At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical strategy and drive architectural best practices in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Join M&S, a beloved brand at the forefront of digital transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team committed to innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in architecture governance and cloud technologies is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Practice Architect to join our growing Architecture team! At M&S, technology is at the heart of our transformation journey - powering millions of customer interactions and enabling thousands of colleagues every day. As we continue to evolve and invest in strategic technology, we're expanding our architecture capability to ensure we remain differentiated and future-ready. This is your opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team that's shaping the digital backbone of a beloved retail brand.
What you'll do
- As a technical leader, you will collaborate with stakeholders to define and evolve the technical strategy for your practice.
- You will also facilitate and assist with the prioritisation of delivery to maximise business value and outcomes.
- Drive architectural best practices and ensure coherence with enterprise standards within the assigned domain or technology practice.
- Assist in defining learning pathways, maintaining accreditations and supporting IT compliance (e.g. ISO27001, AWS Solution Architects).
- Guide stakeholder collaboration and translate business needs into architectural requirements.
- Assess and develop technical capabilities within Tribes.
Who you are
- Experience with architecture governance processes and compliance requirements.
- Cloud technologies, data & integration, security & compliance, DevOps & engineering practices and architectural tools & frameworks.
- Strong understanding of enterprise architecture principles, patterns, and best practices.
- Proficiency in architecture modelling, design, and documentation tools.
- Knowledge of software development methodologies, frameworks, and tools.
What's in it for you?
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We're inclusive, fast-moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing. Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third-party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you've completed your probation.
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more.
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours.
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future.
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one.
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal.
- Market-leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave.
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services.
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you.
Everyone's welcome
We are ambitious about the future of retail. We're disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We're transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together. If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Practice Architect - Ways of Working employer: Marks and Spencer
At M&S, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and forward-thinking employer, where technology plays a pivotal role in our transformation journey. As a Practice Architect, you'll not only contribute to shaping the digital backbone of a beloved retail brand but also enjoy a range of benefits including a generous colleague discount, competitive holiday allowance, and tailored training from day one. Join us in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration, innovation, and personal growth, all while making a meaningful impact on millions of customers every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Architect - Ways of Working
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who works at M&S. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences and how you've tackled challenges in architecture. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Do your homework on M&S and the role of Practice Architect. Tailor your conversations to highlight how your skills align with their goals. We love seeing candidates who understand our mission and values!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply directly through the M&S careers page. 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 Practice Architect - Ways of Working
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with architecture governance and cloud technologies. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Practice Architect, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:When detailing your experience, focus on your proficiency in architectural tools and frameworks. We’re keen to know about your understanding of enterprise architecture principles and how you’ve applied them in past roles. Let us see your technical prowess shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for clarity in your communication, so make sure your ideas flow logically and are easy to follow.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure that your application reaches the right team and you won’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of enterprise architecture principles and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in relation to cloud technologies and compliance requirements.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
As a Practice Architect, you'll need to work closely with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, translating business needs into architectural requirements. This will demonstrate your ability to drive stakeholder engagement.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Technical Strategies
Think about the technical strategies you've defined or evolved in previous positions. Be prepared to share specific instances where your strategic decisions maximised business value and outcomes, as this aligns perfectly with what M&S is looking for.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about M&S's architecture team and their future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
