About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Solution Architect to join our Enterprise Technology team at AQA. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for designing and delivering IT solutions that meet business requirements, working closely with our Enterprise Architect and other stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead on the delivery of Solutions Architecture services, designing and ensuring delivery of IT solutions that meet business requirements.
* 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.
* 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.
* Maintain and apply high levels of technology knowledge and architectural expertise in the production of architectural designs and approaches ensuring attainment of business objectives.
* Establish, lead on and champion coherent corporate wide architecture model(s) and standards where appropriate.
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.
About AQA
AQA is a leading provider of academic qualifications in the UK, marking over 10 million exam papers each year. We are committed to advancing education and dedicated to our people. As a Solution Architect at AQA, you will have the opportunity to make a significant and positive impact on schools, teachers, and students across the UK.
What We Offer
* 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.