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

Solution Architect

18 monthfixed term contract

Location:Manchester

Salary:75800 - 88300

Working Arrangements;Hybrid minimum two days a week in the Manchester office

Introduction

AQA is looking for an experienced solution architect to support a major customer portfolio during a period of reform and change. This is a chance to help shape architecture for work that directly supports how AQA manages relationships with schoolscollegesand othercentres while contributing to an architecture function that is evolving and maturing.

Purpose of the Role

Youlljoin the Enterprise Technology architecture team and work closely with business portfolioprojectand technical colleagues to understand what needs to change shape practical solution options and guide delivery. A key focus willbethe customer data platform and wider customer journey work including salesmarketingand customer support systems. Your work will help AQA make better use of customer data improveservices forcentresand support learners

of all abilities through effective joined-up technology decisions.

Key Responsibilities

In this roleyoullbe responsible for:

• Shapingsolution architectureacross the customer portfolio including as-is and to-be analysisroadmaps optionsappraisalsandhigh-level designs.

• Working withbusiness stakeholders project teamssuppliersand technical teams to turnobjectivesinto cleardeliverableand proportionate technology solutions.

• Supportingarchitecture governanceby helping define patterns guide low-leveldesignsand make sure solutions align with AQAs standardssecurityrequirementsand wider technology strategy.

What We Are Looking For

Youllthrive in this role ifyourean established architect who can work with ambiguity bring structure to complex customer-focusedchangeand build trusted relationships across business and technology teams.

• Experience as asolutionapplicationorenterprise architect with recent architecture experience in yourroletitle or core responsibilities.

• Strong knowledge of customerCRMsalesmarketingorcustomer service systems ideally with experience of customer data platforms or similar application-led change.

• A good understanding ofapplication and data architecture with the ability to connect business goals customer journeys integrationneedsand technical delivery.

• Confidence creating architecture artefacts such asvision statementsroadmapshigh-level designsoptionspapersand design patterns.

• Apragmaticcollaborativestyle with the ability to influence stakeholders work withsuppliersand keep delivery moving in a fast-paced environment.

Whatsin It for You

This role gives you meaningful varied work with the space to influence both a key portfolio and the future direction of architecture at AQA.

• Youllhelp shapecustomer journey changelinked to reform

• Youllhave the opportunity to influencearchitecture maturity workingpatternsand standards as the function continues to evolve.

• A 35hour working week with flexible hybrid working

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30) plus Christmas closure days

• Excellent pension (up to 11.5% employer contribution)

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At AQA we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyoneregardless of religion ethnicity gender identity or expression age disability sexual orientation or backgroundis valued respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language avoid stereotypes and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgroundsand livedexperiences.

Application Process

To apply pleasesubmityour CV through the AQA careers site. Applications close on Sunday 12 July :

• First stage: a shortTeams interview

• Final stage: aface-to-face interview in Manchester

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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 Job Description

Summary

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.

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 :

The Enterprise Technology Division sits within the Corporate Services Division enabling the centralised delivery of core corporate 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.


Key relationships
Key internal (AQA Education and AQA Milton Keynes) relationships
Enterprise Technology functions
AQA Assessment Technology architecture and development teams
AQA Education business functions
Key external relationships
Third party technology providers
Relevant third-party providers
Other teams within the AQA Group (e.g. AlphaPlus and Doublestruck)


Activities:
To maintain the required knowledge and expertise in the following architectural areas and take the lead in the area of Solution Architecture supporting colleagues in delivery across the areas of Solution and Domain Architecture in the fulfilment of business requirements and delivery of Enterprise Technology Architecture
Information/Data Architecture
Application Architecture
Technology Architecture


Develop take ownership of and maintain policies procedures guidance and standards that make up the IT Strategy & Enterprise Architecture management system evolving them in line with business drivers and goals to establish robust yet flexible and adaptive controls.

Support the Enterprise Architect in refreshing and implementing the AQA technology strategy leading on specific areas as required.

Active participation contribution control and management of architectural community forums and design authorities.

Directly contribute to the definition and verification of adherence to technical standards covering areas such as Application Infrastructure and Integration architectures Security and Access Control Resilience and Reliability Processing Storage and Network architectures etc.

Take ownership work with and support business stakeholders and Enterprise Technology colleagues in the design and delivery of appropriately scoped architectural solutions ensuring that what is proposed satisfies business requirements and quality cost and time criteria and is in line with current architectural standards ensuring buy-in to the proposed solution propositions.

Undertake purposeful horizon scanning ensuring that AQA is positioned well to be able to benefit from emerging technologies architectures and standards. Research and explore opportunities for solutions to meet AQAs business objectives and develop clear cost benefit analysis for the adoption of particular approaches.

As part of the evolution of the IT strategy establish and regularly review clear technology roadmaps and associated systems life cycles ensuring that AQA is able to identify technology opportunities and manage technology and architecture related risks effectively.

Review all systems solutions implemented across Enterprise and Assessment Technology areas of the business to ensure compliance with the IT strategy and related Enterprise Architectural policies quantifying and proposing mitigations to any risks identified through effective operation of a design control governance function.

Ensure architecture and standards maintained by the architecture team are fully compliant with all statutory and regulatory legislation.

Develop and maintain architectural artifacts of all systems their interdependencies technical profiles and their position in the estate.

Develop and maintain high levels of technical expertise across all relevant areas to support good architectural design. Ensure aspects such as compatibility with current and future business strategy integration with existing systems support of business processes including usability and performance and ease of maintenance are key areas of focus in any designs.

Guide and support Enterprise Technology team members through relevant transformational activities ensuring that team members remain motivated and engaged.

Collaborate with programme and project management functions in order to establish product roadmaps delivery plans identify and advise on architectural cross project / portfolio dependencies including recommendations to address such items.

Drive professional development and actively facilitate cross skilling.

Ensure full compliance with all AQA policies and other legislative requirements including but not limited to HSE / Equal Opportunities / Information & Cyber Security / Data Protection related legislation and policies.

Where business needs dictate to undertake other responsibilities which are of a commensurate level and may be outside the terms of this role profile.

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

Direct experience of working and communicating effectively with peers sponsors and business stakeholders at all levels both organisationally and across large scale programmes / IT developments

Organises plans and designs effectively whilst retaining focus on the bigger picture

Ability to frame solution architecture trends and opportunities within AQAs strategic objectives

Proven expertise in identifying and improving high level processes and ways of working

Aptitude for sharing and embedding best practice

Skills to build rapport and influence across a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders

Conversant with and able to navigate major corporate structures including regulatory environment financial management and budgeting programme / project delivery and information security and risk management practices

Excellent delivery credentials with a flexible pragmatic can do attitude and a resilient ability to deliver rapid and effective solutions within a dynamic environment