Solution Architect

At AQA, we're committed to advancing education and we're committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it's our people who make this happen.

Solution Architect

Manchester: £74,360 - £87,300

Milton Keynes: £77,427 - £90,900

18 Month FTC

Smart Working - Approximately 2 days per week in office although this may be more/less depending on work requirements.

At AQA, we're dedicated to making a significant and positive impact on schools, teachers, and students across the UK. As we advance our digital transformation, we're seeking a Solutions Architect to join our Enterprise Technology team. This is your chance to influence how we leverage cutting-edge technologies to drive educational excellence.

Purpose

In your role as Solution Architect you will operate within the (Enterprise Technology) Enterprise Architecture team working closely with the Enterprise Architect. You will lead on the delivery of Solutions Architecture services, designing and ensuring delivery of IT solutions that meet business requirements.

You will provide solution architecture consultancy support to colleagues and business stakeholders, providing effective and pragmatic advice, guidance, direction and architectural liaison between technology and business stakeholders shaping and guiding solution delivery in the drive to deliver proportionate and effective solutions that meet desired business outcomes.

What you'll get:
Generous Annual Leave: 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service, plus all Bank Holidays and additional Christmas office closure.
Flexible Working: A 35-hour week with the empowerment to deliver requirements of your role when it suits everyone.
Develop yourself at work: Receive sponsorship for apprenticeships and other qualifications.
Competitive Pension Scheme: Excellent contributory pension plan (6% - 11. 5% based on your contribution).
Your health and wellbeing: BUPA private medical insurance, gym membership/ access and free access the Headspace app.
Other benefits: Life assurance, electric car salary sacrifice and an enhanced maternity/paternity scheme.

To be successful in this role, you will need to know:
Proven solution architect with a strong track record of related IT expertise and delivery across a number of practices within the IT industry.
Expert working knowledge and understanding of Enterprise applications frameworks, Service Oriented Architecture, Enterprise architecture, Information modelling and design frameworks, Physical Infrastructure and deployment models, Architecture and design frameworks such as TOGAF, ZACHMAN etc
Expert knowledge and understanding of Mainstream computing platforms and architectures, Operating systems, Databases, End user computing platforms, Networks and communications, Cloud computing delivery platforms (IaaS, PaaS & SaaS), Virtualisation, Integration services, architecture design standards, development methodologies.
Extensive experience of enterprise class organisations with cloud / mixed IT footprints and related modernisation of corporate architecture and application of appropriate governance
Expert knowledge and understanding of implementing technical changes in existing legacy IT estates
Possess a broad understanding of and experience in working within programme and project management methodologies and governance
Experience of operating with and within hybrid support functions - internal and external / 3rd party organisations
Responsive to short-term challenges / priorities whilst holding to clear strategy and direction

Ready to apply?

If the role looks of interest and you would like to apply, please do so via our portal. Every application will be provided with a written response!

We are reviewing applications as they come through and reserve the right to close this role early.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full

Summary
Purpose:



You will deliver a solution architecture service and approach that positively influences and evolves the information technology landscape across both Enterprise and Assessment technology areas of the business, providing overarching architectural oversight and compliance assurance.

You will support the delivery of effective architectural strategies within Enterprise Technology that promote proportionate and effective solutions and will engage with key stakeholders across Assessment Technology and (where appropriate) wider group entities to ensure alignment and oversight of approaches.

You will maintain and apply high levels of technology knowledge and architectural expertise in the production of architectural designs and approaches ensuring attainment of business objectives whilst balancing deliverability, architectural principles and alignment to the wider AQA strategy and objectives.

You will establish, lead on and champion coherent corporate wide architecture model(s) and standards where appropriate, taking ownership of, and resolving (or escalating), related issues or concerns you identify.

You will design, implement, guide and support the delivery of technology solutions to address business requirements and liaise between technology / business stakeholders, peers and colleagues both within the team and across the wider business.

You will maintain and apply a high level of technology design knowledge in the production of solution architecture designs and solutions and demonstrate appropriately commensurate levels of knowledge and expertise across other related architectural areas. Landscape:

The Enterprise Technology Division sits within the Corporate Services Division, enabling the centralised delivery of core corporate services. In addition, Enterprise Technology operates in close partnership with Assessment Technology and Programme Management, collectively delivering the full IT service portfolio of current operations to future change programmes.

Enterprise Technology consists of the following functions:
Service Delivery
Enterprise IT Services (Core IT Delivery teams - desktop, systems & infrastructure)
Enterprise Applications
Architecture & Security

Architecture & Security consists of:
Architecture (including Enterprise oversight)
Security & Risk
Security Operations (including Security Operations Centre)
Data Protection & Compliance

The Architecture team compromises of 5 team members delivering into the roles of:
Enterprise Architect
Information Architect
Solution Architect(s)

Due to the nature of the role and function, stakeholder engagement with colleagues / teams within other AQA UK locations may be required.

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