Solutions Architect (Supply Chain Domain)

Role Responsibility

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

Identify and implement improvements to Architecture processes and artefacts with the team as part of Continuous Improvement initiatives

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

From an omni-channel retail organisation or a leading Management Consultancy. Covering at least one of the following domains: Buying & Merchandising, Logistics & Supply Chain, Omni-Channel Order Management

Comfortable with both packaged and bespoke applications in the following areas and systems: Merchandising Planning and Operations Management including Pricing and Promotions, Warehouse Management, Store Inventory Management, Fulfil from Store and Customer Order Management

Able to work with senior 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

Knowledge of all aspects of architecture relating to the solution including business, application, data, technology and integrations

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

Able to drive the Architecture agenda whilst also ensuring solutions are delivered on time and within budget

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

About the Company

Our Creative Spirit 

We are more than a shop. We are a social space where culture and commerce collide to release an energy that we call the Selfridges spirit. We are here to make our world brighter, and everyone is welcome. 

Our Awards Cabinet 

We’re not ones to brag, but since you asked...Selfridges has won the award for The World’s Best Department Store an unprecedented four times at the IGDS awards, with an additional award for the Best Sustainability Campaign. We were also recognised as a ‘Best 25 Big Company to Work For 2020’ as awarded by The Sunday Times.

Our Future 

Since 1909 we have been at the forefront of retail and today our stores in London, Manchester and Birmingham – alongside selfridges.com and the Selfridges App – continue to redefine the way we shop and socialise. As a Selfridges team member, you will learn what it takes to consistently drive innovation, success and amazing customer experiences. 

Everyone is welcome

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive working culture, and we see this as key to our success and our working culture. Here at Selfridges, everyone is welcome - irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age or disability, we stand by equal opportunities for all. We are diverse, we are inclusive, we are Selfridges.

The Fun Stuff  

There are lots of reasons to be excited about joining Team Selfridges – from our fantastic team member communities to volunteer days and behind-the-scenes Selfridges experiences throughout the year. 

Other benefits and rewards include:

• Generous bonus and/or commission scheme 
• Discounted gym memberships 
• Pension contributions  
• Annual travel pass and cycle to work schemes 
• Up to five paid volunteering days
• Access to a wide range of training programmes to help your career development