Solution Architect in Manchester

AQA is looking for an experienced solution architect to support a major customer portfolio during a period of reform and change. This is a chance to help shape architecture for work that directly supports how AQA manages relationships with schools, colleges and other centres, while contributing to an architecture function that is evolving and maturing.

Purpose of the Role

You'll join the Enterprise Technology architecture team and work closely with business, portfolio, project and technical colleagues to understand what needs to change, shape practical solution options and guide delivery. A key focus will be the customer data platform and wider customer journey work, including sales, marketing and customer support systems. Your work will help AQA make better use of customer data, improve services for centres and support learners of all abilities through effective, joined-up technology decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Shaping solution architecture across the customer portfolio, including as-is and to-be analysis, roadmaps, options appraisals and high-level designs.
• Working with business stakeholders, project teams, suppliers and technical teams to turn objectives into clear, deliverable and proportionate technology solutions.
• Supporting architecture governance by helping define patterns, guide low-level designs and make sure solutions align with AQA's standards, security requirements and wider technology strategy.

What We Are Looking For

You'll thrive in this role if you're an established architect who can work with ambiguity, bring structure to complex customer-focused change and build trusted relationships across business and technology teams. Experience as a solution, application or enterprise architect, with recent architecture experience in your role title or core responsibilities. Strong knowledge of customer, CRM, sales, marketing or customer service systems, ideally with experience of customer data platforms or similar application-led change. A good understanding of application and data architecture, with the ability to connect business goals, customer journeys, integration needs and technical delivery. Confidence creating architecture artefacts such as vision statements, roadmaps, high-level designs, options papers and design patterns. A pragmatic, collaborative style, with the ability to influence stakeholders, work with suppliers and keep delivery moving in a fast-paced environment.

What's in It for You

This role gives you meaningful, varied work with the space to influence both a key portfolio and the future direction of architecture at AQA. You'll help shape customer journey change linked to reform. You'll have the opportunity to influence architecture maturity, working patterns and standards as the function continues to evolve. A 35-hour working week with flexible, hybrid working. 25 days' annual leave (rising to 30), plus Christmas closure days. Excellent pension (up to 11.5% employer contribution).

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone-regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background-is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV through the AQA careers site. Applications close on Sunday 12 July 2026. Interviews: First stage: a short Teams interview. Final stage: a face-to-face interview in Manchester.