Solutions Architect

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, own and maintain the cross-functional solution architecture including integrations & data
Work closely with business stakeholders, Business Analysts, Product Managers, Engineers, Delivery and wider
Analyse options
Review third party designs•Work with the Enterprise Architect to ensure alignment with IT & Business strategy, principles, standards and enterprise architecture
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.
Ensure solutions are secure, scalable, cost effective and future proof.

How you’ll do it…you will be:

From an omni-channel retail organisation or a leading Management Consultancy. Ideally covering at least one of the following domains: Digital, Point of Service (POS), Omni-Channel Order Management
Comfortable with both packaged and bespoke applications in the following areas: Stores, Commerce and Payment & Fraud.
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•Have experience in (or desire to move into) line management.

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