Scheme summary
1. Salary - £30,987 + up to 10% annual bonus + annual pay reviews
2. Start date – September 2026
3. Scheme length – 3 years
4. Location – Stratford-upon-Avon (with hybrid working)
5. Criteria – minimum 2:2 degree in a IT, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline.
About the scheme
At NFU Mutual, our IT division plays a pivotal role in driving the success of our business. From delivering exceptional service to spearheading innovation, we’re at the forefront of technology and transformation. Our teams lead ambitious projects, such as transitioning to Cloud services, enhancing our cybersecurity, and developing digital customer solutions - all while delivering an annual change portfolio worth over £80 million.
Our IT Architects are responsible for designing and managing high-level solutions for business applications, systems, portfolios, infrastructures, or the entire enterprise. They develop IT services, often designing and managing communications, security, networking, storage, and more!
We are looking for an ambitious and inquisitive IT graduate eager to launch their career. Our dynamic three-year graduate programme is your gateway to becoming a future IT Architect. Here, you’ll gain hands-on experience across diverse technical domains, develop an in-depth understanding of how our business thrives on technology, and sharpen your professional skills in real-world projects.
From collaborating with talented colleagues to solving meaningful challenges and working to regulation standards, you’ll build essential skills in teamwork, communication, and problem solving. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact, grow your confidence, and shape the future of our business—all while being supported every step of the way.
What you can expect
As a graduate on our IT Architecture Scheme, you’ll help design and manage the technology that powers our business. You’ll work on high-level solutions for applications, systems, and cloud-based products making sure everything is secure, connected, and ready for the future.
You’ll rotate through teams such as Enterprise, Technical, and Information Architecture, collaborating with Cyber & Security experts. You'll be:
6. Designing and improving IT services such as communications, networking, and security
7. Working with colleagues across IT to understand how our technical framework supports the business
8. Helping deliver smooth, safe releases of new technology
9. Building technical knowledge, develop problem-solving skills, and play a key role in delivering reliable services for our customers. To enhance your career, you’ll also work towards professional IT qualifications and certifications as you learn and progress. This programme is designed to develop you into a future IT Architect, giving you technical breadth, business insight, and professional skills to succeed.
How your role will evolve
10. Year 1 – Begin with a six-week IT Helpdesk placement, supporting colleagues and customers to see how technology underpins the business. Rotate through Infrastructure, Security, and Data/Integration teams, gaining hands-on experience. Conclude the year with a six-week overview of all Architecture disciplines, including Enterprise and Solution Architecture, building a strong foundation for your career.
11. Year 2 – Rotate through the four key architecture domains—Infrastructure, Security, Systems, and Information—spending around three months in each. During this year, you’ll also prepare for the TOGAF Foundation certification, giving you a solid grounding in architectural principles.
12. Year 3 – Focus on two architecture domains of your choice, such as Infrastructure and Security or Systems and Information, spending six months developing deeper expertise in each.
Across all three years, you’ll contribute to transformative projects—modernising legacy systems, expanding SaaS adoption, and working with cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation across the organisation.
Your Future
We’re a collaborative, inclusive team that values curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning. Graduates thrive here by bringing fresh perspectives, asking great questions, and tackling real challenges. We celebrate diverse thinking and support each other to grow—professionally and personally. From day one, you’ll benefit from mentoring and coaching from senior architects, plus the support of a strong graduate network. You’ll join regular development sessions, and as you near the end of the scheme, a careers coach will help plan your next steps—whether that’s becoming a technical specialist or moving into leadership.
It’s not all about technology and certifications. You’ll also get involved in volunteering, charity, and social activities, and represent NFU Mutual at industry events. These experiences, part of our ESG commitments, broaden your skills while giving something back.
Application Process
If shortlisted, you’ll complete an online assessment designed to measure potential for success, including your ability to learn and solve problems. Successful applicants will then complete a short video interview, followed by an in-person assessment centre with a group exercise, role-specific exercise, and skills-based interview. Assessment centres will be taking place W/C 5th January 2026.
Please note: this vacancy may close early once sufficient applications are received, so we encourage early submission.
What we're looking for
To join this scheme, you need a minimum 2:2 degree (achieved or predicted) in IT, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline. The scheme will suit you if you have a genuine passion for all things, IT and an awareness of architectural standards and methodologies and an understanding of ITIL procedures as implemented by NFU Mutual or a willingness to work towards it, and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with senior stakeholders. If you are passionate about architecture and eager to contribute to a leading mutual insurance company!
Skills we’re looking for:
13. Critical thinking and Problem solving – IT Architects face complex problems; your ability to analyse situations and find effective solutions is key.
14. Communication, Collaboration and Teamwork – IT Architecture is a team effort—working well with others helps deliver successful projects. Clear communication and relationship-building are essential.
15. Organisation – effective planning keeps projects and day-to-day processes running smoothly.
16. Adaptability and Resilience – Projects and priorities can change quickly; being flexible and resilient helps you thrive through uncertainty.
17. Growth mindset & Learning agility – Technology is always evolving—being open to learning and being curious and a willingness to keep learning help you develop quickly.
18. Innovation and Creation – Bringing fresh ideas and creative thinking helps us improve our technology and deliver better services for our customers.
19. Technical foundations – an understanding of IT concepts, software, and infrastructure provides the base for building IT Architecture expertise.
Work experience
Some relevant experience, whether through internships, personal projects, hackathons, or university research, is desirable but by no means essential. What matters most is your curiosity, willingness to learn, and ability to apply your skills to real-world challenges.
At NFU Mutual, we support an inclusive workplace and value all the differences that make us unique. We celebrate the creativity and innovation that comes from diverse perspectives and experiences and share a common vision of doing the right thing for our customers and employees.
We recognise that some candidates may experience barriers during the recruitment process. So, we encourage candidates to discuss any adjustments or accommodations they need to be the best they can be throughout our recruitment process.
We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, a Race at Work and Women in Finance Charter signatory and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity, gender, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.
Benefits and Rewards
When you join our team, you can expect a supportive culture and an attractive range of rewards and benefits including:
20. Salary £30,097
21. Annual bonus (up to 10% of salary)
22. Contributory pension scheme, up to 20%, including your 8% contribution
23. 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + buy/sell/save holiday trading scheme
24. A Family Friendly policy that helps you balance your work and family responsibilities
25. Access to savings at High Street brands, travel and supermarkets
26. £20 contribution to a monthly gym membership – subject to T&Cs
27. Health and wellbeing plan - cashback for dentist, opticians, physio and more
28. Access to voluntary benefits, including health assessments, private medical insurance and dental insurance
29. Employee Volunteering - volunteer in the community for one day each year
30. Unlimited access to Refer a Friend £500 bonus scheme
31. Life Assurance cover of 4 x salary
32. Employee discounts of 15% on a range of NFU Mutual insurance policies.