Application Architect - Front End Technology Job Description While you’ll have heard our name, there’s a lot you probably don’t know about Next. Like how we create most of our systems ourselves – whether it’s a website, mobile app or application. What’s more, we’re growing. Fast. And it’s the kind of growth and investment that is exciting for everyone in our business. We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Application Architect to join our team. As an Application Architect, you will be responsible for designing and documenting robust and scalable front end integrations that meet the current and future business needs. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify requirements, architect solutions and manage the handover of specifications to ensure the successful implementation of new front end website & app developments. This position requires excellent problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and the ability to work unsupervised in a diverse and international environment. Responsibilities: • Gather and analyse current systems, integrations and environments to establish the best understanding of “as is”. • Ensure knowledge sharing through documentation aligned to the audience. • Building and contributing to both high and low level design documents for teams of varying experience. • Collaborate with stakeholders, including Business Analysts, Project Managers, and Developers, to define and refine requirements. • Design and oversee the handover of software specifications, ensuring adherence to best practices and industry standards are highlighted. • Ensure application scalability, security, and performance through effective architecture design and practices. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams in agile development environments to deliver high-quality solution documents within set timelines. • Identify technical risks and provide mitigation strategies to ensure successful application delivery. • Conduct research and evaluate emerging technologies, frameworks, and tools to continuously improve application development methodologies. • Provide technical guidance and mentoring to Developers and more junior Architects, fostering their growth and professional development. • Support production deployments and troubleshooting of application issues as needed. • Contributing to the development of standardised architectural documentation. Requirements: • Experience of Architecture Frameworks preferable (e.g., BCS, TOGAF) • Previous experience working as an Application Architect or equivalent, preferably in a multinational or cross-border environment. • Strong knowledge of application development methodologies, including software design patterns, frameworks, and technologies. • Technical experience with C#, SQL, React and Javascript. • Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, IOC), containerisation (e.g., Docker), Eventing Practices, and microservices architecture preferable. • Proficiency in application integration techniques (e.g., RESTful APIs, message queues). • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills. • Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a globally distributed team. You’ll be doing all this from our Leicestershire Head Office on a hybrid basis. A fast-paced, encouraging and supportive environment in which everyone brings an energy and a commitment to delivering for our customers and their own careers. Bring your energy. Play to your strengths. Make things bigger and better than before. Let’s Take It On. So if you’re an expert in this field, have strong communication skills and considerable Architecture knowledge, work with initiative and can build great working relationships within the business, this is the place for you – and your career. About Us You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world So we’ve gone global About some of our Benefits • 25% off most NEXT, MADE, Lipsy, Gap and Victoria's Secret products (when purchased through NEXT) • Company performance based bonus • Sharesave scheme • On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas • 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty • Early VIP access to sale stock • Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops • Restaurants with great food at amazing prices • Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services • Free on-site parking • Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing • Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification • Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store • Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other • Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change. We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careersnext.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.