At a Glance
- Tasks: Design modern, scalable cloud-native business services and lead digital transformation.
- Company: StepChange, a charity focused on innovative technology solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital services while making a real impact in the charity sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in architecture, CRM solutions, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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.
Solutions Architect – Leeds/Hybrid employer: Recruit4Mum
StepChange is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact through our digital transformation initiatives. Our inclusive culture values diversity and ensures that every team member feels supported and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect – Leeds/Hybrid
✨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 a Solutions Architect role. 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 past projects and how you’ve tackled challenges. Use real examples to demonstrate your architectural expertise and how you can contribute to their digital transformation.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so make sure you understand their specific needs and culture. When you’re in interviews or networking, highlight how your skills align with their goals, especially around modernising technology and governance.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! 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 transformation journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect – Leeds/Hybrid
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 digital transformations. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Solutions Architect, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various teams and stakeholders, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully worked cross-functionally to achieve a common goal.
Highlight Your Architectural Expertise:We’re looking for someone with a strong foundation in enterprise IT and architecture. Be sure to include specific examples of how you’ve designed and implemented architectural solutions in previous roles, especially those that involved CRM systems or integration with other business systems.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit4Mum
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest architectural trends, especially cloud-native solutions. Brush up on your knowledge of CRM systems and integration patterns, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working cross-functionally, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and how you’ve influenced decisions in previous projects.
✨Prepare for Governance Discussions
Familiarise yourself with design governance principles and be ready to discuss how you’ve maintained architectural integrity in your previous roles. Think about specific instances where you’ve contributed to governance forums or design assurance meetings.
✨Emphasise Your Transformation Experience
This position is all about transformation, so come prepared with stories that showcase your experience in leading or contributing to major digital transformations. Be ready to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them to deliver high-quality solutions.
