IT Solutions Architect

Barratt Developments plc; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the East Midlands seeks a Solution Architect to drive the architecture for various projects. You will have a pivotal role with direct responsibility for defining and owning the architecture roadmap, ensuring high-quality technical solutions are delivered. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in Cloud technologies, TOGAF certification, and excels in stakeholder communication. Hybrid working opportunities are available, offering flexibility and support for modern work needs.

Benefits

Competitive Bonus Scheme

Private Medical Cover

Annual Medical Health Assessment

26 days’ holiday

Qualifications

• Experience defining and owning the Architecture roadmap for a large, complex business.
• Experience of having direct responsibility for architecture/design activities on large/complex projects.
• Strong academic record, ideally with graduate level education.

Responsibilities

• Assess ideas, scope, and feasibility of proposed new and enhanced business capabilities.
• Support the Head of IT Architecture and Lead Architect to produce Architecture Roadmaps.
• Define High Level Designs ensuring they meet agreed business requirements.

Skills

TOGAF Certification

Cloud technologies

Problem-solving

Agile methodologies

Excellent communication

Education

Graduate level education

Tools

Architecture Tools

Job description

Supporting the business and our divisional offices, our Head Office functions cover all departments from our Executive Board through to our support functions such as Group Design and Technical, HR, Health and Safety, IT, Sales and Marketing, Commercial, Procurement, Group Finance, Corporate Affairs, as well as Legal and Company Secretariat. We also have a specialised function – Barratt Partnerships.

While the work varies from team to team, our key requirements don’t: you must be well organised, extremely helpful and resourceful, and able to use your initiative. You’ll understand that what you do is important, and impacts on your team, the department, and the wider business.

The Solution Architect has proven ability to understand business need, and is accountable for the design and delivery of high quality solutions in their domain. Equally able to work at both an enterprise and a detailed level, they will use their excellent communication skills to help design and deliver appropriate end-to-end solutions that could span across multiple lines of business.

With experience in the design, delivery and management of multiple technologies on large and/or potentially complex programmes and products. They will be seen as the technical expert on the projects and products they are accountable for, and as a natural problem solver they will have the ability to both roll up their sleeves and get other subject matter experts involved as required.

Reporting to the Lead Architect you will take ownership for the architecture in their domain by both contributing and aligning to the overall IT architecture strategy and ensuring that designs are taken through the Design Governance process and approved on time.

You will be expected to:

• Assess ideas, scope and feasibility of proposed new and enhanced business capabilities
• Support the Head of IT Architecture and Lead Architect to produce Architecture Roadmaps including advising on architectural aspects of sequencing, phasing, dependencies, constraints and deliverability of the roadmap
• Liaise with other Architects to gain their expertise, input and estimates where required
• Assist in the production and validation of estimates for Roadmaps and Projects, ensuring that all design components have been included and the costs represent best value for money. This includes validation of designs/estimates provided by third parties
• Provide advice on key design decisions arising from the requirements/epics/user stories that drive high cost/complexity versus business value, and propose adjustments and/or alternative solutions to deliver maximum value
• Support the Lead Architect through the creation and maintenance of Architecture Standards, Patterns, and Building Blocks to drive solution re-use, delivery pace, quality assurance and cost efficiency
• Define the Outline Solution Architecture, and ensuring all key design decisions are identified and prioritised
• Define High Level Designs ensuring they meet agreed business requirements/epics/user stories, align with Strategy and Architecture, whilst being cost effective, deliverable and supportable
• Ensure any divergence from Architecture Principles, Roadmaps & Standards are agreed with the Head of IT Architecture, and any ensuing technical debt is captured in the Technical Debt Register
• Be accountable for the technical delivery of your projects by taking ownership for the end-to-end design, ensuring that detailed design and development follow the High Level Design
• Review detailed designs and the solution at key points during the project to ensure that the integrity of the end‑to‑end integrated design has been maintained
• Recommend alternative approaches if specific difficulties are encountered during solution delivery, i.e. where a modification of the design is required or where an alternative approach is more efficient
• Advise on testing of non‑functional, operational and technical requirements, review results and assist with analysing and resolving defects where required
• Assist the resolution of technical issues promptly to help keep the project on track
• Build strong relationships with peers in the business and IT
• Inspire team members to continually improve ways of working by setting high standards for solution design and ensuring compliance
• Build and maintain relationships with existing suppliers and potential future suppliers to build awareness of technology opportunities, supplier roadmaps and industry best practices
• Regularly investigate and keep abreast of industry trends in Construction and Technology, ensuring that your knowledge is kept relevant and up to date

