Digital Solutions Architect

Howdens Joinery are looking for a new Solutions Architect with expert experience in API and Microservices to join our Digital & Trade Architecture team based in either our office in Raunds, Northamptonshire or Croxley Park, Watford with some home working.

Delivering high quality digital solutions and detailed technical designs you will be able to effectively align Business, Data, Integration, Security, Application and underlying Technology to implement solutions. The role will involve working closely with Product owners, Business analysts, developers and business stakeholders to deliver viable, futuristic designs to the development and delivery teams. 

Occasional travel may be required to key operating sites within UK with overnight stays as required. Some overseas travel may be required.

What you will be doing

• Solution Architecture in highly complex enterprise environments covering Omnichannel solutions for ecommerce, Stores \ Depot, customer and payment systems
• Produce and/or contribute to high level solutions and detailed designs, undertake peer reviews for the technical/application designs with development and engineering teams, as a follow-on activity from producing high level designs.
• Lead and drive the Design authority for programmes and projects
• Apply architecture standards, principles, views and solutions modelling.
• Lead the definition of the baseline and target technology architecture, including current, future and transition states.
• Ensure that the technology architecture models, patterns and principles are well defined, appropriate and of a high quality. Ensure that the artefacts are effectively maintained, evolve at the appropriate rate.
• Lead the definition of the business case, RFI \ RFP and solution options (this includes participating in technology selection and procurement processes).
• Actively contribute to the definition and establishment of Architecture, Dev Ops and Security governance and processes
• Responsible for communicating changes within the Application[s] and ensuring that the end solution can be delivered and sustained whist remaining feasible within the budgetary limits.

What we need from you

• Experience using Headless web platform (React, Vercel, Netlify etc.), CMS ( Sitecore, Adobe, Optimizely etc. ), Search solutions and Azure Cloud.
• Digital, Retail store and e-Commerce business domains and solutions experience
• Practical experience in an architecture position with deep technical knowledge of online digital and store applications using Microservices, API’s, Content Management systems, CAD, POS e-Commerce, CRM, mobile applications and Integration
• Be an expert in their field, well versed in technological developments and understand how changes affect the applications under their ownership.
• Knowledge of Application Development frameworks and assurance approaches (Front and Back end)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Be able to communicate work and ideas to senior business stakeholders and product and platform teams with the confidence to collaborate and facilitate workshops
• Flexible and delivery focused with an ability to work under pressure and have a track record of delivering outstanding results.
• Understanding of TOGAF architecture methodology with a good working knowledge overall

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary and annual company bonus
• Company car or car allowance
• Private medical insurance
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days
• Subsidised lunch at our onsite restaurant in Raunds
• Staff Discount
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional Reward and Recognition events

About Howdens:

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware.  We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals.  Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda. 

As well as the opportunity to develop within a fast paced and commercial environment, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you

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