Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the advertisement and interview earlier than stated

Due to COVID19, colleagues in eligible roles are currently working from home in line with government guidelines 

Solution Architect Role Profile October 2021.docx

A great opportunity has arisen, for an experienced Solution Architect to join a transformation programme that is focused on improving the way we manage information about our buildings, not only to provide a better service to customers, but also to demonstrate that we manage our buildings safely.

This Solution Architect will play a pivotal role in delivering a new range of high-quality software products that support the delivery of our building information management vision. It will involve working with the business to understand how we introduce a set of new capabilities, to enable the information to be collected and managed across the whole lifecycle of the building (construction, in use, disposal), and for that information to be easily accessible and usable for needs such as:

• maintaining a record of the Golden Thread of building information
• compliance with forthcoming building safety and fire safety regulations
• master data management of building asset information

The job holder’s line manager will be within the Engineering Team that sits inside the Technology department; the priority and direction in terms of work will be determined by the Building and Asset Information Programme, one of six core transformation programmes in L&Q.

The Solution Architect will be responsible for three primary aspects:
 

• The technical architecture that underpins the solutions within the Building and Asset Information Management programme. These solutions are predominantly COTS applications exchanging data within a common data environment, but some in-house local applications are also required (Azure, .NET).
• Determine the most suitable technical environments for the procurement and building of those solutions in conjunction with the Architecture group and ensuring this is clear in any software tender needed to procure 3^rd party software
• Ensure adherence to standards of technical best practice

The Solution Architect will be involved in:
 

• Designing the solution in collaboration with the developers, data modellers, product management and the business
• Ensuring each user story is looked at from multiple technical perspectives: data, UI, middleware, application and other non-functional needs
• Identifying and managing technical risk and technical debt
• Controlling the technical configuration of the solution
• Leading on specific sessions around key design or technical issues, listening to stakeholder feedback to learn the customer's real needs and how to adapt the evolving product.
• Owning the ongoing assessment of the technical and operational feasibility of the solution and manage the technical aspects of the solution’s transition into live use
• Promoting the use of short, informal requirements modelling sessions throughout each iteration to identify the feature-driven detail (Given/When/Then) 
• Attending and actively participating in Scrum ceremonies such as refinement sessions, sprint planning etc
• Supporting the wider Group Architecture Review Board on wider technical strategy and decision making

Skills and Experience:
 

• Must have direct experience working as a Solutions Architect, and familiar with standard industry methods tools and processes to support an architecture function
• Must be able to demonstrate good solution design and documentation abilities
• Experience of solutioning across Cloud and hybrid Cloud / On-Prem architecture
• Must have direct experience of translating business strategies into architectural requirements; collaborating with the business to improve options     
• Knowledge of application development architectures, tools, technology frameworks and security principles;
• Must have technical knowledge in implementing Azure Data Factory and Logical Apps, and integrating with SharePoint.
• Specialist technical knowledge in some of the following areas:
  • .Net, C#, Microsoft tool set
  • Systems integration & interfaces (APIs/SOA/ ESB/XML/Java/J2EE or similar)
• Experience of software procurement is highly desirable, particularly public eg. OJEU
• Business knowledge of Building Information Modelling, Building Information Management, Enterprise Asset Management is highly desirable

L&Q is a large fast paced and passionate organisation with a strong mission to combine its social purpose and commercial drive to create homes and neighbourhoods everyone can be proud of.

If you feel you meet the skills and experience listed above and would like to join an organisation that can really make a difference to people’s lives, then apply today!

At the foundation of everything that we do are our corporate values and associated behaviours. Our organisational behavioural framework outlines the core expectations of all employees, which should be demonstrated at all times when representing L&Q.   More information about L&Q’s values can be found on our website and a copy of our behavioural framework can be provided on request.

COVID 19: L&Q have a dedicated pandemic response team reacting to the current situation. The safety of our staff and our candidates is of the utmost importance. Every effort will be taken to ensure that safe ways of working are adopted throughout the Recruitment and Selection process. We are introducing extra precautions in line with UK Government Guidelines. Our recruitment processes will follow social distancing and COVID-19 Safe requirements. This will include the use of various technologies to support the interview process. Should candidates have any questions regarding this, or if you require additional support please let us know at the interview planning stage.   

Our commitments:

At L&Q, people are at the heart of our business and our success depends on employing the best people and getting the best from them.  This is why we are committed to developing our people. It's only by investing in a well-trained and motivated workforce that we can continue to prosper and sustain business success.
 

In addition to our support and training, the successful candidate will have access to our full suite of benefits including 26 days holiday rising to 31 days with length of service, annual bonus subject to group performance, excellent Pension scheme, an employee assistance programme and non-contributory life assurance.
 

We are committed to supporting your work-life balance and recognise the changing demands and circumstances in life.  Please let us know during the recruitment process if you’re interested in part time working or job sharing.  In addition, should your circumstances change once you have joined L&Q, you can also request flexible working arrangements, e.g. a change to working hours - if it’s feasible then we’ll make it happen.
 

We are recognised externally for our commitment to inclusion.  We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident (Committed) employer and have signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge to demonstrate our commitment to end mental health discrimination in the workplace.
 

We expect all of our employees to support our environmental policy and social responsibility work. We are an employer committed to environmental and social responsibility