IT Senior Solutions Architect

Overall Job Purpose:

To plan and govern the IT solutions roadmap covering technology, applications, data, security, and services across Stonegate sites and central support (head office) that enables and advances the delivery of the Business Solution Strategy. Responsible for planning, designing, and enhancing IT solutions to meet user needs. Provide technical guidance across the business to advocate architectural principles and best practise.

Responsibilities:

• Influencing the development of business strategies at an organisational level, identifying transformational opportunities for our businesses and technology areas, including both new and existing technologies; while considering the complexity of existing IT systems, business priority, and scope of requirements.
• Influencing the translation of the Business Solution Strategy roadmap into packages of work that allow delivery of frequent incremental value to support the IT & Digital Transformation strategy
• Responsible for overseeing, improving, and upgrading enterprise services, software and hardware
• To develop the Architecture capability within the organisation across the following:
  • Solution Architecture Adoption: Activities that create acceptance for SA within the organisation
  • Solution Architecture Governance: Activities that allow collaboration within the organisation, to manage and control the organisation’s architectures and architectural practices, including establishing rules, processes, and practices; ensuring that resources are used effectively to deliver strategic objectives
  • Solution Architecture Content: Activities to develop the architecture view and viewpoints, to represent a system or part of a system from a specific perspective, providing stakeholders with relevant visualisations and models to facilitate the wider business understanding
  • Data Architecture: Develop and maintain a data model to support the management and operation of our business and supporting systems
• Provide technical leadership and direction across the IT teams for all technical solutions being implemented
• Locate ways to drive IT solution efficiencies, reduce technical debt, and deliver cost savings where appropriate
• Defining the approach to cloud, infrastructure, and database technologies
• Collaborate with the Cyber Security Manager to assure architectural solutions meet the organisation's security needs. 
• Contribute to the Infrastructure Roadmap with the Head of Infrastructure, being an active member of the Technical Design Authority Group
• Contribute to the creation of business cases to support all proposed investments
• Research industry and technology trends while being able to identify opportunities to advance our customer proposition and internal operations.
• Responsible for leading, coaching, developing, and supporting the Solutions Architect Team, growing individual and team capability

Person Specification: Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications:

Essential:

• Extensive, relevant industry experience as a Domain or Solution Architect
• Demonstrable experience of adding value through Enterprise Architecture disciplines
• Ability to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders (Technical and Business)
• Performance-driven nature
• Good leadership and motivational skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capability
• Good understanding and experience in customer-centric and retail architectures which include digital channels
• Deep technical experience across Microsoft technologies and platforms 
• Ability to influence business processes, working closely with others at a peer level to constantly improve across several delivery areas
• Experience with EA modelling tools
• Ensure the integrity and reputation of the Company are never jeopardised
• Ensure that company policies, procedures, and systems are adhered to within the scope of the role

Desirable:

• Hospitality/retail experience highly desirable (but not essential)
• Educated to degree standard or equivalent (or appropriate practical experience)
• TOGAF-certified/aware

What's in it for you? 

• 25 days annual leave
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme
• Pension
• Vitality Healthcare
• Opt in dental insurance programme
• Annual bonus scheme
• The Stonegate discount card offering discounts across our managed estate
• Online benefits portal offering discounts across the High Street and other retailers

At Stonegate Group, we're proud to be the biggest operator of pubs, bars, and late-night venues in the United Kingdom. Our leading brands are diverse and well-known, including names like Slug & Lettuce, Be At One and Popworld. Find out more about a career with Stonegate Group at www.stonegatecareers.co.uk.

If you have a disability as outlined by the Equality Act 2010 and require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please let us know in advance so that any support, aids or adaptations can be put in place to assist you. You can contact us on pstrecruitment@stonegategroup.co.uk.

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