Solution Architect (Cloud) – to £110k plus good benefits

• Are you a Solution Architect who has worked on large Cloud technology implementation projects?
• Are your strengths in improving or designing cloud-based platforms in the Azure domain?
• Do you have a strong knowledge of integration frameworks, tools and techniques?
• Are you comfortable working as the in-house Cloud Architecture SME together with SI teams and other IT / Technology teams?
• Can you see the bigger picture and the steps required to enhance, improve and deliver a future state cloud architecture – Rome was not built in a day.

We are looking for a Solution Architect who has strong Cloud (Azure) experience. Someone who is not just used to defining an end-state but someone who knows how to define and enhance designs and artefacts to take Solutions on an evolving journey.

What will you be doing?

The purpose of this role is to ensure that Cloud Architecture used by the business meets the needs of colleagues and members. That cloud solutions are defined and implemented to meet the operational, infrastructure, and technology needs, and align with business & technology strategy. 

• Cloud Centre of Excellence - developing artefacts including reference architecture, patterns, guidance and guidelines. Designing landing zone and network models, and shared services; Solution broking, development & utilisation of Cloud Hybrid Decision Framework, development and utilisation of Cloud Control framework. Providing governance oversight.
• Core System transformation; SI-Led delivery, Co-designed, internal oversight.
• Existing Cloud Service remediation and governance
• Broader ecosystem & legacy workload migrations
• SME advice to internal customers on cloud solutions

The successful candidate will be on point for cloud solutions as part of the larger Solutions Architecture and will report to the Head of Architecture.

You will need to be a strong professional who is capable of building and maintaining strong professional relationships across the business, IT Teams and suppliers. You will know how to be successful in large, structured teams.

• Head of Cloud
• Cloud CoE Leadership team colleagues
• Cloud Project Sponsor (Head of Software Engineering)
• Head of Architecture (and chair of Design Authority)
• Cloud Computing Advisory Council members (inc Risk, InfoSec, Procurement, Technology)
• Operations and Operational Resilience
• Programme, Project Working Groups and Delivery Teams
• Key Suppliers/ Strategic Partners

Day to day responsibilities

• Responsible with the Head of Cloud, Cloud Project Sponsor, and CCoE Leadership for cloud solution assurance. Ensuring that any cloud solution adopted can meets (or exceeds) the functional, non-functional, operational, and regulatory requirements.
• In co-ordination with the Head of Cloud, Cloud Project Sponsor, and CCoE Leadership for performing appropriate solution brokerage and optioneering activities, looking at reasonable technical and business options for the solution.
• Responsible for working with vendors during the optioneering to communicate and prioritise business, technical and operational requirements and works with 3rd parties to help define detailed solution design.
• Reviews and approves Cloud solution designs across the organisation
• Defines high level cloud technology requirements and supports low-level design activity.
• Responsible for working with the architectural governance bodies and collaborating with Enterprise and Solution architects acting as a Cloud SME and ensuring Cloud architectures align with overall architecture strategy & designs and that Cloud is considered in broader architecture designs and providing challenge where necessary)
• Liaison with analysts and architects to understand / define the tolerances, objectives, technical acceptance criteria and scope of required solutions and identifies the systems and infrastructure impacted by the solution designed
• Supports the solution build activity, working to clarify technical, business, and operational requirements and to resolve issues and risks that emerge
• Supports the solution handover activity, ensuring the appropriate technical, operational, and business architectures and models now reflect the implemented solution
• Defines, articulates, and owns the target end state cloud architecture, including definition of transition states and communicates the target end state architecture where required
• Ensures all deliverables and support documents meet quality standards and parameters

What skills and experience are required to be successful in the role?

This role is pivotal in the Transformation Strategy of the business and is therefore influential. Whilst Cloud Architectural skills are important, the ability to get the best out of those around you be that IT Colleagues, Business Stakeholders or Suppliers is essential. You must know how to be successful as part of a cross functional, multiple team delivery. You will need to be able to demonstrate where you have delivered the following traits that we are looking for.

• Leadership: Able to articulate and communicate a sense of direction and commitment to people. Role models business values and will demonstrate a standard set of skills and behaviours to which the team can aspire to.

• Building relationships: Continually uses the combined and cooperative efforts of others. Develops credibility with all stakeholders and influences through democracy
• Strategic Vision: Able to step back from day‐to‐day activities to view the business from a different perspective; to see the bigger picture, distil information, trends, and needs, to build credible solutions to achieve the desired vision and commercial outcomes. Understands the business environment and tailors solutions and adjusts when circumstances change
• Commercial/Member Focus: Understands key commercial drivers e.g., cost, profits, markets and added value, as well as thinking holistically about the members (internal and external)
• Achievement Driven: Displays desire and drive for success, projecting enthusiasm and having impact on others, models drive and resilience. Identifies with and strives hard to enable the business to deliver against its objectives and financial requirements, taking ownership for solution related issues
• Risk Aware: Possesses an understanding of the regulatory environment.  Ensures the business is legally compliant and focuses on strict standards to protect the members’ assets and the stability of the business.

Technically you should be a seasoned architect with a list of projects for medium to large sized businesses where IT is a controlled environment.

• Knowledge of Cloud Patterns, Models, Architecture and Azure Services
• Cloud infrastructure, network, security design experience
• Cloud Platform design experience including landing zones, subscription models, shared services and connectivity/networking.
• Knowledge of business and IT architecture approach
• Ability to quickly & fully understand current technology and process landscapes
• Awareness of cloud technology advances and how these may benefit the business
• Aware of broader industry developments and industry strategic direction – both competitor and external provider developments in relevant fields
• Able to understand of the broader strategic direction of the enterprise and apply pragmatically to options and solutions
• Detailed orientated approach and demonstrable methodology
• Strong awareness of commercial impact of solution design
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate, influence and motivate at all levels, both internally and externally
• Experience of building foundational cloud architecture, artefacts including reference architecture, patterns and guidelines. (required)
• Experience of working in agile delivery team and using agile tooling (Jira & Confluence)
• Familiarity of working with complex integrated projects
• Financial services experience is not essential but would be an advantage

What is in it for you?

This is a business who strive to create a Financial Service experience that’s kinder to people and planet. Unlike banks, they don’t have public or private shareholders which means they can invest 100% of their profits back into the business. As a result, the business is purpose-led, financially strong, socially responsible and always focused on their people, planet and communities.

Presently they are about to begin an exciting transformational journey with their people firmly at the forefront of their plans.  If you want to work for a team integral in helping to drive cultural change, a team where you can bring your whole self to work bringing your energy and creativity to make a positive difference, then this is the job for you.

• Competitive salary - up to £110k p.a. depending on skills and experience.
• Holidays - 25 days holiday plus public holidays and the opportunity to buy and sell up to 2 days. Your holiday entitlement goes up with years of service.
• Pension – a generous pension where the employer contribution goes up with years of service
• Death in Service – four times salary.
• Learning and Development opportunities - We want you to grow in your role. We’ll work together to support your personal and professional development.
• Hybrid Working - the tools and equipment you need to be able to work from home when you need to, depending on your role.
• Health and Wellbeing - a calendar of events and activities throughout the year, Mental Health & Wellbeing champions and Cycle to Work scheme.
• Community Day - We offer our people an extra paid day off every year to help local charities and community organisations.

If you feel that your skills, experience and working ethos match what we are looking for then please apply. The process will begin with an informal chat about your skills and experience.

This role will require one or two days per month on-site in the very North of England. If you do not have a realistic commute to do that ( no more than 2 hours) please do not apply for the role.