Solution Architect 18 month fixed term contract Hybrid - minimum two days a week in the Manchester office 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. 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 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. 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. ~ You'll help shape customer journey change linked to reform ~ 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. 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.
