AI Native Lead Architect in Manchester

We're looking for a forward-thinking, AI-native architect to help shape the future of technology within our Fintech division here at N Brown. As N Brown continues to evolve its technology landscape and accelerate digital transformation, we're looking for someone who is excited by what's possible and wants to play a key role in shaping our future architecture. This is an opportunity to make a real impact within our Fintech start-up division, helping us develop a modern, scalable technology landscape and embed AI-native ways of working across the team.

You'll combine strategic architectural thinking with a hands-on approach, using AI as an integral part of how you explore ideas, solve problems, evaluate options and create architectural solutions. You'll have the opportunity to challenge traditional approaches, influence technical direction and help establish new ways of working. We're less focused on a traditional career path or years spent in an Enterprise Architect role and more interested in what you can bring, your appetite to learn and your ability to turn new ideas into practical solutions.

What will you do as an AI Native Lead Architect at N Brown?

• Shape the target architecture for our new consumer credit platform, and the route away from legacy systems.
• Get the approach right before work reaches a team, turning business direction into clear specifications that our Cells, our small autonomous delivery teams, can build from.
• Set the standards and interfaces that keep independent Cells building to one coherent whole.
• Build AI into how architecture gets done, starting with agents that review designs against our standards before they reach a team.
• Help improve our AI-native work platform so good architecture scales without adding people.
• Spot risks early and raise them with the leadership team in time to change the outcome.
• Bring new tools and ideas back to the team, and help others get better at using them.

What skills and experience will you have?

We're interested in people who combine strong technical foundations with curiosity, creativity and a genuine passion for what technology can achieve. You might already be an Enterprise Architect, or you could be a Senior/Lead Solution Architect or Technical Architect ready to take the next step. What matters most is your ability to think strategically, understand complex technology environments and demonstrate a progressive, AI-native approach.

What you'll bring:

• Strong experience in solution, technical or enterprise architecture, with the ability to think beyond individual solutions and understand the wider technology landscape.
• A good understanding of modern technology architectures, cloud platforms, data, integration patterns, APIs and enterprise applications.
• Experience designing and delivering scalable, resilient and secure technology solutions.
• The ability to translate business challenges into practical architectural solutions and communicate technical direction clearly.
• An understanding of software engineering practices, modern development approaches and technology platforms.
• Experience working collaboratively with Product, Engineering, Data and Business teams.
• The confidence to challenge conventional thinking, influence stakeholders and bring fresh perspectives to complex problems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and find practical solutions.

Just as importantly, you'll demonstrate:

• A genuine passion for AI and emerging technologies, with a desire to understand what's possible and how it can transform the way businesses operate.
• Practical experience experimenting with and building using AI tools and technologies.
• An AI-native mindset, naturally considering how AI can be applied to improve problem-solving, design, decision-making and delivery.
• Curiosity beyond your immediate role, actively keeping up with developments, testing new capabilities and exploring ideas independently.
• A willingness to challenge established ways of working and question whether there is a better, more innovative approach.
• A growth mindset, with the confidence to learn quickly, adapt and develop your skills as technology continues to evolve.
• The ability to turn experimentation and new ideas into practical applications that deliver genuine value.
• An appreciation of the importance of responsible AI adoption, including security, governance, data protection and ethical considerations.

What's in it for you?

• Work directly with our CTO, with a clear route to grow into a Principal role.
• Hybrid working (circa 2 days in the office).
• 24 days holiday (+ 8 bank holidays).
• Annual bonus scheme.
• Enhanced maternity and adoption leave.
• Company pension with up to 8% N Brown contribution - Maximum contribution subject to a minimum employee contribution of 6%.
• Mental Health support both internally and externally, including access to our wellbeing champions and counselling services.
• A range of financial wellbeing support.
• Colleague discount across all N Brown brands.
• Onsite café with subsidised rates and local restaurant discounts!
• Life Assurance and Private Medical Insurance.
• Paid volunteer time – all our colleagues can take a full day paid to volunteer for a charity of their choice.

N Brown – who we are and why work for us?

N Brown is a leading UK digital retail platform for clothing, footwear, home and technology, headquartered in Manchester and employing over 1,000 people nationwide. Through our strategic retail brands JD Williams, Jacamo and Simply Be and our unique payments offering, we exist to champion inclusivity and serve the underserved. Our customers are our passion, and we take great pride in delivering products that ensure they can look and feel amazing, without compromising on choice, value and accessibility. We're committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment that values equality for all.

Our vision is that by championing inclusion, N Brown will become the UK's most loved and trusted consumer platform, shaping the future of financial empowerment and personal expression. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are therefore at the heart of our culture.

Ways of Working

We offer hybrid working which varies across the business depending on the role you're in. Our Head Office is located in the Northern Quarter in Manchester City Centre. Our working hours are 36.17 per week over 5 days. We believe AI will become a standard part of modern professional practice. We are therefore looking for individuals who are open to learning, testing and responsibly adopting AI tools to improve efficiency, insight and impact in their role.

Our promise to you

We're an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. Please know your application is being reviewed by a real human being. We value your interest in joining us and appreciate you taking the time to submit your application.

What happens when you apply to a role at N Brown?

As soon as we receive your application, we'll send you an email to let you know. We always aim to come back to you as soon as possible with an update and we really appreciate you taking the time to apply for a role with us. Good luck!