Solutions Architect - Digital

As our new Solution Architect (Digital,) you will work as part of the Group Digital Team, collaborating with stakeholders across the group to explore and solutionise the technologies that will support the strategic direction of the Digital landscape for DFS Group.
About DFSIt takes a whole lot of passion to be at the centre of what makes a house feel like home — and that’s just what we do at DFS. We’re the leading sofa retail specialist in the UK, helping people find a comfy seat on great quality sofas since 1969. 

We're a market leader in the UK because of one thing: our people. Our people made us who we are and will drive us into our ambitious future, together. We offer incredible opportunities to get stuck into fun and meaningful work as well as learn new skills — so you can really ‘find your thing’. 

Are you ready to make yourself at DFS?

 
What you'll be doing
You will be accountable for creating solution designs to enhance and maintain internal Digital systems, including group eCommerce platforms 
Work as part of the development team to support the build, implementation and on-going running of technologies 
Understand stakeholders challenges and identify opportunities, which will inform the technologies and implementation strategies to support the future growth of the group. 
Understand and be able to Identify security considerations for new solutions or changes to existing systems
Understand and be able to Identify compliance considerations for new solutions or changes to existing systems, e.g GDPR, PCI etc
Be responsible for maintaining Architecture Artifacts and processes internally, including attending key architectural governance meetings such as the Architecture Review Board
Be able to identify and implement ways to improve the Architecture process internally
Ensure that key data principles are considered in solution decisions 
Continually review trends and solutions on the market to ensure the business is getting the most efficiency from the solutions being used and identify where better solutions are available

The role is for you if...
A good understanding of different cloud platforms including Google Cloud Services & technologies  
Team Management - Ability if needed to pick up day to day line management responsibilities within the Digital team. Ability to develop people, skills in coaching, mentoring, and teaching on the job
Leadership - Highest personal and professional integrity and strong work ethics
Demonstrated ability to manage adversity and challenging situations
Results orientation, willingness to commit to a direction and drive operations to completion
Relationship Management - Ability to manage relationships with colleagues and peers with the IT Function  areas and with key partners
Effective management  and communications with all levels of stakeholders, keeping them update on progress to plan, highlighting risk and issue, along with providing recommendations
Ability to develop cooperative and constructive working relationships
Collaborative team player orientation towards work relationships, strong culture awareness
Build solid relationships both internally and externally to the IT function and the Group (i.e Suppliers/Partners)
Architectural Oversight and Decision Making
Ability to weigh up Tactical and Strategic options when proposing solutions 
Ability to create solution designs whilst taking in internal business factors such as budget and time constraints
Ability to create architectural designs that satisfy functional constructive, operative, decorative, and technical requirements
People Management and Development
Able to identify and recruit talent, including identifying right people for both technical and non-technical jobs
Effectiveness in building trust, respect and cooperation among teams
Self starter, with strong communication skills, written and verbal
A thirst for understanding new technologies and trends across the market
Management of a capable team of specialists to deliver outcomes
Degree (or equivalent) in Computing/IT or a related field, or have equivalent eCommerce  industry experience
Worked as a Solutions Architect in a Digital field
Workflow Management
Experience in leading a team to deliver successful outcomes for the business / customer

 
DFS Benefits 

Excellent Salary + Bonus + Benefits 
Progression and Development opportunities to grow your skills
A huge 30% colleague discount, plus 15% friends & family discount across our Group (DFS, Sofology, Dwell)
Generous holiday allowance – the time you need to rest and relax and the longer you’re with us, the more time you’ll get! Opportunity to purchase additional holidays each year! 
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to give you the time you need to settle in with your new family member
Access to a range of high street & online discounts from: Sainsbury’s, ASOS, Currys PC World, IKEA, John Lewis and more. 
Discounted Gym and Cinema memberships to help you unwind
Group Pension Scheme
Group Sharesave Scheme
Life Assurance & Company Sick Pay
Full comprehensive training 
Paid days to volunteer each year

Any offer is subject to references & DBS Checks

Due to the volume of applications, we reserve the right to close this role early and so encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible.