Lead Solutions Architect

Primark; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A retail company in Reading is seeking a Lead Solution Architect for a 6-9 month contract. The role involves leading solution architecture, providing mentorship, and collaborating with teams to align with business goals. Ideal candidates should have significant leadership experience and a background in solution architecture. This position will require hybrid working with travel to the office at least 2 days per week.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a senior solution architect with complex solution delivery.
• Solid understanding of solution architecture principles and frameworks.
• Experience in leading and developing a team of solution architects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the practice of solution architecture and establish architectural standards.
• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to solution architects.
• Manage resource allocation and task assignment for solution architects.

Skills

Leadership skills

Analytical and problem-solving

Solution architecture principles

Communication

Team management

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Primark

Lead Solution Architect (Practice Lead) – 6‑9 month contract / Day rate negotiable / Hybrid working

We have an exciting opportunity for a Solution Architecture Practice Lead to join us on a 6‑9 month contract with hybrid working where you must be willing to travel to our Reading office at least 2 days per week and some ad‑hoc business travel to Dublin.

As the Solution Architecture Practice Lead within Primark's Architecture Team, you will be responsible for driving the practice of solution architecture across our organisation. You will provide strategic direction, thought leadership, and mentorship to solution architects, enabling them to deliver high‑quality and scalable technology solutions. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, ensuring alignment with business goals and driving innovation through effective solution design. Additionally, you will manage the resource allocation and development of solution architects, optimising their performance and ensuring the successful delivery of architectural solutions.

If you are passionate about technology, possess excellent leadership and architectural skills, and have a strong background in solution architecture, you will be an ideal fit for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the practice of solution architecture, establishing architectural standards, frameworks, and guidelines aligned with Primark's technology strategy.
• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to solution architects, enabling them to deliver effective and innovative solutions.
• Identify and foster the re‑use of components, patterns and techniques within a composable architecture framework and document these for re‑use by other projects.
• Manage the resource allocation and task allocation of solution architects, both internal and external, ensuring optimal utilisation of skills and expertise.
• Drive the development and maintenance of solution architecture artifacts, including architectural patterns, design principles, and reference architectures.
• Conduct solution reviews and provide guidance on architecture‑related decisions to ensure compliance with architectural standards and best practices.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in solution architecture, and advocate for their adoption within Primark.
• Represent the Solution Architecture Practice as part of the Strategy & Architecture Leadership Team, including within the Architecture Design Authority.
• Own architectural and project risks and/or issues throughout the lifecycle of any delivery projects, with relevant business function(s) and Tech Product Team(s).
• Where required, establish and direct innovation‑led proof of concepts and make recommendations on technology adoption and benefits.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including business stakeholders, product managers, and development teams, to define solution requirements and ensure alignment with business goals.
• Build effective communication channels with business leaders and stakeholders.
• Partner with enterprise architects and other technology leaders to align solution architecture.
• Communicate solution architecture strategy, principles, and decisions to stakeholders, promoting awareness and understanding.
• Collaborate with vendors and partners to evaluate their capabilities, identify potential solutions, and ensure successful implementation.
• Manage the relationships with solution architecture outsourcing partners.
• Work with the Security and Information Risk functions to ensure solutions meet the needs of our security standards and principles.

Leadership

• Build, manage and mentor a high‑performing team focused on delivering the technology strategy for Primark.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing among solution architects, promoting continuous learning and professional development.
• Share an engaging and inspiring vision with the team and provide clarity and a sense of direction to enable working towards common goals, generating enthusiasm and commitment within the team and across Primark to shared outcomes.
• Responsible for the team’s performance and development; set clear performance expectations and address performance issues head‑on.
• Build talent and succession plans in line with current and future business needs, providing opportunities within the team for growth and development.
• Operate as a role model within Primark, inspiring and mentoring others to develop and progress.
• Act as a coach and mentor for the team, enabling them to take ownership of their careers and supporting them to drive their own development.

Knowledge & Experience Required

• Proven experience as a senior solution architect or a similar role, with a strong track record of designing and delivering complex technology solutions.
• Solid understanding of solution architecture principles, frameworks, and best practices, with hands‑on experience in solution design.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and developing a team of solution architects.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex technology challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• In‑depth knowledge of modern software architectures, including microservices, APIs, cloud computing, and data analytics.
• Excellent leader and trusted advisor with extensive experience of developing senior business relationships and shaping and underpinning business strategies.
• Demonstrated ability in developing a culture that embraces innovation, and challenges existing paradigms without compromising business performance.
• Familiarity with retail or fashion industry technology landscapes and trends is desirable.
• Experience in resource management, including workload allocation and performance optimisation, for solution architects or similar roles.

Please note, to be considered for this role we can only accept candidates who are happy to work through an umbrella company; this is non‑negotiable.

If the above is of interest to you then please apply and we can discuss the next steps in detail.

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Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Information Technology

Industries

Retail