At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of innovative technology solutions for a leading omni-channel retailer.
- Company: Join a dynamic retailer with over 30,000 colleagues across the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and stay ahead of emerging technologies.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail technology and make a real impact on business initiatives.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in IT architecture, strong solution design skills, and experience in fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are a leading omni channel retailer operating across the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia, with a workforce of more than 30,000 colleagues. As part of our strategic technology transformation, we are introducing a number of key solutions to support our long term business vision. To enable this, we are seeking an experienced Solution Architect to shape, deliver, and evolve technology solutions across a portfolio of business critical initiatives.
The Solution Architect will take ownership of solution architecture design and associated technology roadmaps. The role requires evaluating business needs, collaborating with delivery partners, and ensuring technology solutions are well aligned, cost effective, and architecturally sound. You will work closely with business, engineering, and partner teams to translate business goals into effective, scalable, and secure technical solutions. You will lead the design of major programmes and initiatives, ensuring that solutions meet business requirements and align to architectural standards.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong stakeholder engagement, be confident in supporting and guiding other architects, and work effectively in a fast paced, change oriented environment. Collaboration will span teams including Omnichannel, Commercial, Finance, IT, and Analytics, with delivery teams located both in the UK and overseas.
Role overview:
- Lead creation, analysis, and review of solution architectures across a diverse portfolio of projects and programmes.
- Own the end to end design of solutions, ensuring alignment between business requirements and technical needs, using best practices, reference architectures, and reusable assets.
- Define system components, services, technologies, and designs spanning Business, Information, Application, and Technology architecture domains.
- Contribute to multiple complex or large scale programmes in a matrixed environment.
- Support the development and evolution of technology standards, architectural principles, and delivery processes.
- Oversee and guide the development of solutions across hardware, software, operability, scalability, and associated business processes.
- Provide architectural leadership and oversight to delivery teams and engineering partners.
- Review software designs, architectural documentation, and technical capabilities to ensure alignment with strategy and standards.
- Maintain the architecture repository, ensuring quality and completeness of technical artefacts.
- Ensure solutions meet business, operational, and end user needs.
- Stay informed of emerging technologies and propose opportunities to innovate and optimise delivery.
- Partner with Enterprise Architecture to influence future technology choices.
- Validate testing approaches and ensure technical completeness across owned areas.
- Provide technology advisory services to business and IT leadership to help shape solution approaches.
- Author white papers, guidance notes, and supporting documentation to drive architectural clarity and innovation.
- Offer technical mentorship, guidance, and support to team members.
- Support smooth delivery of projects, enhancements, and BAU activities, contributing to strong cross team collaboration.
- Act as a role model for high standards of delivery, accountability, and professional conduct.
Required Skills & Experience:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in an IT architecture role with accountability for solution design and technology delivery.
- Strong expertise across solution architecture domains: networks, data, application, systems, and integration.
- Demonstrated experience working in API first environments.
- Understanding of cloud hosting platforms (preferably Azure).
- Experience in complex, fast paced IT delivery environments.
- Ability to work with ambiguity and design pragmatic, workable solutions.
- Full SDLC experience across both Agile and Waterfall methodologies (Agile experience essential).
- Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
- Retail or e commerce experience advantageous.
We are an equal opportunity employer.
Solution Architect employer: Currys Ltd
As a leading omni-channel retailer, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With over 30,000 colleagues across the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia, we offer exceptional growth opportunities and a collaborative environment where innovation is encouraged. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring that our Solution Architects can balance their professional and personal lives while contributing to impactful technology transformations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to solution architecture. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with articulating your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects, architectural designs, and any innovative solutions you've implemented. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you bring to the table.
✨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 being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Solution Architect role. Highlight your experience in IT architecture, especially in solution design and technology delivery. 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 the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that showcase your expertise in areas like API environments and cloud hosting.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Solution Architect, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. We love seeing examples of how you've engaged with stakeholders or led teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Currys Ltd
✨Know Your Architecture
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of solution architecture principles and practices. Be ready to discuss your experience with various domains like networks, data, and application architecture. This will show that you understand the technical landscape and can contribute effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with multiple teams, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to engage stakeholders and guide other architects, as this will demonstrate your leadership potential.
✨Be Agile and Adaptable
Given the fast-paced environment, be prepared to discuss how you've navigated ambiguity in previous projects. Share specific instances where you designed pragmatic solutions under pressure, showcasing your agility and problem-solving skills.
✨Stay Current with Technology Trends
Familiarise yourself with emerging technologies relevant to the role, especially cloud hosting platforms like Azure. Being able to discuss recent innovations and how they could benefit the company will set you apart as a forward-thinking candidate.
