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 a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- 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 55000 - 65000 € 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 in Kirkburton employer: StepChange
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 within our transformative digital landscape, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of our charity. Our inclusive culture prioritises equality and diversity, making it a rewarding place for individuals from all backgrounds to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect - Leeds/Hybrid in Kirkburton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to Solutions Architecture. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with articulating your thoughts.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of your past projects and solutions you've designed. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of your skills and how you can contribute to their digital transformation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect - Leeds/Hybrid in Kirkburton
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 governance. We want to see how your skills align with our digital transformation goals!
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various teams, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've built relationships and influenced decisions in past projects.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention your experience with CRM solutions and integration patterns. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it clear how your background fits the bill!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at StepChange
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest architectural principles and 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 that highlight your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders. Think about times when you’ve influenced decisions or worked closely with teams to achieve a common goal.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific architectural challenges or design scenarios. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making criteria, focusing on balancing cost, quality, and timeliness.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Transformation
This role is all about driving change, so convey your enthusiasm for digital transformation. Share experiences where you’ve successfully led or contributed to similar initiatives, and explain how you can bring that passion to StepChange.
