Job Description

We have a great opportunity within our Digital Technology team for a Solution Architect. This role is within the Digital Technology (DT) division and is responsible for specifying and overseeing the solution architecture and design for some of The FA\'s key digital products.

This role is responsible for ensuring onshore and offshore technical teams understand the agreed solution design and have a suitable framework from which to develop solutions within an Agile delivery framework. This role will also work closely with our DT Enterprise Architecture team ensuring alignment on designs, technical roadmaps, software, quality and on the evaluation, selection and implementation of any suitable COTS products as required.

About the Team

Technology is key to the FA\'s transformation. From supporting grassroots via our day-to-day digital presence, to using data-led insights to drive the game - to developing future-focused platforms for professional football - our Digital Technology team is central to our future.

What will you be doing?

• Lead on solution architectural design of systems and applications, predominantly in a Microsoft Azure tech stack.
• Ensure that designs align to Enterprise Architecture and Product Managers direction.
• Ensure that designs meet all functional and non-functional requirements.
• Author or oversee solution architecture documentation ensuring it is kept up to date, clear and complete.
• Lead and collaborate with third party technical staff, including offshore teams, to ensure that development teams follow the agreed solution architecture.
• Develop and maintain technical standards and best practices, leveraging industry standards and continually improving processes and techniques to help the performance and maintainability of applications.
• Provide technical consultation to all project teams, acting as the technical design authority on projects.
• Provide estimates where required for technical work.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of DT policies, process, and documentation to continually enhance the overall service to the business.
• Proactively keep up to date with latest developments in technology. Identify improvement opportunities for The FA based on technical knowledge and industry trends.
• Support the DT Leadership team to maintain technical alignment to FA business strategy .

Other -

• Executes additional tasks as required in order to meet FA Group changing priorities.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety and wellbeing can be maintained.
• As part of The FA\'s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:

• Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification.
• Extensive experience as a Solution Architect.
• Experience of designing mobile and web applications.
• Experience in Agile delivery methodology, especially Scrum.
• Knowledge of common enterprise software design patterns.
• Ability to build good relationships with internal and external stakeholders and colleagues.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts to a non-technical audience.

Beneficial to have:

• Knowledge and understanding of DevOps and Development best practices,
• Prior Developer or Technical lead experience in Microsoft technical stack.
• Technology experience within Football or other sporting associations/stadiums.
• Working knowledge of any sports administration systems.
• Knowledge of Google Cloud Platform.
• Knowledge of integration design patterns.
• Knowledge of on premise and cloud architecture.
• Experience of working with offshore teams.

What\'s in it for you?

We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles, to achieve this we have unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, which is the home of English Football. We are also delighted to offer a world-class, Elite Performance Centre, St. George\'s Park in Staffordshire which is an exceptional setting to develop and inspire high-performing England teams and leaders.

We pride ourselves in offering a competitive salary as well as great opportunities to develop and grow in your role. But that is not all; we also have a range of exciting benefits, some of which can be found below:

• Access to event day tickets at Wembley Stadium, alongside a host of regular internal events throughout the season encouraging you to connect and learn with your colleagues and look after your mental health and wellbeing.
• Free, nutritious lunches, at Wembley Stadium and St. George\'s Park.
• Free private medical cover.
• A contributory pension scheme.
• An additional Thank You days leave, volunteering days as well as 25 days annual leave.
• A hybrid working model offering flexibility on where you work.

For more information on what it is like to work at The FA, please visit our FA Careers page,

Our Organisation

The Football Association [The FA] is the not-for-profit governing body of football in England. It is responsible for promoting and developing every level of the game, from grassroots through to the professional game, and generates significant revenue to support investment into English football each year.

The FA oversees England international teams across men\'s, women\'s, youth and disability football, as well as running the National League System and FA Competitions including the Emirates FA Cup, Barclays FA Women\'s Super League, FA Women\'s Championship, and Vitality Women\'s FA Cup, and the world-class facilities of Wembley Stadium and St. George\'s Park, all with a purpose to Unite the Game and Inspire the Nation.

We currently work within a hybrid working model whereby the expectation is to work from your contractual location for part of the week, and as and when required by the team. The remaining days can be worked remotely. We will continue to monitor this model and it may be adjusted in future if deemed necessary.

Your contract with The FA will specify a fixed location of either Wembley Stadium, St. George\'s Park or our Processing Centre, unless the role is advertised as a homebased contract. The contractual location of this role can be found at the top of this advert on our FA vacancy page.

The FA, For All, For You

Our equality, diversity and inclusion strategy forms an integral part of our long-term commitment to using our influence across English football to create a game free from discrimination.

A Game For All outlines three key strategic commitments - Lead the Change, Be the Change, and Inspire the Change - which will ensure tackling discrimination remains a core priority for English football for years to come.

We are a diverse workplace, aspiring to represent football across the country. The Football Association actively promotes inclusion and diversity, encouraging you to be the best version of yourself at work.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.

As part of The FA\'s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

Documents

The Football Association