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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement high-quality digital solutions in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Howdens, the UK's leading trade kitchen supplier with over 900 depots.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of digital architecture in a rewarding workplace.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital, retail, and e-commerce architecture with strong technical knowledge required.
- Other info: Flexible working options available, including home working and occasional travel.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Howdens Joinery have an exciting opportunity in our Digital & Trade Architecture team based in either our office in Raunds, Northamptonshire or Croxley Park, Watford with some home working.
Delivering high quality digital solutions and detailed technical designs you will be able to effectively align Business, Data, Integration, Security, Application and underlying Technology to implement solutions. The role will involve working closely with Product owners, Business analysts, developers and business stakeholders to deliver viable, futuristic designs to the development and delivery teams.
This role contributes strongly to the definition of the I.S. strategy, architecture vision, and the technology roadmap. Understanding the impact of change across the applications, people and processes are fundamental.
Occasional travel may be required to key operating sites within UK with overnight stays as required. Some overseas travel may be required.
What you will be doing
- Solution Architecture in highly complex enterprise environments covering Omnichannel solutions for ecommerce, Stores Depot, customer and payment systems
- Produce and/or contribute to high level solutions and detailed designs, undertake peer reviews for the technical/application designs with development and engineering teams, as a follow-on activity from producing high level designs.
- Lead and drive the Design authority for programmes and projects
- Apply architecture standards, principles, views and solutions modelling.
- Lead the definition of the baseline and target technology architecture, including current, future and transition states.
- Ensure that the technology architecture models, patterns and principles are well defined, appropriate and of a high quality. Ensure that the artefacts are effectively maintained, evolve at the appropriate rate.
- Lead the definition of the business case, RFI RFP and solution options (this includes participating in technology selection and procurement processes).
- Actively contribute to the definition and establishment of Architecture, Dev Ops and Security governance and processes
- Responsible for communicating changes within the Application[s] and ensuring that the end solution can be delivered and sustained whist remaining feasible within the budgetary limits.
What we need from you
- Preferable Digital, Retail store and e-Commerce business domains and solutions experience
- Practical experience in an architecture position with deep technical knowledge of online digital and store applications using Microservices, API’s, Content Management systems, CAD, POS e-Commerce, CRM, mobile applications and Integration
- Working with and supporting the overall business strategy, transformation and technology direction to define the future architecture state covering data, security and integration standards and patterns
- Be an expert in their field, well versed in technological developments and understand how changes affect the applications under their ownership.
- Understanding of modern integration and cloud hosting platforms and supporting technical architecture necessary to build systems
- Knowledge of Application Development frameworks and assurance approaches (Front and Back end)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Be able to communicate work and ideas to senior business stakeholders and product and platform teams with the confidence to collaborate and facilitate workshops
- Flexible and delivery focused with an ability to work under pressure and have a track record of delivering outstanding results.
- Understanding of TOGAF architecture methodology with a good working knowledge overall
What we can offer you
- Competitive salary and annual company bonus
- Company car or car allowance
- Private medical insurance
- Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days
- Subsidised lunch at our onsite restaurant in Raunds
- Staff Discount
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional Reward and Recognition events
About Howdens:
Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals.Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda.
As well as the opportunity to develop within a fast paced and commercial environment, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in theBest Big Companies to Work For.
How to apply
Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please emailrecruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you
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Solution Architect - Digital employer: Howden Joinery
Contact Detail:
Howden Joinery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect - Digital
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Howdens' business model and their digital transformation goals. Understanding their focus on omnichannel solutions will help you tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Howdens, especially those in the Digital & Trade Architecture team. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the company culture and specific challenges they face, which you can address in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with modern integration and cloud hosting platforms. Given the role's emphasis on technology architecture, being able to articulate your hands-on experience with these technologies will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of TOGAF methodology in your conversations. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge of architectural frameworks will highlight your expertise and readiness for the responsibilities of the Solution Architect role.
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect - Digital
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in digital solutions, architecture, and any specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Use keywords from the job listing to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about the role of Solution Architect at Howdens. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with their requirements, such as your expertise in Microservices or API integration.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Provide examples of your technical knowledge in online digital applications and architecture methodologies like TOGAF. Highlight any successful projects where you led design authority or contributed to high-level solutions.
Prepare for Potential Interviews: Anticipate questions related to your experience with e-commerce and retail solutions. Be ready to discuss how you would approach architecture challenges and communicate effectively with stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden Joinery
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Solution Architect role, especially in the context of digital and e-commerce solutions. Familiarise yourself with Howdens' business model and how your skills can align with their objectives.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with Microservices, APIs, and other relevant technologies. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully implemented these technologies, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle complex enterprise environments.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Prepare to explain technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand, showcasing your strong interpersonal skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to lead design discussions or make architectural decisions, and be ready to share those examples during the interview.