Solutions Architect (Digital & Integration)

At Unite Students, we create a Home for Success by leveraging technology to empower students to thrive in their university journey.

We understand that business and technology in partnership are key to successful technology delivery. The role of Solutions Architect is critical to this partnership, as we strive to implement a modern, transparent, efficient, and cost-effective technology landscape tailored to our business needs.

We seek an experienced, technically proficient, and commercially minded Solutions Architect to lead the end-to-end solutions architecture of our flagship Digital Products technology operating model. This includes all aspects of architecture development—business, applications, data/integrations, infrastructure, and security—aligned with our enterprise strategy, principles, standards, and best practices.

Reporting to the Head of Architecture & Assurance, this senior role will shape our technology landscape, ensuring IT solutions are pragmatic, scalable, secure, and efficient.

What You\’ll Be Doing

• Define and own the end-to-end solution architecture for all Digital Products, including customer, colleague, and third-party facing solutions (web, app, portal), integrated with property and financial management systems.
• Innovate and enhance digital capabilities using low code/no code applications, AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation.
• Ensure all solution proposals align with our technology strategy and standards, working closely with projects and enterprise architecture teams.
• Lead technical evaluations during software RFI/RFP processes, facilitating requirements gathering and technical assessments.
• Validate and assure the technical suitability of low-level solution designs proposed by internal and external technical teams.
• Ensure solutions meet infrastructure, regulatory, and service management requirements, implementing robust security measures.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and propose innovative solutions to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to deliver solutions meeting business needs and architectural standards.

What We’re Looking for in You

• Proven experience in architecting and delivering modern, cloud-based digital initiatives (Salesforce, Microsoft, Oracle, etc.) using omni-channel tools.
• Expertise in low-code/no-code technologies and automation tools like Snaplogic, MS PowerPlatform, and Outsystems.
• Experience as a technical/solutions architect across various industries, with lessons learned from previous roles.
• Ability to lead technical governance, analysis, and design tasks across applications, integrations, infrastructure, data, and security.
• Knowledge of business architecture modeling and process improvement.
• Experience driving adoption of emerging technologies aligned with business needs.
• Deep understanding of agile methodologies and product delivery processes.
• Pragmatic, results-oriented, and adaptable to a fast-changing environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Certifications such as TOGAF, Zachman, AWS, Azure, Salesforce, or Oracle are highly desirable.

What You’ll Get in Return

• A discretionary annual bonus.
• 25 days’ paid holiday, with additional days for long service.
• Generous pension scheme (employer contributions 5-11%).
• Health and wellbeing benefits, including Healthcare Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing platform, and Gym benefit.
• Enhanced family leave policies.
• Other benefits like ShareSave scheme, Life Assurance, discounts portal, and more.

About Unite Students

Founded in 1991, Unite Students is a FTSE 100 company and the UK’s leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation, with 74,000 students in 25 university towns and cities.

We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a positive, innovative workplace culture.

Our Values

We believe in inclusion, teamwork, and building environments where everyone can thrive. We’re proud to be rated Gold Investors in People and strive to provide excellent learning and development opportunities.

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