Solution Architecture Practice Lead

As the Solution Architecture Practice Lead within Primark's Architecture Team, you will be responsible for driving the practice of solution architecture across our organisation. Reporting to the Chief Architect, you will provide strategic direction, thought leadership, and mentorship to solution architects, enabling them to deliver high-quality and scalable technology solutions. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with business goals and driving innovation through effective solution design. Additionally, you will manage the resource allocation and development of solution architects, optimizing their performance and ensuring the successful delivery of architectural solutions. If you are passionate about technology, possess excellent leadership and architectural skills, and have a strong background in solution architecture, you will be an ideal fit for this role. Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the practice of solution architecture, establishing architectural standards, frameworks, and guidelines aligned with Primark's technology strategy.
• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to solution architects, enabling them to deliver effective and innovative solutions.
• Identify and foster the re-use of components, patterns and techniques within a composable architecture framework and document these for re-use by other projects.
• Manage the resource allocation and task allocation of solution architects, both internal and external, ensuring optimal utilisation of skills and expertise.
• Drive the development and maintenance of solution architecture artifacts, including architectural patterns, design principles, and reference architectures.
• Conduct solution reviews and provide guidance on architecture-related decisions to ensure compliance with architectural standards and best practices.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in solution architecture, and advocate for their adoption within Primark
• Represent the Solution Architecture Practice as part of the Architecture Leadership Team, including within the Architecture Design Authority
• Be the owner for any architectural and project risks and/or issues throughout the lifecycle of any delivery projects, with relevant business function(s) and Tech Product Team(s).
• Where required, establish and direct innovation-led proof of concepts and make recommendations on technology adoption and benefits.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including business stakeholders, product managers, and development teams, to define solution requirements and ensure alignment with business goals.
• Build effective communication channels with business leaders and stakeholders
• Partner with enterprise architects and other technology leaders to align solution architecture
• Communicate solution architecture strategy, principles, and decisions to stakeholders, promoting awareness and understanding
• Collaborate with vendors and partners to evaluate their capabilities, identify potential solutions, and ensure successful implementation.
• Manage the relationships with solution architecture outsourcing partners
• Work with the Security and Information Risk functions to ensure solutions meet the needs of our security standards and principles

• Build, manage and mentor a high performing team focused on delivering the Technology strategy for Primark.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing among solution architects, promoting continuous learning and professional development.
• Share an engaging and inspiring vision with the team and provide clarity and a sense of direction to enable working towards common goals. Generates enthusiasm and commitment within the team and across Primark to shared outcomes.
• Responsible for the team’s performance and development; sets clear performance expectations addressing performance issues head on
• Build talent and succession plans in line with current and future business needs, providing opportunities within the team for growth and development.
• Act as a coach and mentor for the team, enabling them to take ownership of their careers and supporting them to drive their own development.

• Proven experience as a senior solution architect or a similar role, with a strong track record of designing and delivering complex technology solutions.
• Solid understanding of solution architecture principles, frameworks, and best practices, with hands-on experience in solution design.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and developing a team of solution architects.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex technology challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• In-depth knowledge of modern software architectures, including microservices, APIs, cloud computing, and data analytics.
• Excellent leader and trusted advisor with extensive experience of developing senior business relationships and shaping and underpinning business strategies
• Demonstrated ability in developing a culture that embraces innovation, and challenges existing paradigms without compromising business performance
• Familiarity with retail or fashion industry technology landscapes and trends is desirable.
• Experience in resource management, including workload allocation and performance optimization, for solution architects or similar roles.
• Membership or affiliation with relevant professional organizations (e.g., TOGAF) is a plus.
• An appropriate degree is preferred

• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with the ability to deliver best in class solutions in the face of changing business requirements and unforeseen circumstances.
• Genuine interest in the fashion industry and a passion for the Primark Brand.
• An affinity for the mission and vision of the Technology function and a passion to play a key role in shaping and achieving the success of the function.
• Creative and analytically minded, with a passion for turning data into storytelling and actionable insights.
• Creates trusted relationship and collaborates across multi-functional teams to successfully drive business objectives.
• An entrepreneurial thinker who seeks new opportunities and ways to create balanced business growth while improving operational capabilities.
• Promotes customer centricity and ensures focus on creating great customer experiences.
• Sets aggressive goals and is accountable for continuously driving improved performance, leading change and ensuring high standards
• Excellent planning and organisation skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and an ability to analyse and interrogate high volumes of data as well as demonstrating an ability to focus on higher level overview.
• Proven ability in managing sensitive matters whilst ensuring all Primark information remains confidential to the business.
• Accuracy, attention to detail and a “can do” pro-active approach is absolutely essential
• Be a collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal/communication skills.
• Operates with a high level of integrity, diplomacy, tact and professionalism.
• Effective and persuasive presentation skills.
• Ability to lead, influence and coach others