To be successful in the role, we are looking for:

• Experience defining and owning the Architecture roadmap for a large, complex business
• TOGAF Certification and/or relevant experience in a mature Architecture Function
• Experience of having direct responsibility for architecture/design activities on large/complex projects
• Experience of using Architecture Tools
• Strong academic record, ideally with graduate level education
• Experience in designing solutions using Cloud technologies
• Ability to identify, communicate and solve complex problems
• Ability to establish, develop and maintain effective relationships with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders up to Senior Manager level
• Extensive experience of agile, lean, continual delivery and waterfall delivery methods
• A passion for technology and to help teams deliver the right solution
• Strong customer focus – able to meet the demands of internal customers
• Excellent communication skills – providing verbal and written communication that is outstanding to both direct reports and senior management as well as other stakeholders
• Flexible and adaptable – capable of changing direction where required and showing flexibility to meet new demands

We’ve been nationally recognised as a 5 star housebuildersince 2010 for supplying high‑quality homes for all generations. That’s more than any other major housebuilder. It’s because we combine the brightest minds, the latest technology, and a genuine commitment to putting customers first. We want the best people in the industry to help us shape the future of building. We have tailored opportunities for apprentices, graduates, experienced professionals and ex‑Armed Forces personnel to come and help us stay one step ahead, and build the homes that Britain needs.

Barratt adopts a hybrid way of working which assumes that where roles allow, our office‑based colleagues divide their time between working in the office, on our construction sites and sales offices, and working from home, as the role dictates. We recognise the many benefits that an effective hybrid working culture brings to both the Company and our colleagues.

We are building an organisation where anyone with drive and talent can pursue the career they want. We are building a culture where anyone, regardless of gender, race, age, sexuality, disability, background or any other characteristic, can progress and be proud to work for us.

As part of working for Barratt Redrow PLC and specifically for this role we offer:

• Competitive Bonus Scheme
• Private Medical Cover - Single Cover
• Annual Medical Health Assessment
• 26 days’ holiday (increase by 1 day for every 3 years’ continuous service up to 29 days)

Today’s housebuilding professional need tomorrow’s benefits, so they’re ready for whatever the future brings. When you join Barratt, you get the kind of support you would expect from a business built for a modern working world.

Private medical cover

Private healthcare support is available for timely access to a virtual GP, for diagnosis, treatment and more — including physio and talking therapies. You can even add family members.

Pension

First‑class pension schemes with the option of up to 10% employer contributions.

Annual Health Assessment

All colleagues are able to access a fully funded annual health assessment, helping you to proactively manage your health and wellbeing.

As well as a competitive salary, we offer many ways to make life more affordable – from access to employee loans and savings accounts, to house purchase discounts. Cycle to Work scheme, reduced hotel rate, discounts at major retailers… These make a massive difference to the quality of your lifestyle.

So much more…

From death in service, paid volunteer and study leave, enhanced family friendly policies (including our Parents and Carers leave) to a share buying scheme, we have an incredible range of additional benefits.

About Group Support Centre

Barratt Redrow PLC is the nation’s leading housebuilder, creating great new places to live throughout Britain.

Our business is acquiring land, obtaining planning consents and building the highest quality homes in places people aspire to live. This is supported by our expertise in land, design, construction and sales and marketing.

Our purpose is to make sustainable living a reality, building strong communities.

Where you’ll be
working

Here is where you'll be based, whether that’s an office or one of our sites.

Putting diversity and inclusion front and centre

We know that a diverse team is better for our customers, makes us a more attractive employer and results in a stronger, more sustainable business. Which is why we're so committed to developing our inclusive culture.

Thinking ahead to leave a better world behind

We’re building a sustainable tomorrow, one house and one community at a time. Our commitment to our customers is rooted in every decision and day‑to‑day action we take.

See how our colleagues are building tomorrow together.