At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver innovative solutions in a dynamic insurance environment.
- Company: Join Hastings Direct, a digital insurance provider aiming to be the best in the UK market.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive bonuses, private medical insurance, and 27 days annual leave.
- Other info: We embrace diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values your ideas and promotes personal growth.
- Qualifications: Proficiency in cloud technology, API design, and experience in the insurance industry is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Welcome to Hastings Direct. We are a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become the best and biggest in the UK market. We have made huge investments in our data and tech capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture. We are proud of the journey we are on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues.
We provide insurance for over three million customers, but we know there is even bigger opportunity out there. If you are excited about joining us and think you have some of what we are looking for, even if you are not 100% sure, we would love to hear from you.
You will be responsible for leading, validating and delivering the definition and description of solutions across the product and change lifecycle. You will be working with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders to develop and communicate solutions that address requirements, comply with standards and conventions, regulation, security, quality/non-functional needs, understand as-is and to-be, solving problems and developing decisions where trade-offs are required.
- Design APIs, microservices & event-driven solutions across current, transition and target states and develop business, application, information and technology views.
- Embrace re-use, principles and patterns, use opportunities to create re-use artefacts.
- Adapt to technical realities that are revealed during implementation and collaboratively solve problems, leading on architecture decisions.
- Establish a trusted adviser relationship with the business by influencing and negotiating with stakeholders on the flexible facets of the solution.
Skills we would love you to have:
- Proficiency in cloud native technology and solutions, preferably Microsoft Azure.
- Proficiency in creating new or transforming application architectures.
- Essential experience in the design and consumption of APIs using a range of protocols.
- Previous experience with enterprise integration patterns, solution architecture patterns & principles, microservice & event-driven architectures.
- Experience leveraging CI/CD, DevOps, Infrastructure as Code.
- Experience in Relational and NoSQL database and understanding of modern ETL processes.
- Experience in Underwriting, Fraud, Data Enrichment domain areas within Financial/Insurance industry.
What we offer:
- Attractive salary based on experience + car allowance (pay reviews also completed each year).
- Flexible Working - We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach.
- Competitive Bonus Scheme - All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus.
- Physical Wellbeing - Hastings pays for private medical insurance.
- Financial Wellbeing - Life assurance cover and income protection at no extra cost, pension contribution match up to 10%.
- Mental Wellbeing programme - A range of support to help you keep yourself well.
- 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your contracted weeks.
- Access to health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes.
- Social events throughout the year and much more.
Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hastings Direct's 4Cs culture. Understanding their focus on colleagues, customers, company, and community will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Hastings Direct on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Solution Architect role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in cloud technology, particularly Microsoft Azure, as well as API design and microservices. Being able to discuss recent developments and how they can be applied at Hastings Direct will demonstrate your expertise and enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to influence stakeholders. This will show your capability to establish trusted adviser relationships, which is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Solution Architect role. Focus on your proficiency in cloud-native technologies, API design, and any experience in the insurance industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead and deliver solutions, as well as your understanding of the 4Cs culture at Hastings Direct.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience with microservices, event-driven architectures, and CI/CD practices. Be specific about your technical skills and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities:Provide examples in your application that illustrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to adapt to technical challenges. This could include past projects where you had to make architectural decisions or negotiate with stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Direct
✨Understand the 4Cs Culture
Familiarise yourself with Hastings Direct's 4Cs culture: colleagues, customers, company, and community. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to this culture.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be ready to demonstrate your proficiency in cloud-native technologies, especially Microsoft Azure. Prepare examples of past projects where you've designed APIs or microservices, and be clear about the protocols you've used.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific instances where you've had to adapt to technical challenges during implementation and how you led architectural decisions.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since establishing trusted adviser relationships is key, practice how you would influence and negotiate with stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex solutions to non-technical audiences.
