Job Description

Reporting Group:
Group Support Services
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We're hiring a Solutions Architect to join our team at Places for People ?
This isn't just another architecture role. Just as strong foundations and smart design create safe, lasting homes, we need digital solutions that are scalable, secure, and built around the people who use them.
Our mission is to reduce homelessness and provide homes for those in need. To achieve that, we need systems and services designed with empathy, evidence, and humanity at the core.
If you want your expertise to directly shape better lives and stronger communities, we'd love to hear from you.
At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply - you could be just who we're looking for! Of course, experience and track record are important, but we're more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That's someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK's leading Social Enterprise we're dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees.
More about the team
The Architecture team are a key component of the IT function. This is an exciting time to join a growing business function.
More about your role
Reporting to the Head of Technology Architecture, the Solutions Architect is a key role in the Architecture team.
You will play a key role in defining the way in which we solve business challenges by leveraging technology solutions. You will review the existing state taking into account context and business drivers. In addition to identifying and appraising alternative technology approaches you will engage with the wider business to ensure optimal solutions are designed, developed and delivered through projects, products and systems.
More about you
Working with the programme and IT architecture team you will translate business and technical requirements into architectural blueprints in order to achieve business objectives.
You will work closely with the transformation office and PM teams to ensure that plans are executed in line with the project and product lifecycle.
At Places for People, we are committed to a safe working environment so a basic DBS check is mandatory.
Experience & Skills

• Experience as a Solutions Architect,
• Exposure to platforms such as AWS, GCP, Azure and Salesforce,
• Technical Expertise in Solution Architecture , Cloud Platforms , Integration Patterns , Code/Software Awareness , Infrastructure Design & Security Architecture .
• Analytical and Design Skills covering Problem-Solving , System Design & Requirement Analysis & Gathering Non-functional and functional .
• Business Acumen for things such as Stakeholder Management .
• Development, Leadership and Collaboration skills required to include effective Communication Skills and Negotiation Skills .
• Soft Skills such as Critical Thinking , Time Management , Documentation/Presentation skills & Verbal communication .
• Integration experience (API and files),
• A thorough understanding of security architecture
• Has worked with an Architecture framework such as TOGAF

Benefits
We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for.
We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:

• Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly
• Training and development
• Pension
• Holidays entitlement 35 days including public holidays.
• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more.

What's next?
If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then apply following our simple 5 minute application process, upload a CV and a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the role. If you have any questions please email the recruitment team
As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer a guaranteed interview to candidates who are disabled, neurodiverse, or have served in the Armed Forces, provided you meet the essential criteria for the role. If you would like to be considered under this scheme, please indicate this in your application.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview experience, please let us know. We're happy to work with you to ensure you have the opportunity to perform at your best.
If you are a Places for People customer and you're looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on .
Please note that we may bring the closing date forward, if we receive a large number of quality applications. If you are interested in this role we would advise applying immediately to avoid disappointment.
If you are using a mobile device such as an iPad then ensure your CV is stored in the cloud, we currently support Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox.
If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls.
Safeguarding
At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and neglect.
We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers, and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability. Our recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment.
By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities
Armed Forces - We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant. Places for People will guarantee an interview for any candidate who is serving or has formerly served in the Armed Forces, as a reservist, armed forces veteran (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructor and military spouse/partner and who meets the essential criteria for the vacancy.
Disability Confident - We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident scheme certified as Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. This helps us to successfully employ and retain people with disabilities and health conditions. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a vacancy will be guaranteed an interview. The Equality Act 2010 (Disability Discrimination Act 1995 for NI) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has sa substantial and long-term negative effect on their ability to do daily activities.
Neurodivergent - Neurodiverse individuals have highly valuable skills, and we recognise that a traditional interview process sometimes works against them and doesn't allow them to self-advocate. Neurodiverse applicants who meet the criteria for a vacancy will be guaranteed an interview.

Skills Required