Card Factory has over one thousand physical stores and multiple digital platforms and systems. With an agenda of continued growth and technology enabled change it is vital that that we create and maintain an IT Architecture to support our business and our customers.

As Solution Architect you will work to create and maintain systems architectures capable of serving our colleagues and customers.

• Propose software solutions and the development of differentiating business applications that will create business value and support the Card Factory business operation on a continuous basis. Assessing requirements and relevant business and IT data to identify.
• Responsible for preparing high-level estimates (scenario-level) and producing Solution & other technical documentation in line with Company standards.
• Give advice and provides consultation throughout the system life cycle.
• Assess the systems architecture currently in place and working with the technical teams to recommend solutions to improve it.
• Inspect implemented solutions and audit compliancy with the overall software portfolio and design.
• Providing advice on how to resolve technical problems as they arise, and mitigation strategies so that they do not occur again.
• Providing guidance to technical and non-technical teams.
• Continually researching current and emerging technologies and proposing changes where needed.
• Documenting and maintain architectural standards.
• Informing various stakeholders and delivery teams about risks / issues with the current technical solutions being implemented.
• Assessing the business impact of technical decisions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Information Systems, or related field.
• Proven experience in architecture design.
• Previous project management experience is advantageous.
• In-depth understanding of architecture techniques and approaches.
• Sound knowledge of various operating systems and databases.
• Efficient communication skills.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills

Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greetings cards, dressings, and gifts with over one thousand stores across the UK and Ireland. In 2020 we launched our exciting 5-year business strategy including our vision of becoming a true Omni-channel retailer. This strategy sees significant investment into our colleagues across the business creating multiple opportunities to join a fast-paced environment and be part of our exciting journey.

In return, we offer a wide range of benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.

Benefits

• Pension
• 15% Card Factory colleague discount in-store and online
• Save As You Earn scheme
• Financial Wellbeing Support
  • Financial Education Tools
  • Salary Advance
• Seasonal incentive schemes
• Retail Management Apprenticeship Programmes with local providers with access to a virtual internal network for learning together
• Discounted gym membership, mobile phone contracts, and car leasing
• Discounts across 100’s of UK retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to tools to support mental, physical, and financial wellbeing
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption leave

This is an exciting role with genuine prospects for the right candidate. If this role describes you and your career aspirations, click apply now.

For any questions email: vacancies@cardfactory.co.uk (we do not accept CVs/Applications via email)

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once sufficient suitable applications have been received. We advise applying early to avoid disappointment as applications will be reviewed regularly.

No agencies, please.