Solution Architect - job 1 of 2

Version 1 has celebrated over 28 years in Technology Services and continues to be trusted by global brands to deliver solutions that drive customer success. Our expertise enables our customers to navigate the rapidly changing Digital-First world we live in. We foster strong partnerships with leading technology giants including Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, Red Hat, OutSystems, Snowflake, ensuring that our customers are provided with the highest quality solutions and services.

We’re an award-winning employer reflecting how our employees are at the very heart of Version 1 and what we do:

• UK & Ireland's premier AWS, Microsoft & Oracle partner
• 3300+ strong, €350/£300m revenue business
• 10+ years as a Great Place to Work in Ireland & UK
• Best Workplace for Women in the UK & Ireland by GPTW
• Best Workplace for Wellbeing in the UK by GPTW

Version 1 has a strong capabilities program which focuses on the careers of our team. As a Solution Architect, you will be expected to play a leading role in this capability and driving strategy. For this, we will provide you with a dedicated career plan that will challenge you but will help you achieve what you want in your career and give you the opportunity to shape your career.

In this role, you will need

• Expert technical skills and proven experience across the architecture disciplines of Application, Integration, Data and Security and proven experience bringing all these views together into an organised IT architecture.
• Proven experience architecting business applications and services to run on complex large scale on-premise and cloud/hybrid cloud infrastructures;
• Proven experience providing advice and support to the various business and technology stakeholders in designing future ICT platforms and business support services;
• Proven experience working with architecture tools, frameworks and methodologies with the ability to define, publish, and maintain high quality architecture documentation;
• Proven experience in producing design documentation in advance of  implementation in both waterfall and agile project delivery.
• Proven experience of functional application architecture design patterns and leading practices;
• Strong understanding of designing software for non-functional requirements (e.g. system performance, availability, scalability, etc.);
• Proven experience of architecting on large transformation programmes.
• Knowledge and understanding of architecting software to run across multiple platform technologies (e.g. VMWare, RedHat OpenShift, IMDG, Redis, 3Scale, SSO/Keycloak, OIDC, Identity Management, LDAP & Active Directory), database technologies (e.g. MariaDB/Galera, MySQL, Oracle, Postgres, Ingres), application technologies (JBoss, Springboot), web UI technologies (e.g. Angular SPA) and operational knowledge of CICD pipelines and Jenkins build operations;
• Knowledge and understanding of SOA and microservices architecture patterns and practical application of these patterns to designing optimal solutions.
• Knowledge and understanding of IT governance processes with experience providing architectural governance across projects;
• Ability to oversee the implementation of a solution architecture based on business requirements and the Department’s ICT strategy;
• Understanding of application programming interface (API), micro-services and interoperability solutions;
• Understanding of Federation and federated identity providers (local, social, other external);
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to engage with various stakeholders to define and get agreement on technical aspects of IT architecture;
• Ability to support the Department in forming the future strategic direction of its ICT and digital services;
• Effective Communication both orally and in writing in the English Language.

• Work closely with clients to assess their current infrastructure, application portfolios, and pain points to define strategic modernization plans.
• Collaborate with development teams to ensure designs are implemented with best practices in coding, security, and performance.
• Guide and participate in proof-of-concept (PoC) development, helping clients visualize the future state of their applications.
• Facilitate workshops, technical sessions, and presentations for clients to build consensus and ensure alignment on architectural decisions.

• 5+ years prior experience as a Solution Architect or Technical Architect
• Prior experience as a hands-on Java developer / Tech Lead
• Intimate knowledge of architectural patterns and best practice
• Application Modernisation experience
• Strong technical and communication skills
• Confident working with senior stakeholders

Why Version 1?

At Version 1, we believe in providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises their wellbeing, professional growth, and financial stability.

• Share in our success with our Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme, where employees collectively benefit from a share of our company's profits.
• Strong Career Progression & mentorship coaching through our Strength in Balance & Leadership schemes with a dedicated quarterly Pathways Career Development programme.
• Flexible/remote working, Version 1 is tremendously understanding of life events and people’s individual circumstances and offer flexibility to help achieve a healthy work life balance.
• Financial Wellbeing initiatives including; Pension, Private Healthcare Cover, Life Assurance, Financial advice and an Employee Discount scheme.
• Employee Wellbeing schemes including Gym Discounts, Bike to Work, Fitness classes, Mindfulness Workshops, Employee Assistance Programme and much more. Generous holiday allowance, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, marriage/civil partnership leave and special leave policies.
• Educational assistance, incentivised certifications, and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.
• Reward schemes including Version 1’s Annual Excellence Awards & ‘Call-Out’ platform.
• Environment, Social and Community First initiatives allow you to get involved in local fundraising and development opportunities as part of fostering our diversity, inclusion and belonging schemes.

And many more exciting benefits… drop us a note to find out more.

Ekta Bahl - Talent Acquisition Capability Partner

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