Solution Architect - Applications

at  Ridge Partners LLP

We are looking for someone with a real passion for solving business challenges via Technology, who has the desire and willingness to learn and grow. We are interested in applicants who have established experience in Solution Architecture – Applications & Data, or people who are eager to grow into the role from relevant expertise. Similarly, we would welcome applicants who have a wider skill set in the infrastructure space. This person will play a crucial role within the wider Technology team, supporting the Technology Director to ensure our systems and data are designed and linked together to solve business problems. Responsibilities will cover both technical (working with vendors, quality assurance, solution design) and non-technical (governance, risk, and compliance). Someone who isn’t afraid to get their sleeves rolled up and get into the detail will be a key trait. No two days will be the same!
Responsibilities will include liaising with key business stakeholders, the internal Technology team, Technology Director & external vendors to identify problems Technology can solve along with the design of effective solutions that are innovative, scalable, fit for purpose and cost effective. You will also be expected to design and develop business cases that ensure robust benefits for any solution to be delivered. In addition, the role will take on responsibility for implementing and maintaining solution standards and measures to protect our key systems & information against technical debt and support challenges. This will require exceptional communication to internal stakeholders across the company at all levels, whilst maintaining a solid, governed technical foundation. As part of the relatively new wider Technology team, the role will form a central part of user enablement at Ridge helping to change the way Technology is perceived and used across the business.
A key deliverable for the successful applicant with be the creation of a systems roadmap (and associated business cases / investment) across our back office & fee earning expertise groups. This will need to be done in conjunction with various business stakeholders, reviewing competitor and wider market trends & Technology Director to ensure it is fit for purpose for both now and future. A key item of delivery already on the roadmap is D365 as a new ERP platform for the business. Forming part of the core delivery team for the ERP (Digital Core) implementation, you will ensure processes remain standard, provide quality assurance over the solution and work with the systems integrator and wider business to ensure a robust product is delivered. Alongside this, the introduction and adoption of Generative AI across the business would fall under the remit of this role.
Finally, the role will work closely and in collaboration with the wider, technology team internal to Ridge, the current IT service provider, business stakeholders and end users to support and promote solution design, governance and wider problem solving at all levels. Excellent communication skills will be critical to successfully collaborate with all stakeholders and ensure success.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO BE EFFECTIVE IN THIS ROLE

• Process driven with the ability to combine technical and functional areas
• Input into Change Approval Board (CAB) to ensure governance is applied to all change
• Identify and suggest improvements to the Technology team & the wider business
• Input and own the enterprise’s architecture design to assess current & future requirements
• Interpret data to understand the headline conclusions to support actionable recommendations
• Liaise with both internal and external stakeholders’
• Remain informed on trends and issues in the industry, including emerging trends
• Create and maintain architecture / design documents
• Promote and drive a culture of good solution design across the organisation

THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU NEED TO HAVE FOR THIS ROLE

• Educated to Degree level within a STEM subject (preferably Computer Science or equivalent) would be advantageous but not essential within this role
• Gained relevant experience within an IT / Technology role, ideally in the area Applications or Data
• Strong working knowledge & understanding of solution design
• Experience using platform related tools such as Power Platform or D365 (preferred, not essential)
• 2+ years’ experience as a Solution Architect designing solutions for a variety of different business use cases (preferred, not essential)
• Strong working knowledge of SaaS platforms such as Microsoft365 and ITSM tooling (Halo preferred)
• Knowledge of current trends in the Technology space in particular Gen AI, Co-Pilot, LLM’s
• Strong requirements gathering skills with demonstrable experience
• Lead and develop trusted relationships with key stakeholders
• Results oriented and self-motivated to deliver with excellence
• Passion for continuous learning and development
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language
• Ability to effectively prioritise and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Strong time management skills
  Ridge is a Built Environment Consultancy. We provide our clients with access to a wide range of integrated expertise and professional disciplines to help them transform the quality and sustainability of the built environment.
  Our people make what we do possible, helping us lead the way with quality, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. That’s why we challenge them to be the best they can be and offer exceptional training and career development opportunities at all levels.
  Ridge and Partners LLP