Halfords

Job Purpose 

To learn all aspects of IT solution architecture through academic learning, mentoring, coaching and on job experience, refining skills and specialisms with a view to become a fully-fledged IT Solution Architect 

With guidance and support of the Lead Architect and mentor, deliver solution design artefacts for small to medium complexity projects. 

Key Role Accountabilities 

Design 

• Creating Solution Options, High Level Solution Designs and Integration Designs for assigned projects or internal architecture tasks, ensuring that where possible the solution options are compliant with the IT Strategy and Architecture Principles 
• Orchestration of low-level design from vendors and internal technical teams closely collaborating with with system engineers ensuring they align to the high-level design and fulfil functional and non-functional requirements. 

Stakeholder management  

• Works and effectively communicates with a wide range of stakeholders in developing a solution that meets the needs of the business. 

• Works with external suppliers to ensure that the appropriate technology direction is set with respect to systems, data and technical infrastructure 

Halfords delivery framework  

• Add detail to user and job stories for features and integrations in scrum-led projects 
• Be aligned with cross-functional scrum team or project team. 
• Ensure all designs are approved by governance forums and compliant with legislative and regulatory requirements 
• Creates technical documentation for service transition 

Success Measures 

Operational Responsibilities 

• Reduces reliance on support of the Lead and other Architects, becoming more confident and able to assess requirements, make recommendations and deliver architecture artefacts independently 
• Demonstrates a broad growth in knowledge across multiple domains and technologies 
• Solutions technically deliver and meet the needs of the business on time and budget 
• Provision of timely architectural and risk insight to all relevant projects 

Stakeholders 

• Solutions add value to Halfords, supporting strategic objectives 
• Customer satisfaction scores confirming delivery to expectations 
• Be a recognised as an emerging talent by Technology colleagues and those in the wider organisation. 

Knowledge and Skills 

A good foundational understanding of IT and the role it plays in a commercial enterprise.  Experience of the retail or similar sector with a strong desire to learn, roll up their sleeves and explore.  Some exposure to using, supporting or analysing IT systems. 

• Good analytical and negotiation skills 
• Base understanding of strategic vs. tactical 
• Driving clarity and action against business goals, putting the customer at the heart of everything we do 
• Commercial awareness 
• Able to articulate and summarise findings clearly and succinctly  
• Great stakeholder engagement and cross-functional working skills with internal stakeholders and external partners 

Behaviours 

• Good problem solver 
• Ability to carry out tasks independently once direction and guidance is given 
• Customer obsessed - internal and end external customer 
• Commercially focused on benefits and costs 
• Collaborative and team working 
• Proactive can-do attitude 
• Ability to work at pace and deliver to deadlines. 
• Embracing change – flexible in approach to ways of working, ability to adapt to change and being open to new ideas 
• Communication with multiple levels of stakeholders and external partners 
• Innovative and ability to think laterally 
• Delivery Focus 

Not sure you meet all the criteria? We'd encourage you to take the wheel and apply anyway! At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We're an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.