At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape innovative solutions and collaborate with diverse teams to deliver impactful technology.
- Company: Join AQA, a forward-thinking organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible 35-hour week, generous leave, and an excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace a dynamic workplace with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a fast-paced environment while shaping the future of technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in solution architecture and strong knowledge of customer systems required.
The predicted salary is between 75800 - 88300 £ per year.
Overview: Solution Architect – 18 month fixed term contract – Manchester. Salary: £75,800 – £88,300. Hybrid arrangement (minimum 2 days in Manchester office).
Key Responsibilities:
- Shape solution architecture across the customer portfolio, including as-is and to-be analysis, roadmaps, options appraisals and high-level designs.
- Collaborate with business stakeholders, project teams, suppliers and technical teams to translate objectives into clear, deliverable technology solutions.
- Support architecture governance by defining patterns, guiding low-level designs and ensuring alignment with AQA’s standards, security requirements and overall technology strategy.
Qualifications:
- Established solution, application or enterprise architect with recent architecture experience.
- Strong knowledge of customer, CRM, sales, marketing or customer service systems – especially customer data platforms or analogous application-led change.
- Solid understanding of application and data architecture and ability to align business goals, customer journeys and integration needs.
- Experience creating artefacts such as vision statements, roadmaps, high-level designs, options papers and design patterns.
- Pragmatic, collaborative style with the ability to influence stakeholders, work with suppliers and keep delivery moving in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits:
- 35-hour working week with flexible, hybrid working.
- 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30).
- Christmas closure days.
- Excellent pension – up to 11.5% employer contribution.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
AQA is committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. All applications are welcome, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation or background.
Solution Architect in Manchester employer: AQA Recruiting
AQA is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a flexible hybrid working model and a generous benefits package including up to 30 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and inclusivity, making it an ideal environment for Solution Architects to thrive while shaping impactful technology solutions in the heart of Manchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect in Manchester
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what AQA Recruiting values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges AQA Recruiting might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at AQA Recruiting!
✨Direct Apply to AQA Recruiting
Let's not forget to apply directly through the AQA Recruiting website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at AQA Recruiting.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at AQA Recruiting. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA Recruiting
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
