Solutions Architect
Maidstone
£45-55k
VR/02547R

Our client, requires a Solutions Architect to ensure that the requirements of all stakeholders (both internal and external) are captured, refined, signed off and then provided to the Development team. The Solutions Architect will provide support and assistance to the Scrum team to deliver those requirements.

The company employs 110 staff with 47 of these being within the Technology team, which consists of Development, DevOps, Testing and Support. Although well-established there is still very much a start-up feel and a chance to shine and be recognised. The company has excellent staff retention with many of the staff having also previously worked together in other companies. They are very warm and welcoming and new members to the team settle in very quickly. The culture is relaxed and friendly and many employees meet-up socially.

Benefits with the role of Solutions Architect include the following:

· Pension (2.5% employee, 2.5% employer increasing by 0.5% each year of service)
· Opportunity to work from home 2 days per week if desired
· BUPA healthcare
· BUPA cash plan (cash-back for items like dental and glasses)
· Death in service
· Car parking loans
· Travel loans
· Enhanced maternity and paternity
· 25 days holiday
· Pizza payday
Payday drinks

RESPONSIBILITIES of the Solutions Architect:
· Review requests and determine their viability
· Review 3rd party specifications and breakdown change, impacts and development requirements
· Clearly document requirements and create specification documentation
· Create ‘User Stories’ to deliver that specification
· Act as a point of contact to liaise with stakeholders
· Work with Product Manager to create a roadmap
Support the Scrum team where required.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:
Essential
· Knowledge of software development lifecycle within an Agile framework
· Proven analysis skills in file and interface specifications
· Excellent Microsoft Office skills, Excel & Visio (or equivalent)
· Experience in running meetings
· Proficiency in producing flows and wireframes to convey ideas and concepts
· Experience of communicating technical concepts to both a technical and non-technical audience
· Excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively
· Knowledge of Gherkin Syntax
· MoSCoW Prioritisation or equivalent
Desirable
· Experience with APIs and integrated solutions
· Familiar with using Azure DevOps or similar (e.g. JIRA)
· Knowledge of the UK payments market
· Credit card lifecycle experience
· Visa/Mastercard/American Express/Diners/JCB experience
· Familiarity with alternate payment mechanisms
· ISO8583 experience
· APACs experience
· Nexo experience
· Experience with bespoke software solutions
· Software development lifecycle experience
· Creation of Functional specifications, Business Requirements Specifications or Technical Specifications
· Any technical exposure to C, C++, Java or Kotlin

SKILLS & VALUES of the Solutions Architect
· Very strong, hands-on technical skills with broad knowledge of web technologies, methodologies and standards
· Strong software development and application architecture experience
· Great communicator with the ability to explain technical decisions to the broader team and company at executive
· Passionate about and experienced at: working in agile environments; continual delivery techniques; testing
· Motivates, leads and encourages others regardless of position
· Demonstrate initiative and competence; support and encourage positive working behaviours in others
· A life-long learner who freely shares information and experience and seeks knowledge from others
· Familiar with integration and implementation issues and their architectural implications
· Good knowledge of mobile technologies and deep knowledge of web technologies, methodologies and standards
· Strong software development and application architecture experience
· Understanding of key considerations in Secure systems & software design, resilience and high-availability patterns for mission-critical applications, including multi-data-centre deployments
· Comfortable giving and receiving feedback at all levels.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The role will be based in the Maidstone office; however, the need may arise to travel and visit other office locations within the UK. Some projects meetings may also be held at customer sites. Standard office working hours are 9:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday. This role is contracted to 37.5 hours per week. Flexible working with core hours.

Apply for the role of Solutions Architect!