About the role

As an Enterprise Solutions Architect you will be helping FGH on their Digital and Cloud Transformation and Evolution Journey.  Your Primary responsibility will be to work alongside IT and Business Stakeholders, SMEs, Outsourcing Partners and Vendors to translate business objectives and requirements into Project Scope, Architectural Requirements, and Cloud-based Solutions; supporting the delivery from Discovery into Operations and to provide Architectural Assurance through informal and formal Governance Methods in Waterfall and Agile frameworks. 

You will also carry out Architectural Management of the Outsourcing Partner, Vendors and FGH Stakeholders, maintain and continuously improve the FGH Enterprise Architecture Framework across the domains of Applications, Data, Platform, Technology and Security architectures.

Role Responsibilities

• Own the Solution Architecture and Solutioning Process for Projects, Programmes and Initiatives across Applications, Data, Platform and Security architectures.
• Act as the Design Authority and Technical Lead for Projects, Programmes and Initiatives
• Act as a Technology Consultant and Interface to Stakeholders, Partners and Vendors
• Support FGH Stakeholders in Programme/Project Shaping and Sizing
• Facilitate architectural Decision Making and Technology/Vendor Evaluation & Selection
• Manage architectural Impact, Risks, Issues, Dependencies, Assumptions and Decisions
• Define architecture Requirements, Principles, Standards and Blueprints for Solutions and the FGH Enterprise across Applications, Data, Platform and Security architectures.
• Implement architectural Governance and Assurance on Projects, Programmes and Operations to ensure designs and change adhere to FGH Enterprise Architecture Framework, and align with FGH IT Strategy and Roadmaps.
• Develop Architecture Models, Views and Transition States to facilitate delivery of Solutions and their alignment with Strategy & Roadmaps
• Develop Proposals, Business Case and Options Papers for new Solutions and Initiatives
• Maintain the Enterprise Architecture Repository, Models and Artefacts across the domains of Applications, Data, Platform and Technology.
• Support Business Architects in the development of the FGH Business Architecture
• Support Head of Architecture in the development of IT Strategy & Roadmaps
• Support the Head of Architecture to increase FGH Architecture Maturity
• Ensure that architecture activities are implemented using Lean, Agile, Collaborative and Continuous Improvement principles, practice and techniques.
• Ensure that Architecture is, and is recognised as, a valuable asset to FGH.
• Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• To be committed to the fair treatment of customers at all times
• Ensure compliance with all applicable UK and local regulations, Company Policies and FCA Conduct Rules
• Demonstrate behaviours in line with our Company values
• To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and other persons who may be affected by acts and omissions at work

About you

• Experience in Solution Architecture and working within an Enterprise Architecture Framework; preferably Lean and Agile Architecture methods.
• Experienced in Architecture and Design Assurance and Governance; preferably working with Outsourcing and Offshore Partners
• Experience of Technical Reviews and Assessments
• Experience in integrating and implementing ERP/CRM and COTS/SaaS platforms, preferably Dynamics 365 platform.
• Experience in Online domains and solutions; preferably B2C
• Experienced in implementing Online, Transactional and Batch solutions
• Experienced in implementing Cloud based solutions
• Experience in Integration Patterns and Principles
• Good knowledge of Microsoft products - particularly Azure Cloud Technologies & methods, and software development & architecture is essential
• Good understanding of software, infrastructure, network, database and security architectures for cloud-based solutions
• Good understanding of API, Service-Based and Integration architectures
• Excellent interpersonal skills with people at all levels, internally and externally with proven ability to influence senior leaders strategic thinking in line with organisation priorities.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts in an engaging manner to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Be confident in consulting and building relationships with customers and understand their business needs
• Excellent knowledge of the Solution Life Cycle
• Deep understanding of and experience with cloud-native software architecture patterns, tools, and approaches in an enterprise setting
• You will have worked on cloud application projects with experience of many aspects of the project from initial design, build, integration and run.
• Good understanding of using Agile and Lean delivery and architecture methods, i.e. Scrum and scaled agile delivery methods, i.e. SAFe or LEAD
• General technical interest with an inquisitive nature and someone who likes to solve problems.
• Collaborative team worker in remote and distributed teams, and as an individual contributor in project engagements
• Proactive, flexible and pragmatic individual focused on delivering business value, with a continuous improvement and growth mindset willing to learn and take on new challenges.
• Live and breathe leadership values

• Nice to have: Experience of eCommerce / Retail
• Nice to have: Experience in AZ-303/AZ-304 Microsoft Azure Architecture Design.
• Nice to have: Dynamics 365 Commerce
• Nice to have: 3^rd Party Governance and Assurance
• Nice to have: CRM or ERP
• Nice to have: Azure Cloud and Devops Toolchains

The role is subject to credit and DBS checks

Why FGH?

Our staff enjoy competitive benefits including staff discount, generous annual leave, healthcare cash plan together with a vibrant, colourful, creative and flexible working atmosphere. With our competitive benefits, and supportive teams our staff enjoy helping us on our mission and benefit greatly from the challenges that come with working for a successful retailer.

About us

Freemans Grattan Holdings (FGH) is based in West Yorkshire and is part of the OTTO Group – one of the world's largest online retailers.

Home to familiar brands such as Freemans, Grattan and Kaleidoscope, we have over 100 years of experience. 

We're on a mission to help our customers live their best lives through a choice of quality basics, the brands they love and credible exclusive product supported by easy and rewarding ways to pay.

We offer excellent service and delivery seven days a week, with so much going for us - why not be part of the story.

We have over 600 UK employees working for us in various functions, including Marketing and Creative, Customer Experience, Warehousing and Logistics, Financial Services, Transformation, Buying and Merchandising, IT and Support Services. 

Our values of Resilience, Empathy, Ambition, Commitment, and Honesty underpin our vibrant and dynamic culture.

We're heading for some exciting and challenging places, so why not join us and be part of our vision to create a modern, digital retailer with powerful customer brands, exciting product and compelling financial services.