Solutions Architect 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITY

What is the role?

The Solution Architect is responsible for defining and assuring the solution architecture for the projects / initiatives within it. The role is responsible for high level design, detailed design assurance, and supporting the development and implementation of the solution through all environments to production.

The Solution Architect is responsible for exploring potential solution options and making a clear recommendation by evaluating the fit to business need and enterprise architecture, as well as assessing the feasibility, cost, risk, benefits and the ongoing support implications.

They are also responsible for guiding vendor and product selection where required to ensure a strong fit for both the project need and the longer-term business ambitions.

As Solutions Architect you will:

Define and maintain the solution architecture

Work closely with business stakeholders, BAs, POs and wider

Analyse options

Review third party designs

Work with the Enterprise Architect(s) to ensure alignment with IT strategy, principles, enterprise architecture and domain architectures

Lead the selection of any new vendors,

Assist with the planning and estimation process

Ensure the solution is delivered as designed

Challenge existing thinking

Ensure all activities are performed at a consistently high standard with minimal risk to Selfridges and that opportunities to improve are identified and actioned.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

How you’ll do it…you will be:

From an omni-channel retail organisation or a leading Management Consultancy. Covering at least one of the following domains: HR, Payroll, Finance, Modern Workplace, Legal and the broader back office areas

Comfortable with both packaged and bespoke applications

Able to work with business stakeholders and communicating complex ideas and solution options in a simple and resonant way

Familiar with modelling tools and techniques

Experienced with different delivery lifecycles and service delivery methods

Able to rapidly analyse and understand functions and operation of existing solutions and capabilities of new technologies

A motivated self-starter, enthusiastic, resilient, personally effective, pro-active with a flexible attitude to work

Have strong strategic and analytical problem-solving skills, has a keen attention to detail and a good commercial sense;

Able to build strong relationships and credibility

Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Communicate information in a relevant and concise fashion, mindful of and tailored to the audience

Prioritise work and remain focussed on the most critical tasks, ensuring time and resources are used efficiently and effectively

Confident, able to make tough decisions and stick to them when questioned

This guide represents a summary of the role, however all team members are expected to be flexible in the work they undertake, which may change from time to time, according to the needs of the business