AQA seeks a Solutions Architect to lead the delivery of IT solutions that meet business requirements, designing and ensuring delivery of solutions that meet desired business outcomes. Job Description: 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. Solutions 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. 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 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. Key Responsibilities: • 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 • Provide overarching architectural oversight and compliance assurance • Support the delivery of effective architectural strategies within Enterprise Technology that promote proportionate and effective solutions • Engage with key stakeholders across Assessment Technology and (where appropriate) wider group entities to ensure alignment and oversight of approaches • Establish, lead on and champion coherent corporate wide architecture model(s) and standards where appropriate • Design, implement, guide and support the delivery of technology solutions to address business requirements • Liaise between technology / business stakeholders, peers and colleagues both within the team and across the wider business Requirements: • 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 AQA's 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