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: Competitive salary, flexible working options, 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.
Compensation: Competitive salary
Solutions Architect employer: Crew Clothing Head Office
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 play a pivotal role in shaping our technology architecture while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a vibrant community known for its rich history and modern amenities.
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 with potential colleagues 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
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your projects and achievements as a Solutions Architect. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your expertise beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to architecture governance and integration patterns. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with your responses.
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
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 architecture governance you've done. 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 you can help us transition towards a unified enterprise architecture. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements in simplifying complex environments and delivering integrated solutions. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've made an impact in previous positions.
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 get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crew Clothing Head Office
✨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 roles. Be ready to share how you’ve navigated differing priorities and built consensus around architectural decisions.
✨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.
