Solution Architect

The Solution Architect will be responsible for leading and shaping the overall solution architecture and design for a major Transformation programme critical to the strategy of the core business. The successful candidate will act as the programme Technology Design Authority, proactively engaging with an array of business and technology personnel across internal teams and delivery partners. In partnership with the Group Architects, the successful candidate will ensure solutions designed for the programme are aligned to the overall strategic direction of the business and our Enterprise Architecture. 

About Group Technology

Group Technology plays a pivotal role in aligning the organization with its strategic objectives and enhancing shareholder value. Group Technology is responsible for establishing unified standards and governance practices throughout the company. Additionally, we oversee the development and maintenance of core applications essential for the seamless operation of various functions across the organization. We are committed to driving and executing future roadmaps that are in line with the overall strategic direction of RWS. 

With a global reach, Group Technology provides support services to over 7500 end users worldwide. We take pride in managing the information security operation and safeguarding all our assets. Our core functions encompass Enterprise & Technical Architecture, Network & Voice, Infrastructure, Service Delivery, Service Operations, Data & Analytics, Security & Quality Compliance, Transformation, Application Development, Enterprise Platforms, With a dedicated team of over 500 staff, Group Technology ensures a strong presence across all regions, enabling efficient and effective support to our global operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce or govern high quality, fit for purpose solution designs, meeting functional and non-functional requirements.
• Provide design leadership to the delivery teams within the programme.
• Translate business strategies and priorities into Target Architectures by delivering coherent solution designs, reference architectures, patterns, and standards.
• Work with programme leadership to size, cost and prioritise solutions to deliver the overall programme benefits
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive solutions that are scalable, secure, and dependable.
• Ensure solutions meet business needs and architecturally compliant.
• Develop and maintain high quality architecture documentation.
• Promote the value and benefits of the company’s Enterprise Architecture to make it sustainable in the long term.

Skills & Experience

• IT or Business-related field Degree
• Proven experience as a Senior Solutions Architect or similar role.
• Demonstrable experience of ArchiMate, BPMN and UML modelling notations.
• Significant experience in middleware, information architecture and application development.
• Knowledge of business ecosystems, SaaS, infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), SOA, APIs, open data, microservices, message and event-driven services.
• Capable of presenting to technical design authority and similar governance forums.
• Proficiency in cloud technologies (AWS, Azure) and integration technologies (e.g. MuleSoft).
• Strong and proven ability to work under pressure.
• Must have good people skills to lead groups and negotiate and build consensus.
• TOGAF 9.x certification or similar is desirable.