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- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative IT solutions that shape the future of education and research.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a globally recognised institution committed to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41+ days of annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving technology solutions in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in architecture roles and strong collaboration skills are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community that values your unique contributions.
The predicted salary is between 48822 - 65509 £ per year.
IT Services at the University of Sheffield provide a full range of complex IT and technology-enabled services. This role supports delivery across our three strategic product areas: Education, Research and Innovation and One University. These product areas are moving to utilise modern agile change methodologies to improve service provision, simplify processes and support product development.
The Solution Architect role is located within the Enterprise Architecture practice and will lead on the development of solution and technical architectures which meet the current and future IT needs of the business and contribute to the solution design of specific projects.
Main Duties And Responsibilities- Develop and maintain models of the University's current and future solution and enterprise architecture, ensuring designs are aligned with business needs and sustainability goals.
- Lead in designing, specifying and selecting information system solutions, considering functionality, data, security, integration, infrastructure and performance requirements.
- Develop and champion solution architectural principles and templates to deliver cost-effective and sustainable IT-enabled business processes.
- Liaise with stakeholders across the University to understand organisational strategy and design information system solutions that meet specific business needs, with effective return on investment.
- Ensure technical solution definitions include appropriate assurance mechanisms including functional and non-functional requirements and validation processes.
- Work with project, feature and infrastructure teams to maintain compliance with architectural design and ensure project scope integrity.
- Lead the organisation in exploiting technology, using knowledge of IT solutions to support innovative and high-impact business capabilities.
- Maintain awareness of emerging technologies that might benefit the University, identifying and mitigating business and architectural risks.
- Provide architectural guidance and technical support to project teams, assisting with business cases and reviewing vendor proposals for architectural alignment and cost-effectiveness.
- Support engineers in developing engineering level designs and embed the University's sustainability principles in all activities.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria- Significant practical experience as an enterprise, solution, technical or systems architect in a large, complex organisation.
- Experience of undertaking complex analysis, facilitating and re-designing strategically critical business systems.
- Good exposure to a broad range of data, software, integration, security and infrastructure technologies with working knowledge of several areas.
- Ability to drive customer-oriented design journeys, producing architectural designs from conceptual to engineering views.
- Strong collaboration and influencing skills with both technical and non-technical colleagues across the organisation to assure solution design.
- Strong conceptual and analytical skills to produce high and low-level solution designs that solve problems and deliver organisational benefits.
- Ability to learn new technologies and techniques quickly, while ensuring compliance with governance and policy requirements.
- Experience with recognised methods (TOGAF), notation standards (ArchiMate), and agile environments with strong communication skills.
- Grade: 8
- Salary: £48,822-£65,509 per annum
- Work arrangement: Full-time
- Line manager: Lead Solution Architect
- Direct reports: None
For informal enquiries about this job contact Arthur Clune at a.clune@sheffield.ac.uk.
Next steps in the recruitment process: We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact it-services-recruitment@sheffield.ac.uk.
What We Offer- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development.
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience.
Solution Architect in Sheffield employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University of Sheffield on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application. A friendly chat can give you insights that could set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the role of a Solution Architect. Brush up on agile methodologies and be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex IT challenges in the past. Show us you know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your technical skills; highlight your collaboration abilities too. We want to see how you’ve worked with both technical and non-technical teams to deliver successful projects. Share those stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community at the University of Sheffield.
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what a Solution Architect does and how your experience aligns with those responsibilities. This will help us see how you fit into our team!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Use specific examples from your past experiences that relate to the criteria mentioned in the job description. We want to know how your skills can contribute to our mission at the University of Sheffield.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your key points stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially in a technical role like this!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our official 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 to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the principles of solution architecture, especially in relation to the University’s strategic product areas. Brush up on TOGAF and ArchiMate methodologies, as well as any relevant technologies that could impact the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to work with both technical and non-technical colleagues. Think about times when you’ve successfully influenced stakeholders or facilitated discussions to drive customer-oriented design journeys.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Emerging Technologies
Stay updated on the latest trends in IT and how they can benefit educational institutions. Be prepared to discuss specific technologies you believe could enhance the University’s operations and how you would mitigate any associated risks.
✨Align Your Experience with Their Needs
When discussing your past roles, focus on experiences that align with the job description. Highlight your practical experience in complex analysis and redesigning business systems, ensuring you connect your skills to the University’s goals and sustainability principles.
