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- Tasks: Lead the architecture decisions for modernising a major portfolio of business applications.
- Company: Global retailer focused on application modernisation and rationalisation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible onsite work, and opportunity to shape innovative solutions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding teams through a structured modernisation journey.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in IT, 5+ years as a Solution Architect, with strong application modernisation experience.
If you thrive on bringing order, clarity, and direction to complex application estates, this programme needs you. This global retailer is modernising a major portfolio of business applications and needs an experienced Solution Architect to lead architecture decisions, validate 6R treatments, and guide teams through a structured, well‑governed modernisation journey.
What You’ll Lead:
- End‑to‑end solution architecture for a defined application portfolio.
- Application modernisation decisions using 6R frameworks (Rehost, Replatform, Refactor, Retain, Retire).
- As‑is, target, and transition architectures across applications, integrations, hosting, and dependencies.
- Architecture for SaaS, COTS, and subscription‑based solutions (tenancy, IAM, data lifecycle).
- Architectural governance, assurance, and design reviews across delivery teams and suppliers.
- Solution blueprints, integration designs, and NFR alignment (security, resilience, performance, compliance).
Key requirements:
- Proven Solution Architect experience across complex estates, ideally in retail.
- Strong grounding in application modernisation & rationalisation.
- Hands‑on use of 6R decision frameworks.
- Excellent modelling, documentation, and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience with enterprise apps, SaaS, data architecture, and multi‑tenant design.
Background:
- 7+ years in IT engineering, 5+ years as a Solution Architect.
- Willingness to work onsite 1-2 days per week.
- £575-£600 per day, Inside IR35.
- 6 months rolling. Reading.
Solution Architect - Application Modernisation & Rationalization, Retail in Reading employer: Smart Sourcer
Contact Detail:
Smart Sourcer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect - Application Modernisation & Rationalization, Retail in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail and IT sectors. Attend industry meetups or webinars where you can chat with potential employers and showcase your expertise in application modernisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your 6R frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past projects. We want to hear about your hands-on experience and how you’ve led teams through complex architecture decisions.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your skills in solution architecture and application rationalisation. Share relevant articles or insights to position yourself as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company. Let’s get you that Solution Architect position!
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect - Application Modernisation & Rationalization, Retail in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with application modernisation and rationalisation. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your 6R Knowledge: Since this role involves using the 6R frameworks, be sure to include examples of how you've applied these in past projects. We love seeing practical applications of your knowledge, so share those success stories with us!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smart Sourcer
✨Know Your 6Rs Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the 6R frameworks: Rehost, Replatform, Refactor, Retain, and Retire. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, as this will show your practical experience and understanding of application modernisation.
✨Showcase Your Architectural Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with end-to-end solution architecture. Bring examples of your work on complex application estates, especially in retail, and be ready to explain your approach to architectural governance and design reviews.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Highlight your stakeholder engagement skills. Think of specific instances where you’ve successfully communicated complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders, as this is crucial for guiding teams through the modernisation journey.
✨Document Your Successes
Bring along documentation or models that showcase your previous work. This could include solution blueprints or integration designs. Being able to visually represent your thought process can make a strong impression during the interview.