Enterprise Architect

FGH Business Centre 66-70 Vicar Ln, Bradford BD1 5AJ

Hybrid flexibility: 2 office days per week

Are you an enthusiastic problem solver passionate about driving innovative and workable solutions? We are looking for an experienced Enterprise Architect to advise, assist and co-ordinate integration of new and enhanced applications into current architecture. Acting as ‘gatekeeper’ you will ensure a holistic approach and solution, compatible with IT strategy and consistent with department standards. In this role you will proactively contribute to ensuring a high-quality IT service is maintained. Now is a fantastic time to join our Technology and Digital Team as we embark on an exciting and ambitious transformation programme to modernise our digital capabilities and optimise and enhance our customer journey. Innovation is key as we look for new ideas which will improve the customer experience and our business processes.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Solution Delivery
  • Conduct investigations/feasibility studies/technical evaluations, inclusive of estimating FGH time/cost/schedule; determining or contributing to IT recommendations.
  • Contribute proactively during planning and execution of all phases of any Systems Development lifecycle, undertaking personally or conducting quality assurance checks on project deliverables and ensuring changes are known, understood and accepted by operations and technical staff.
  • Design, Specification or Coding of complex, specialist or critical elements of applications or as required.
• Service
  • Maintain an appropriate level of service for production systems, proactive in the avoidance of problems as well as ensuring effective response when problems occur.
  • Provide an effective service for systems enhancements making judgement calls on justification and relative priority of these requests.
• Relationship Management
  • Manage stakeholders, ensuring effective and timely communication, realistic expectations and displaying a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
  • Liaise with clients/sponsors/3rd parties advising on matters within their area of expertise, to understand business needs and support efficient problem resolution.
  • Act as expert technical consultant in the areas of I.T. strategic planning, system life cycle considerations and architectural issues.
• Personal
  • Maintain a good awareness of developments across the IT industry in technologies, tools and techniques.
  • Supervise, organise and control the work of others as and when required.
  • Manage delivery of smaller projects and technical change initiatives.
  • Providing coaching/training to less experienced colleagues and Senior Business customers.
• Best Practice
  • Set performance benchmarks and standards for testing, supervise and verify results of testing.
  • Develop, or contribute to, test strategies, plans and scenarios to ensure software releases are thoroughly tested.
  • Point of contact for assistance in resolving complex technical problems and using awareness of business/commercial impact, prioritises own and others workloads.
  • Proactive contribution to improving the effectiveness of IT promoting good practice throughout the department.
• General
  • To be committed to good outcomes for customers at all times.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable UK and local regulations, Company Policies and FCA Conduct Rules.
  • Demonstrate behaviours in line with our Company values.

ABOUT YOU

• Able to commute to Bradford city centre.
• Basic user of Word, Excel, able to set up tables, spreadsheets, graphs etc.
• Basic commercial understanding of business and retailing.
• Previous role held, work placement or part time role in a commercial or retail environment.

Technical Knowledge

• Excellent relevant development skills including some/all of analysis; design, specification; programming; testing, implementation.
• Confident and proficient in the application of structured methods, tools and techniques.

Best Practice

• Able to contribute positively across differing Software Development Lifecycles (Agile/Hybrid/Waterfall) and associated development tools techniques and methods.

Problem Solving

• Strong planning, analytical and reporting skills, able to assimilate complex information and present concise reasoned recommendations.

Communication

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage effectively at all levels, both internally and with 3rd parties.

Business Knowledge

• Good awareness of FGH business operations and how these are supported by IT systems.
• Strategic thinking skills, able to place FGH IT activity and broader industry trends in an organisational context.
• Makes IT decisions consistent with good commercial basis.

Managing Change

• Flexible and proactive approach to change, encouraging innovation and presenting change positively.

Leadership

• Coaches/motivates/develops less experienced/skilled members both across IT and the organisation as a whole.

Drive

• Maintains a high level of personal motivation, working with pace and energy, responding positively to setbacks, enabling performance improvement.

Accountability

• Accepting responsibility and delivering results.

Collaborative working

• Displays and encourages strong sense of teamwork within the department and across all stakeholders.

Customer Focus

• Champion a customer focussed environment striving to exceed customer expectations.