Solution Architect
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and driven Solution Architect to own end‑to‑end solution design and vendor oversight for high‑priority initiatives. This role is responsible for architectural blueprint delivery, vendor governance, and leading the resolution of structural platform issues.
Leveraging strong integration expertise, you will design and manage complex data mappings across legacy systems, middleware, and modern platforms, while maintaining clear, high‑quality architecture documentation to support long‑term operational ownership.
Responsibilities
* Architecture Blueprint Delivery
* Produce high‑quality High‑Level Designs (HLDs) and Low‑Level Designs (LLDs) across core platforms including Digital Transaction Systems (DTS), EPOS, and other strategic programmes. Designs must be detailed, unambiguous, and set the contractual delivery standard for external vendors.
* Vendor Governance & Quality Assurance
* Perform structured reviews and audits of vendor‑delivered architecture and code, enforcing a stable‑by‑design approach to ensure all external deliverables meet internal standards for quality, security, scalability, and operational resilience.
* Data Integration Leadership
* Lead complex data integration and mapping initiatives between legacy IBM iSeries environments (DB2/RPG) and modern API‑based middleware platforms, requiring deep technical understanding of data structures, contracts, and transformation patterns.
* Platform Stability & Remediation
* Own root‑cause investigations into recurring platform issues such as 5xx error spikes, latency degradation, and data inconsistencies. Deliver long‑term architectural remediation rather than short‑term tactical fixes.
* Architecture Documentation & Knowledge Transfer
* Maintain high‑quality, version‑controlled architecture documentation within Confluence to ensure designs are accessible, auditable, and effectively handed over to engineering and operational teams.
The Ideal Candidate
* Experience
* 8+ years of experience in Solution Architecture, with a strong focus on e‑commerce platforms and/or API‑centric middleware ecosystems.
* Technical Depth
* Expert‑level understanding of Node.js, Java (Spring Boot), and PostgreSQL. Comfortable reviewing and challenging vendor‑written code, not just architectural diagrams.
* Integration Expertise
* Strong experience with API management patterns, webhook‑based integrations, and event‑driven architectures using technologies such as Kafka or Azure Event Hubs.
* Legacy Modernisation
* Proven track record of re‑architecting or migrating legacy monolithic systems into modern, containerised microservices platforms.
* Architecture Tooling
* Proficient with architecture modelling tools such as Visio or Lucidchart, with disciplined use of Confluence for documentation and design artefact management.
* Certification
* Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ‑305) certification, or equivalent demonstrable hands‑on architectural experience.