AQA seeks a Solutions Architect to lead the delivery of IT solutions that meet business requirements, working closely with the Enterprise Architect and collaborating with key stakeholders across the organization. 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. At AQA, we're dedicated to making a significant and positive impact on schools, teachers, and students across the UK. 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 Solutions 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. Key Responsibilities: • 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. • Design and deliver IT solutions that meet business requirements, working closely with the Enterprise Architect and collaborating with key stakeholders across the organization. • Lead on the delivery of Solutions Architecture services, ensuring that IT solutions are designed and delivered to meet business requirements. • Collaborate with key stakeholders across the organization to ensure that IT solutions meet business requirements and are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards. • Develop and maintain high levels of technical expertise across all relevant areas to support good architectural design. • Guide and support Enterprise Technology team members through relevant transformational activities, ensuring that team members remain motivated and engaged. 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.