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Solution Architect

External
aqa logoAqa · Manchester, UK
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About the role

Purpose: In your role as Solution Architect you will operate within the (Enterprise Technology) Enterprise Architecture team working closely with the Enterprise Architect. You will lead on the delivery of Solutions Architecture services, designing and ensuring delivery of IT solutions that meet business requirements. You will provide solution architecture consultancy support to colleagues and business stakeholders, providing effective and pragmati

Responsibilities

  • In this role, you'll be responsible for:
  • Shaping solution architecture across the customer portfolio, including as-is and to-be analysis, roadmaps, options appraisals and high-level designs.
  • Working with business stakeholders, project teams, suppliers and technical teams to turn objectives into clear, deliverable and proportionate technology solutions.
  • Supporting architecture governance by helping define patterns, guide low-level designs and make sure solutions align with AQA's standards, security requirements and wider technology strategy.

Requirements

  • You'll thrive in this role if you're an established architect who can work with ambiguity, bring structure to complex customer-focused change and build trusted relationships across business and technology teams.
  • Experience as a solution, application or enterprise architect, with recent architecture experience in your role title or core responsibilities.
  • Strong knowledge of customer, CRM, sales, marketing or customer service systems, ideally with experience of customer data platforms or similar application-led change.
  • A good understanding of application and data architecture, with the ability to connect business goals, customer journeys, integration needs and technical delivery.
  • Confidence creating architecture artefacts such as vision statements, roadmaps, high-level designs, options papers and design patterns.
  • A pragmatic, collaborative style, with the ability to influence stakeholders, work with suppliers and keep delivery moving in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

This role gives you meaningful, varied work with the space to influence both a key portfolio and the future direction of architecture at AQA.You'll help shape customer journey change linked to reformYou'll have the opportunity to influence architecture maturity, working patterns and standards as the function continues to evolve.A 35‑hour working week with flexible, hybrid working25 days' annual leave (rising to 30), plus Christmas closure daysExcellent pension (up to 11.5% employer contribution)Diversity and Inclusion StatementApplication ProcessTo apply, please submit your CV through the AQA careers site. Applications close on Sunday 12 July 2026. Interviews:First stage: a short Teams interviewFinal stage: a face-to-face interview in Manchester ,#AREF#LI-JM1Recruitment AgenciesWe have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.Full Job DescriptionVision insuranceFlexible scheduleEquity / stock options

Additional Information

At AQA, we're committed to advancing education and we're committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK , we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it's our people who make this happen. Solution Architect 18 month fixed term contract Location: Manchester Salary:£75,800 - £88,300 Working Arrangements; Hybrid - minimum two days a week in the Manchester office Introduction AQA is looking for an experienced solution architect to support a major customer portfolio during a period of reform and change. This is a chance to help shape architecture for work that directly supports how AQA manages relationships with schools, colleges and other centres, while contributing to an architecture function that is evolving and maturing. Purpose of the Role You'll join the Enterprise Technology architecture team and work closely with business, portfolio, project and technical colleagues to understand what needs to change, shape practical solution options and guide delivery. A key focus will be the customer data platform and wider customer journey work, including sales, marketing and customer support systems. Your work will help AQA make better use of customer data, improve services for centres and support learners of all abilities through effective, joined-up technology decisions.


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