Job Description

Solution Architect

About the role

We're looking for an accomplished

Lead Solution Architect

to help drive a pivotal transformation in how our technology organisation delivers value. This is a strategic and influential role where you will be a key driver for the shift from a technology stack-oriented delivery model to a product-centric, outcome-driven architecture. As a senior member of the architecture function, you will shape technical strategy, mentor other architects and engineers, and influence decision-making across both technology and business domains.

About Bestway

Bestway Group is a diversified multinational family owned business with annualised turnover in excess of 4.5 billion. Starting off as a chain of retail convenience stores, the Group has grown to become a diversified multinational business with interests across the wholesale, pharmacy, real estate, cement and banking sectors. The Group is also the largest overseas investor in Pakistan.


Owned by the Pervez, Choudrey and Sheikh families, Bestway Group was founded in 1976 by Sir Anwar Pervez OBE H Pk, who remains Chairman. Serving over 12 million customers and employing over 28,000 individuals, the Group supports and serves communities through its operations across the UK, Pakistan and the Middle East

Responsibilities:

Define and drive the enterprise-wide architecture strategy and vision Design and govern integration patterns and champion the modernisation of legacy environments Acting as a trusted advisor, influence and align multiple stakeholders across the business Enable transformation and accelerate delivery through leading initiatives and creating scalable architectural patterns and platforms Oversee architectural governance and ensure non-functional requirements are consistently embedded in product and platform design Provide mentorship and coaching to our architects and engineers

The Ideal Candidate:

Extensive experience as a Lead Solution Architect, Principal Architect, or similar leadership role in a product-centric or hybrid enterprise environment. Proven track record of driving architectural transformation -- ideally moving from stack- or project-centric models to product- and outcome-driven architectures. Deep expertise in enterprise integration and hybrid architecture, including hands-on experience with IBM i-series (AS/400) and distributed site operations in retail or wholesale. Strong understanding of modern architectural paradigms (e.g. domain-driven design, event-driven architecture, microservices, API-first). Experience shaping and scaling architectures on Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform. Exceptional communication and influencing skills -- able to engage credibly with C-level, business stakeholders, and engineering teams alike. Strong leadership capabilities, with experience guiding teams through large-scale change.

Desirable:


Experience in retail and wholesale technology transformation, including ERP, POS, or logistics integration. Familiarity with event streaming platforms, middleware, and API management solutions. Exposure to platform engineering, DevOps, or data architecture. Experience building and leading architecture practices or centres of excellence.

Benefits:

Competitive salary Pension 22 days annual leave plus the option to buy additional days Life Assurance Private Medical Onsite parking Bonus

We understand that no applicant ever ticks every box so please do consider applying should some or most of the above apply. Bestway Group is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity and inclusion. We welcome people of different nationalities, backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. We want strong, and diverse teams built from talented individuals with different backgrounds identities and experiences.


If this is of interest to you and you would like to learn more, please do get in touch, we are looking forward to hearing from you.