At a Glance
- Tasks: Define and evolve technology architecture for multiple retail brands.
- Company: Dynamic retail organisation with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a team that values creativity and offers excellent career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape integrated solutions and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Solution Architect with strong skills in Azure Integration Services.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.
Compensation: Competitive salary
Solutions Architect employer: Crew Clothing Head Office - IT
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 competitive salary, a flexible working model with four days in the office and one day from home, and a culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning and development opportunities. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping technology solutions that drive business success while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a vibrant community.
Contact Details:
Crew Clothing Head Office - IT Recruitment Team
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, attend meetups, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to solutions architecture. Think about how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around Azure Integration Services and governance processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through a portfolio or case studies. Highlight your past projects that demonstrate your ability to simplify complex environments and deliver integrated solutions. This will give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly 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 you 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 the role and how your skills can help us transition towards a unified enterprise architecture. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just responsibilities. Did you implement a new integration pattern that improved efficiency? Let us know! We love seeing tangible results from your work.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crew Clothing Head Office - IT
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of architecture and integration, especially with Azure Integration Services. Brush up on your understanding of canonical data models and system contracts, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you simplified complex environments or established architecture governance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your stakeholder management skills by discussing how you've engaged with senior leadership in previous projects. Be ready to explain how you’ve navigated differing priorities and ensured alignment with business goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s current technology landscape and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career aspirations.
