At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver innovative IT solutions for major projects at Boots UK.
- Company: Join Boots UK, a leader in retail and technology transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible benefits, generous discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transformative projects while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in solution architecture with experience in Azure and Java EE.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Apply for the IT Solution Architect role at Boots UK.
Contract: Permanent
Shift pattern: Full time - 5 days in the office
Closing date: 12th November 2025
Location: Nottingham - NG90
Recruitment Partner: Matthew Nelligan
About the Role
We are seeking a talented and highâperforming Solutions Architect to design and deliver creative solutions across multiple capabilities of the International Retail, Commercial and Supply Chain business. This role involves working on some of the biggest transformational IT projects in Europe and requires adaptability and a broad perspective to capitalize on opportunities arising throughout our transformation programmes. This is an architecture design role, not a development one.
Key Responsibilities
- The delivery of highâquality solution designs for the projects you are working on.
- Provide an open communication link between the Solution Delivery team, IT partners and the wider business to develop quality architecture deliverables and ensure that the produced architectural artifacts are fit for purpose.
- Support the development of roadmaps for the business and technology.
- Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the organisation's IT strategy, technology frameworks within IT and overall Enterprise Architecture roadmap.
- Ensure that design governance at the Enterprise and Solution levels are adhered to within retail and supply chain.
- Liaise and form good working relationships with other Architects to gain their expertise, input and estimates where required.
- Assist in the production and validation of estimates for Roadmaps and Projects, ensuring that all design components have been included and the costs represent best value for money. This includes validation of designs/estimates provided by third parties.
- Provide advice on key design decisions arising from the requirements/epics/user stories that drive high cost/complexity versus business value and propose adjustments and/or alternative solutions to deliver maximum value.
- Support the Lead Architect through the creation and maintenance of Architecture Standards, Patterns, and Solution Building Blocks to drive solution reâuse, delivery pace, quality assurance and cost efficiency.
- Supporting RFI/RFP tenders with suppliers as the technical SME.
- Produce Outline Solution Architectures that ensure all key design decisions are identified and prioritised.
- Be accountable for the technical delivery of your projects by taking entero ownership for the endâtoâend design, ensuring that detailed design and implementation align with the architectural deliverables.
- Review detailed designs and the solution at key points during the project to ensure that the integrity of the endâtoâend integrated design has been maintained.
- Oversee and perform peer reviews of the Outline Designs, High Level Designs and Detailed Designs produced by other peers, partners and third parties.
- Architect, design, govern and support projects from an endâtoâend perspective for the entire project lifecycle.
Skills and Attributes
- Experience in solution design preferably including Azure technology stack, Java EE or Microsoft .NET.
- Extensive experience of solution architecture (minimum of 5 years active).
- Experience of using architecture using modelling languages such as ArchiMate to help visualise, analyse and describe complex systems.
- Experience of a TOGAF aligned framework for architectural designs.
- Experience of using case tools like Alfabet, Aris or Sparx Enterprise Architect in helping to design architectural deliverables.
- Understanding of different architecture building blocks and integration patterns somewhat agnostic of technology.
- Working with and leading a crossâfunctional team of SAs and other SMEs (Integration, Infrastructure, Security).
- Work and support with Test teams, service introduction teams, data governance teams to ensure effective delivery of projects.
- Collaborating with other roles; Product Owners, Business Analysts, Testers, Security and Service Introduction teams to ensure effective delivery of solutions.
- Collaborate with Enterprise Architects and contribute to the definition of transitional architecture moving the business toward desired target states.
- Inâdepth experience of design and development of IT Solutions ideally Cloud Hosting (Microsoft Azure), Web Services & Micro Services with an understanding of Security such as PCI & GDPR and customer facing technologies.
- Ideally experience with integration technologies such as Talend, Software AG, WMQ, Azure stack, MuleSoft.
- Ideally experience of designing and recommending Azure infrastructure capabilities to meet architectural needs; however experience of other cloud technologies would be acceptable.
Benefits
- Boots Retirement Savings Plan
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Generous employee discounts
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay and gift card for anyone expecting or adopting a child
- Flexible benefits scheme including option to buy additional holiday, discounted gym membership, life assurance, activity passes and many more.
- Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme.
We have a great range of benefits in addition to the above that offer flexibility to suit you â find out more at boots.jobs/rewards. Exclusions may apply, eligible roles only.
Why Boots
At Boots, we foster a working environment where consideration and inclusivity help everyone to be themselves and reach their full potential. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, passionate about embracing the diversity of our colleagues and providing a positive and inclusive working environment for all. As the heart of everything we do at Boots, with you, we change for the better.
What's Next
If successful, one of our Talent Partners will be in touch to discuss your application and go through the process with you. Where a role is advertised as fullâtime, we are open to discussing partâtime and jobâshare options during the application process. If you require additional support as part of the application and interview process, we are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to help you to be at your best. This role requires the successful candidate to complete a preâemployment check after receiving an offer. Depending on your location you will be asked to submit either a DBS, PVG or an Access NI Check. Boots is a Ban the Box employer and will consider the suitability of applicants with criminal convictions on a caseâbyâcase basis.
Seniority level: MidâSenior level
Employment type: Fullâtime
Engineering and Information Technology
Retail
IT Solution Architect in London employer: Boots UK
Contact Detail:
Boots UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land IT Solution Architect in London
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Boots UK on LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Boots' recent projects and initiatives. Show them youâre not just another candidate; youâre genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! As an IT Solution Architect, youâll need to demonstrate your ability to tackle complex challenges. Use mock interviews to refine your approach.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Solution Architect in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT Solution Architect role. Highlight your experience with solution design, especially with Azure and other relevant technologies. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at Boots UK. Share specific examples of your past projects and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Solutions Architect, communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. This could be through your writing style or by providing examples of how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us that youâre serious about joining our team at Boots UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Boots UK
â¨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure youâre well-versed in the Azure technology stack, Java EE, and Microsoft .NET. Brush up on your knowledge of integration technologies like Talend and MuleSoft, as these will likely come up during your interview.
â¨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of an IT Solution Architect at Boots. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing high-quality solutions and maintaining effective communication with cross-functional teams.
â¨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience in solution architecture and using modelling languages like ArchiMate. Highlight any projects where youâve successfully led a team or delivered complex solutions.
â¨Ask Insightful Questions
Come prepared with questions that show your interest in the companyâs IT strategy and transformation programmes. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.