Solutions Architect in Witham

We’re looking for an experienced Solutions Architect to join our IT team and play a key role in shaping the technology solutions that support DD Group’s continued transformation. You’ll provide solution architecture and technical governance across a varied portfolio of change, ensuring that new and interim solutions are resilient, well-integrated and aligned with our future Group ERP, data and operating model.

Working across a complex and diverse technology landscape, you’ll collaborate with IT teams, business stakeholders, suppliers and third parties to turn requirements into practical, sustainable solutions. We’re looking for broad technical capability, curiosity and someone who is energised by new and uncertain challenges. The ability to engage with unfamiliar technologies, ask the right questions and shape a clear route forward matters more than deep expertise in every system you will encounter.

Contract and working arrangements

This is a fixed-term employment contract on a PAYE basis, running from your appointment date until 30 June 2027. It is not an off-payroll contractor engagement, so IR35 does not apply. We intend to seek funding to continue the role beyond that date, but this will be subject to approval through our next financial-year budgeting process and cannot be guaranteed.

Hybrid working is available, with a default expectation of three days each week in our offices, primarily Witham, Essex. You’ll have flexibility to work from the location that best enables you to discharge your responsibilities, including other Group sites where the work requires it.

• Own the solution architecture for assigned projects and change initiatives.
• Assess solution designs across ERP, integration, data, security and operational requirements.
• Ensure interim solutions align with the future direction of our Group ERP and minimise unnecessary technical debt.
• Maintain clear documentation covering current and target architecture, integrations and system dependencies.
• Define and promote pragmatic architecture principles, patterns and standards.
• Support recovery design, resilience testing and remediation activities for critical systems.
• Govern data extraction and integration approaches that support ERP and data readiness.
• Review solution designs and technical deliverables provided by suppliers and third parties.
• Work with business and technical stakeholders to translate requirements and processes into viable solution options.
• Provide architectural assurance through change governance, ensuring key decisions, risks and dependencies are clearly understood and documented.
• Support the wider modernisation of our technology landscape while balancing immediate business needs with longer-term strategic objectives.

Illustrative projects

Depending on your appointment date and programme timing, you may lead the technical solution design for work such as:

• Integrating an acquired business using an OrderWise ERP platform with a larger Group business running bespoke C# and Delphi ERP applications. The focus is on designing back-to-back purchasing and end-to-end process integration rather than replacing either core system.
• Integrating new packing and sealing machinery into our principal UK warehouse, designing the solution across the business application, integration and PLC layers.
• Structuring value-add activity around an existing Dynamics 365 Finance ERP system, to support processes such as document management and accounts payable processing automation.
• Enabling modern mobile warehouse processes for one of our European business while retaining and integrating with its established COBOL- and Delphi-based core systems.
• Applying artificial intelligence to operational processes and data across a varied Group technology landscape, selecting practical solutions that can deliver measurable value.
• Significant experience in solution architecture within complex, multi-system environments, with the breadth to work confidently across unfamiliar technologies.
• Experience delivering architecture across ERP, integration and legacy modernisation programmes.
• Strong knowledge of integration and data architecture.
• A good understanding of technical governance and architecture principles, patterns and standards.
• Able to assess solution options objectively, considering technical risks, dependencies, costs and longer-term implications.
• Comfortable moving between modern and legacy technologies, learning quickly and bringing structure to uncertain or initially ill-defined challenges.
• Comfortable working with business stakeholders, technical teams, suppliers and other third parties.
• Able to translate complex business requirements into clear and practical technical solutions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts, options and risks to a range of audiences.
• Experience with enterprise applications such as Dynamics 365, Sage, NetSuite or other ERP platforms would be advantageous.
• Exposure to bespoke applications and technologies such as C#, Delphi or COBOL would also be beneficial.
• A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience, with an architecture certification desirable.

What we offer

• Comprehensive employee discounts portal for shopping, gym memberships and days out
• Interest‑free SmartPay loan scheme
• 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays)
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Company pension scheme
• Company sick pay, life assurance and enhanced family leave
• Mental health support and virtual GP service

Who are DD Group?

DD Group is a leading provider of products, services and solutions to the dental and healthcare sectors. We support customers across the UK and beyond, helping healthcare professionals run efficient, compliant and successful practices through an extensive range of products, equipment, digital solutions and specialist services. Our people are at the heart of what we do, and by joining DD Group you’ll become part of a business focused on delivering great service to our customers while continuing to invest in our people, technology and future growth.