At a Glance
- Tasks: Design modern, scalable cloud-native business services and lead architectural governance.
- Company: Join a charity undergoing a major digital transformation in Leeds.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and supports personal adjustments.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology in a meaningful way while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in architecture, CRM solutions, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you a Solution Architect with a passion for designing modern, scalable, cloud‑native business services? Are you excited by the opportunity to shape a brand‑new digital landscape and play a pivotal role in a multi‑year transformation? Do you have the architectural expertise to help StepChange modernise its technology estate, strengthen governance, and deliver high‑quality solutions that support our clients and colleagues?
We are embarking on a major digital transformation as part of our new 5‑year strategy, redesigning our technology landscape and building modern, integrated services that will power the charity’s future. This newly created role will be central to maturing our architecture discipline and ensuring that our digital advice journey and wider business capabilities are built on strong, well‑governed foundations.
You will work cross‑functionally with senior stakeholders, programme teams, vendors, and technical specialists, while collaborating closely with colleagues across Digital and Change Services to ensure architectural integrity, governance, and alignment with organisational strategy.
What will you be doing?
In this role, you will take ownership of designing critical business services and producing the architectural artefacts that underpin our new digital advice journey. You will lead the development and maintenance of our Charity Design Catalogue (CDC), ensuring strong design governance and supporting downstream solution, integration, and testing activities. As a key architectural authority, you will guide programme‑level decisions, support RFP processes, and ensure solutions are grounded in well‑considered architectural viewpoints.
Your experience of implementing CRM solutions and integrating with wider business systems will be tremendously valuable as the charity embarks on this major feature of our digital transformation. You will help shape and govern the charity’s architectural landscape by producing detailed designs, maintaining standards, and contributing to governance forums and design assurance meetings. Collaboration will be central to your work, as you build strong relationships across Digital and Change Services and work with cloud partners and vendors to influence and oversee solution designs.
You will also author and maintain architectural principles, policies, standards, and rules, while supporting the ongoing maintenance of the Application Portfolio. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in transformation environments and is passionate about the value of architecture in delivering high‑quality, sustainable solutions.
You will bring strong foundational knowledge of enterprise IT and cloud‑native operating models, experience across modern technology stacks and integration patterns, and the ability to balance cost, quality, and timeliness in design decisions. As a self‑starter with excellent communication skills, you’ll be able to translate complex concepts, mentor others, and design with both people and technology in mind.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Belonging is central to who we are. We’re committed to building a workforce that reflects the clients we support, and a culture where everyone feels valued and able to be themselves. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and life experiences. If you need a reasonable adjustment to our recruitment process so you can perform at your best, just let us know — we’re here to support you.
Cloud-Native Solutions Architect – Hybrid (Leeds) employer: Recruit4Mum
StepChange is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Leeds. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and the chance to shape our digital transformation journey. Our inclusive culture values diversity and ensures that every team member feels empowered to contribute meaningfully to our mission of supporting clients and colleagues alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cloud-Native Solutions Architect – Hybrid (Leeds)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who’s already in the role you want. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your experience; demonstrate it! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to cloud-native solutions. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions for Solutions Architects and practice your responses. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in past roles, especially around governance and architectural integrity.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining us in shaping a brand-new digital landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Cloud-Native Solutions Architect – Hybrid (Leeds)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with cloud-native solutions and architectural expertise. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to modernise technology at StepChange.
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working cross-functionally, emphasise your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with teams in the past to deliver high-quality solutions.
Highlight Your Transformation Experience:We’re looking for someone who thrives in transformation environments. Be sure to mention any previous roles where you’ve contributed to significant digital transformations or architectural changes.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape our digital landscape.
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit4Mum
✨Know Your Cloud-Native Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of cloud-native architectures and modern technology stacks. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've designed scalable solutions in the past, as this will show your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Understand the Charity's Mission
Take some time to research StepChange and understand their mission and values. Being able to articulate how your skills can contribute to their digital transformation will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since this role involves working cross-functionally, be prepared to answer questions about your experience collaborating with various stakeholders. Think of specific instances where you’ve successfully influenced decisions or worked with teams to achieve a common goal.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Solutions Architect, you'll need to translate complex concepts into understandable terms. Practice explaining your architectural ideas clearly and concisely, as well as how you would mentor others in the team. This will highlight your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
