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 a competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams in a fast-paced environment and drive architectural innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology in retail and make a real impact on business initiatives.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in IT architecture, strong solution design skills, and experience with Azure.
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 - Hybrid, Azure, 12-Month FTC employer: Currys Ltd
As a leading omni-channel retailer, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and career advancement. Join us in Waterloo, where you can make a meaningful impact on our technology transformation journey alongside a diverse team of over 30,000 colleagues across the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect - Hybrid, Azure, 12-Month FTC
✨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. Think about how you can showcase your experience with Azure and your ability to work in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you and match your skills, especially in omni-channel retail.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect - Hybrid, Azure, 12-Month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Solution Architect role. Highlight your experience with Azure, solution design, and any relevant projects you've worked on. 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 in fast-paced environments and your collaborative spirit.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Solution Architect, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, we want to see your written communication skills in action!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Currys Ltd
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of solution architecture, especially in areas like networks, data, and application integration. Brush up on your Azure knowledge too, as it’s a key part of the role. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past experience will show that you can apply your knowledge effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with various teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Think of examples where you’ve led discussions or influenced decisions across different departments. Highlighting your stakeholder engagement skills will definitely set you apart.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions during your interview. Review common architectural challenges and be ready to propose solutions. You might also want to brush up on your understanding of API-first environments and SDLC methodologies, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Ability
The ability to work with ambiguity and design pragmatic solutions is essential. Prepare to share examples of how you’ve tackled complex problems in fast-paced environments. This will showcase your adaptability and innovative thinking, which are key traits for a Solution Architect.
