Howdens are offering an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in our software development function as a Technical Architect. You will drive the technical vision, define architectural strategy, and guide the creation of innovative, scalable solutions that make a real impact on our business What you’ll be doing - Technical Leadership: Mentor developers, guide best practices, and resolve complex technical challenges. - Architecture Ownership: Define, evolve, and document system architecture to align with business goals and technical standards. - Solution Design: Deliver secure, scalable solutions that balance speed, cost, and quality. - Standards & Governance: Uphold coding, testing, and security standards across teams. - Innovation: Evaluate new technologies, modernise systems, and reduce technical debt. - Collaboration: Work closely with product and delivery teams, communicating technical decisions clearly. - Future-Proofing: Plan for growth with a forward-looking technology roadmap. What we need from you: - Understanding of software engineering principles, design patterns, and system architecture. - Strong knowledge of modern programming languages (e.g. C#, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, Python) and frameworks relevant to your stack. - Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerisation/orchestration (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes - Hands-on technical expertise with enterprise solutions - Experience in defining, designing, configuring and delivering enterprise system - Effective communicator able to translate technical detail when communicated with stakeholders - System issue investigation and resolution - The ability to translate complex stakeholder demands into realistic solutions that meet expectations and don’t introduce technical debt. - Ability to set and communicate a clear technical vision - Solid grasp of integration approaches (APIs, microservices, event-driven systems) and data modelling. - Proven track record of designing and delivering complex, scalable, and secure applications in an Agile/DevOps environment - Experience applying CI/CD, automated testing, and monitoring practices What we can offer you - Competitive salary and company bonus - Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%) - Car Allowance or Company Car - Private Healthcare for you and your family - 25 days holiday bank holidays with the option to buy additional days. - Staff Discount - Employee Assistance Programme - Exceptional Reward and Recognition events About Howdens: FTSE100 company and the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier Howdens Joinery provides thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda. There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. If you want to be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For, please apply now. LI-HG1