lifecycle.
• Provide architectural governance and technical assurance across design, build, testing, migration and operational handover.
• Support large-scale migration programmes by defining ingestion, validation and classification approaches for legacy repositories.
• Work closely with Information Governance, Records Management, Security, Business Analysis and Change teams to ensure technical solutions meet business and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to design reviews, architecture boards and technical decision-making across the programme.
• Mentor technical teams and provide architectural guidance throughout delivery.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Significant experience designing enterprise Microsoft 365 solutions within large, complex organisations.
• Strong expertise in Microsoft 365 architecture, particularly SharePoint Online and Microsoft Teams.
• Experience designing enterprise information management, document management or records management solutions.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft Purview, including:
• Records Management
• Retention Policies & Labels
• Sensitivity Labelling
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
• Audit
• eDiscovery
• Experience designing information architecture, metadata and taxonomy models.
• Proven ability to translate governance, compliance and privacy requirements into scalable technical solutions.
• Experience producing High-Level Designs (HLDs), Low-Level Designs (LLDs), architecture decision records and technical documentation.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience providing technical leadership and architectural governance across large transformation programmes.

Desirable Experience

• Enterprise Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) implementation experience.
• Experience supporting large-scale migration and unstructured data transformation programmes.
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 compliance and governance best practice.
• Experience working within Central Government, Healthcare, Public Sector or other highly regulated environments.
• Familiarity with information governance, privacy and records management frameworks.
• Microsoft architecture or Microsoft 365 certifications.

Benefits

Methods is passionate about its people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy.

By joining us you can expect

• Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience
• Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society
• Strong, inspiring and thought-provoking leadership
• A supportive and collaborative environment

Development – access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme, and training

Wellness – 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme

Flexible Working – including home working and part time

Social – office parties, breakfast Tuesdays, monthly pizza Thursdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and commitment to charitable causes

Time Off – 25 days of annual leave a year, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 10 extra days each year

Volunteering – 2 paid days per year to volunteer in our local communities or within a charity organisation

Pension – Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution

Life Assurance – of 4 times base salary

Private Medical Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)

Worldwide Travel Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay

Travel – season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme

For a full list of benefits please visit our website (www.methods.co.uk/careers/benefits)