At a Glance
- Tasks: Define and evolve technology architecture for multiple retail brands, ensuring alignment with business priorities.
- Company: Dynamic retail organisation with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a team that values creativity and offers excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape integrated solutions and make a real impact in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Solution Architect with strong skills in Azure Integration Services.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Kingston-on-Thames (4 days in office, 1 day from home) 37.5 hours
Purpose of the role
The Solution Architect is responsible for defining, governing, and evolving the organisation’s technology architecture across multiple retail brands (Crew Clothing, Ben Sherman, Pringle, Saltrock), ensuring alignment to business priorities of stability, cost efficiency, and enterprise standardisation. This is a hands‑on architectural role focused on shaping and delivering integrated solutions across a complex, supplier‑led environment. The role will establish clear system contracts, integration patterns, canonical data models, and architectural governance—enabling scalable, reliable, and cost‑effective technology solutions. The Solution Architect will play a key role in transitioning the organisation towards a unified enterprise architecture, reducing fragmentation across brands, and increasing internal capability and control over technology decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Architecture & Strategy
- Solution Design & Integration
- Data Architecture
- Architecture Governance & TDA
- Change & Service Alignment
- Supplier & Delivery Oversight
- Technology Estate Transformation
- Team Collaboration & Leadership
- Capability Building & Best Practice
Key Deliverables
- As-Is architecture documentation (systems, integrations, data flows).
- Target enterprise architecture model across brands.
- Solution architecture designs for key initiatives.
- Integration architecture and patterns (Azure Integration Services).
- System contracts and API/interface definitions.
- Canonical Data Models and governance framework.
- Architecture standards, principles, and design guidelines.
- Technical Design Authority (TDA) framework and outputs.
- Technology roadmap for platform consolidation.
- Architecture inputs into Change Enablement processes.
- Supplier design assurance artefacts.
- Centralised architecture repository and documentation.
Required Skills & Experience
- Proven experience as a Solution Architect in simplifying complex, integration-heavy environments.
- Strong experience with Azure Integration Services and API-led architecture.
- Experience defining:
- Integration contracts.
- Canonical data models.
- End-to-end system designs.
- Experience establishing architecture governance and design authority processes (e.g. TDA).
- Strong background working in supplier-led delivery environments, including design assurance.
- Experience delivering retail/ecommerce and operational systems integration.
- Strong understanding of change lifecycle and service transition considerations.
- Ability to operate effectively in a low-maturity or growing IT function.
- Excellent stakeholder management, including senior leadership engagement.
Solutions Architect employer: Crew Clothing Company
As a Solutions Architect at our Kingston-on-Thames location, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that champions innovation and collaboration across multiple retail brands. We offer a flexible working arrangement with four days in the office and one day from home, fostering a healthy work-life balance while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Our commitment to architectural excellence and employee empowerment ensures that you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our technology landscape, all within a supportive and inclusive culture that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to solutions architecture. Think about how your experience with Azure Integration Services can shine through. We want you to show off your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you on their radar and show your enthusiasm for the role. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Let’s get you that Solutions Architect role!
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Solutions Architect role. Highlight your experience with Azure Integration Services and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to simplify complex environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with architecture governance and design authority processes, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like how you improved system integration or reduced costs. We love seeing tangible results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crew Clothing Company
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the architecture principles and practices mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of Azure Integration Services, API-led architecture, and canonical data models. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can also apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Real Examples
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you simplified complex environments or established architecture governance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you demonstrate your hands-on experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key for this role, think about how you’ve successfully engaged with senior leadership in previous positions. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated challenges and built relationships. This will highlight your ability to communicate effectively and manage expectations.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the retail brands involved—Crew Clothing, Ben Sherman, Pringle, and Saltrock. Understand their business priorities and how technology can support their goals. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your answers to show that you’re not just a tech expert, but someone who understands the bigger picture and can contribute to the organisation’s success.
