At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative solutions for Financial Services clients using cutting-edge architecture.
- Company: Affinity, a high-growth consulting company within Reply, focused on future transformations.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, equal opportunities, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be a trusted advisor and make a real impact in the financial sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development, cloud technologies, and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Affinity is the new, high-growth specialist consulting company in Reply, dedicated to driving Next Gen Architecture, Data Driven Enablement, and Future Transformations. We distinguish ourselves by fostering robust and trusted relationships with our clients, ensuring the successful delivery of their desired outcomes through our proactive and insightful approach.
As a Solution Architect working with Financial Services clients, you’ll play a key role in delivering architecture-led solutions (Cloud, Hybrid, or On-Premise), covering the spectrum of architecture domains to our clients. You will facilitate the alignment of goals and objectives with decisions regarding all layers of the solutions: Business, Information, Application, and Technology. You will be developing solution designs using a repeatable approach to deliver the desired business outcome. You will be working on your own or as part of a team delivering a contractual solution, providing expert client-side consultancy, mentoring, design authority, project delivery, or acting as a “trusted advisor” and/or “subject matter expert” to clients and internal teams alike.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver class leading IT Enterprise/Solution Architecture.
- Confidence to present solutions and influence stakeholders within Financial Services.
- Experience of the full software development lifecycle, along with an appreciation of quality assurance, continuous integration/delivery, and the benefits of automation; experience and understanding of Agile practices and the impact on solution design and delivery.
- Preferably, Cloud Enabled, understanding key cloud technologies, ideally AWS or Azure, and concepts of SaaS.
- Preferably, understanding of Data Architecture and Data Modelling and able to articulate the key impacts across this domain.
- Strong systems analysis skills which translate into solution architecture and holistic designs.
Reply is an Equal Opportunities Employer and committed to embracing diversity in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, identity, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status or parental status or any other characteristic protected by the Law. Reply is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, please let us know of any Reasonable Adjustments you may need.
Solutions Architect employer: Reply
At Reply, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our vibrant culture encourages continuous learning and professional growth, with diverse projects that challenge and inspire our team members. Located in a thriving tech hub, we provide unique opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values creativity and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Reply values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Reply might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Reply!
✨Direct Apply to Reply
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Reply website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Reply.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Reply. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reply
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
