The Company
We are supporting a Sunderland based business in their search for a Solutions Architect. Although well established, and with a very positive view of technology at an executive level, the business have lacked anyone with strong architect experience in recent years. A review of resources has led to them identifying the need to make a number of hires in this area and to build an architecture practice

The Role
The company plan to bring in best of breed solutions rather than implement a full enterprise solution and so there will be a high level of integration work required. The Solutions Architect will take a lead role designing and implementing an integration strategy for the organisation, working alongside the development team and system administrators to ensure they’re clear on the approach to be taken. 

You will support the Enterprise Architect with an awareness of the technology roadmap building systems and services are able to meet the longer-term aims of the business. An ability to understand business/user requirements and translate that into a "to-be" plan for application, infrastructure, data and security, taking into account architectural governance and best practice. 

Key responsibilities for the role are:
*Interpret business needs - analyse & translate business drivers into an architectural blueprint that meet objectives
*Assess technology - monitoring micro and macro trends and applying to the technology roadmap where appropriate. 
*Apply technology - lead on evaluation and selection of products, solutions and services. With a strong focus on integration as the business strive to use best of breed rather than an enterprise solution

The Person
Candidates will need proven experience in multiple IT disciplines, including:
*Application development
*Middleware/integrations
*Infrastructure and Network architecture
*Database management
*Cloud strategies
*Exposure to a variety of technologies, platforms, and environments.
*Strong understanding of emerging technologies and their practical application.
*Knowledge of product/system management and agile methodologies.
*Ability to provide technical guidance and support to agile teams.

The role will require candidates to be based in the office (Sunderland) 3 days per week. It will come with a salary of up to £85,000 and an excellent benefits package including generous pension and holiday allowance.