Solutions Architect

Ampa Group Services are looking to add an exceptional Solutions Architect to their growing Applications and Development division.

As an experienced Solutions Architect you will lead internal teams of software developers, data engineers, low code developers, product owners, technical analysts and partners to provide expertise to ensure successful solution outcomes, across a wide range of technologies, Microsoft C#, SQL Server, Web API’s, Low Code Solutions, Case Management Systems, HR, Financial, CRM, SaaS & Microsoft Azure PaaS.

The role offers challenges across a wide variety of projects and responsibilities, including the opportunity to influence the future direction of the Architecture, systems used across the business, methodology and governance.

You will own architectural blueprint for our applications whilst working with teams to formalise best practice standards and methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

The immediate priorities are to become familiar with the applications, integrated solutions, backlogs and current roadmaps - whilst defining Solutions Architecture and Design within the firm, and being responsible for the development and ownership (solution delivery) of end to end IT propositions and solutions.

Key Accountabilities

• Defining Solutions Architecture and Design within the firm, and being responsible for the development and ownership (solution delivery) of end to end IT propositions and solutions
• Leading design phases on Business IT programmes, validating requirements and ensuring that all aspects of solution design are within scope, complete, and deliverable
• Having responsibility for the architecture of all solutions delivered to the business, both from internal and external suppliers
• Facilitating the handover from development and pilot into supported production, ensuring that appropriate documentation and support models are in place
• Supporting Business Solutions arising from M&A activities
• Defining and monitoring solutions to ensure benefits are realised
• Having responsibility for leading key strategic changes and influencing the business
• Being a champion for innovation, analysing new technology solutions that could bring significant benefit to the business
• Driving continuous architecture improvement across the business and into the supporting Service Lines, with the objectives of increasing business productivity, efficiency and helping to deliver service improvement at reduced costs

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

A minimum of 3 years demonstrable track record of successful solution design and delivery of complex technical and service solutions

• Solid experience in a similar role from either a Solution Architect or Technical Design Authority background is essential; a background in infrastructure is also desirable
• Developing solutions within an Enterprise Architecture Framework – working knowledge of and certification in an EA method, e.g. TOGAF, Zachman
• Leading IT due diligence phases with respects to Infrastructure architectures and solutions
• A good knowledge and experience of best practice solutions delivery and the associated commercial and business issues
• A demonstrable track record in the successful design and delivery of complex technical and service solutions
• Working with partners of various sizes and capabilities in order to provide the delivery capability needed to ensure successful business outcomes
• The ability to drive through innovations and best practices from concept to implementation.

You will need to have significant previous experience with the below tech stack:

• C#, .Net & ASP.Net
• Python and Javascript
• MS SQL Server, SSIS, SSRS , T-SQL, Azure SQL Server, SQL managed instances, Azure Database Migration Services
• Source Control
• Experience of Microsoft architectural blueprints and transitioning on premise application to the cloud
• Azure Cloud development, Blazor, NServiceBus, CQRS and Domain-driven design, Scrum/Agile, API Design and management skills
• Data Engineering projects using Data Lakes, Data factories, ETL techniques, Synapse and PowerBI
• MS Logic and Power Apps
• Azure DevOps
• Low Code Platforms: Appian, Sharedo or simila
• Case Management Systems: Proclaim, Axxia, P4W or similar
• Document Management Systems: iManage, HighQ, SharePoint or similar
• AI + Machine Learning

Key Competencies:

• The ability to produce high quality technical material, and to identify and develop opportunities to provide business benefit
• Working and influencing across multi-disciplined teams, with good operational and people management skills
• Commercial awareness and ability to understand the wider business goals and objectives
• The ability to drive through innovations and best practices from concept to implementation
• Strong problem solving abilities with the ability to think ahead and anticipate problems, issues, and solutions
• The ability to build good relationships with clients/operational managers and colleagues
• Confident verbal and written communication skills and ability to tailor messages to a given audience.

Job Benefits

We embrace agile working and offer a blended approach to where and how we work.

We appreciate that people have different needs and preferences and we’re keen to be flexible, after all, we value what you do, not where you do it.

We have hubs in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leicester, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Solihull, Stratford-upon-Avon, Lincoln and Sheffield. Attendance will be required at our hubs as and when required with the majority of senior meetings being held at our Birmingham hub.

Want to find out more about our amazing benefits?

Additional information:

Please be aware, for some vacancies, where we receive high numbers of applications we may need to bring the close date forward.

Due to the nature of the work undertaken, confirmation of employment will be subject to a variety of checks which will be carried out once an offer of employment is accepted. Details of the checks can be found here.

Equal opportunities

Shakespeare Martineau is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

About Ampa Group

Welcome to Ampa - a leading group of legal and professional services brands, home to leading legal services firms such Shakespeare Martineau, Lime Solicitors, Mayo Wynne Baxter, Marrons and others.

Our ‘House of Brands’, is where legal and professional service brands converge to unlock exciting opportunities for career advancement, collaboration, and comprehensive business services support across various disciplines including HR, IT, finance, and marketing.

Our overall purpose is to act as the cornerstone that facilitates the growth of every brand within our collective, empowering them with enhanced purchasing capabilities, access to specialised expertise, and a cohesive set of values and culture.

At our core, we are dedicated to creating an environment where each brand thrives through mutual growth and co-operation. Through our shared infrastructure and central support, we enable our brands to flourish, using the strength of our collective resources.

If you are passionate about driving positive change and immersing yourself in an inclusive, diverse, and supportive culture, then we invite you to join our team as we continue to unlock the potential in our people, clients, and investors.