Digital Solutions & Services are responsible for providing the digital platform to enable the best possible service to staff, students and stakeholders across the University and beyond.
Digital Solutions & Services are responsible for ensuring that the University’s IT capability is fit for purpose, future focused and able to protect, support and enhance the full breadth of services that will be delivered either on campus or digitally online with contributions across the department. We aim to assist students, teaching staff, support departments and collaborative partners to ensure we are making an impact on the University’s current and future digital landscape.
About the Role
The Senior Solution Designer plays a pivotal role in shaping the University’s digital landscape by translating complex business needs into high-quality, future-proof technology solutions. You will lead the full solution design lifecycle from initial concept, feasibility assessment and benefits identification through to detailed specification, testing support and successful embedding of new systems and processes. A key purpose of the role is to ensure that every solution aligns with the University’s architectural standards, strategic direction and long-term digital capabilities.
Working closely with business units, technical experts and the Solution Architect, the Senior Solution Designer will analyse existing “as-is” processes, define improved “to-be” workflows, and design technology solutions that enhance performance and deliver measurable value. The role requires presenting solution options with clarity and influence, negotiating with stakeholders to arrive at the most appropriate design, and ensuring that commercial, technical, architectural and operational considerations are fully balanced. The post holder will also support User Acceptance Testing, guide colleagues in understanding system administration responsibilities, and contribute to benefit tracking throughout the project lifecycle.
A core responsibility of the role is to provide horizon scanning and benchmarking to identify emerging technologies and evolving best practice, ensuring the University remains informed and prepared for future opportunities. As Senior Solution Designer, you will also contribute to the development of the University’s Solution Architecture Framework, helping to define consistent processes, templates and ways of working that strengthen delivery across the institution. In the medium to long term, the post holder will be expected to drive continuous improvement in solution design practice and support the successful implementation of transformational change initiatives.
The Senior Solution Designer will act as a mentor to less experienced colleagues, supporting their development and ensuring high-quality, consistent solution design across the team. The position offers significant opportunities for professional growth, including exposure to enterprise-level architecture, cloud-based service models, business process redesign, and complex digital transformation programmes.
About You
You will be an experienced solution design professional with a strong track record of shaping and delivering high-quality technology solutions in complex organisations. You’ll bring a relevant degree or equivalent qualification/professional experience, alongside recognised qualifications in areas such as business analysis, solution design, software engineering or technical certification. A deep, applied understanding of Solution Architecture is essential, as is the ability to work confidently across the full design lifecycle from requirements gathering and process mapping through to testing, benefits identification and successful implementation.
You will have substantial experience operating within an information or technology design environment, balancing competing priorities and making informed decisions in resource‑limited settings. Your background will include developing process maps and workflows, defining acceptance criteria, and supporting both technical and non‑technical colleagues through change. You will be comfortable engaging senior leaders, providing evidence‑based insight, and influencing decisions to ensure solutions meet strategic, architectural and business needs.
Your skillset will combine analytical strength, excellent communication, and the ability to build trusted relationships quickly. You will be adept at facilitating workshops, interpreting complex problems, and presenting clear, compelling solution options. Confidence, curiosity and attention to detail are essential, as is the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment. You will also bring strong coaching skills, supporting colleagues and stakeholders through activities such as requirements definition, process review and User Acceptance Testing.
To thrive in this role, you will be resilient, proactive and comfortable navigating change. You will have a natural customer‑service ethos, the ability to deliver to tight deadlines, and the creativity to think beyond conventional approaches. Flexibility around working hours is required. While not essential, qualifications such as Prince2, Agile Practitioner or Lean Six Sigma, as well as experience in Higher Education or business change delivery, would be advantageous.
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Nick Hinckley, Associate Director DS&S via n.hinckley@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
#J-18808-Ljbffr