Overview

Solutions Architect - Workday (1yr FTC) role at The Football Association

Working as part of the Digital Technology (DT) division, you will be responsible for specifying and overseeing the solution architecture and design for digital products. You will ensure onshore and offshore technical teams understand the solution architecture and have a suitable framework to develop solutions within an Agile delivery framework. You will work with the Solution Architecture Practice and closely with the Enterprise Architecture team to align and assure designs, technical roadmaps, software, quality and the evaluation, selection and implementation of suitable Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) products as required. This will be achieved through the design and implementation of robust, scalable solutions that integrate and transform data from a variety of sources. Your mission is to architect high-quality, future-ready technology solutions that serve key stakeholders across multiple departments and teams, enabling data-driven decisions and a single point of truth for critical decision-making.

You will champion architectural best practice; lead by example in technical excellence; and support the continuous improvement of platforms. In a fast-paced Agile setting, you will help embed a culture of adaptability and innovation, ensuring data and technology solutions empower strategic decisions.

What will you be doing?

• Lead on solution design of architectures, systems and applications, with a strong preference towards Microsoft Azure.
• Lead and collaborate with the development team to ensure they follow the agreed solution architecture throughout the software development lifecycle. Participate in code reviews, technical planning, and sprint ceremonies.
• Ensure that designs align with Enterprise Architecture and Product direction, meeting all functional and non-functional requirements.
• Proactively stay up to date with the latest developments in identity improvement opportunities for The FA based on technical knowledge and industry trends.
• Actively participate in the development and continuous improvement of solution architecture as a practice.

Enable Solution Architecture Assurance Services

• Enable technology strategy and product alignment across multiple product teams by assuring deliveries to the DT Leadership team’s technology roadmap, FA business strategy and enterprise architecture blueprint.
• Define the governance of solution architecture, ensuring traceability between design decisions, standards, and business value.
• Develop and maintain technical standards and best practices, leveraging industry standards and continually improving processes to enhance performance and maintainability of applications.

Enable Solution Architecture Delivery Services

• Work with Product and Delivery to shape epics and features early in the lifecycle, ensuring feasibility, cost effectiveness and strategic alignment.
• Deliver and oversee solution architecture documentation, keeping it up to date, clear and complete within Enterprise Architecture tooling and project documents.
• Enable integrations across Microsoft Cloud (Azure, Office) and third-party COTS packages and solutions.
• Lead and collaborate with third-party technical staff, including offshore teams, to ensure development teams follow the agreed solution architecture.

Other

• Executes additional tasks as required to meet The FA’s changing priorities.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure high standards of health, safety and well-being.
• As part of The FA’s commitment to a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check in line with legislation and government guidance.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role

• Solution Architecture Certified or Degree educated or 10+ years in role, with Solution Architecture experience.
• Extensive experience as a Solution Architect.
• Experience in the implementation of ERP / Finance / HR systems (Workday).
• Extensive experience providing solution architecture on cloud platforms.
• Experience in Agile delivery methodology, especially Scrum.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to a non-technical audience.
• Ability to build good relationships with internal and external stakeholders and colleagues.

Beneficial to have

• Solutions Architect Expert certification (cloud).
• Prior technology lead experience and 3-5 years of developer experience.
• Experience in designing mobile and web applications.
• Experience designing/developing solutions on Microsoft Cloud and integrations with SaaS products.
• Technology experience within football or sporting associations/stadiums.
• Experience working with offshore teams.
• Knowledge of common enterprise software design patterns and integration design patterns.
• Understanding of DevOps and development best practices.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary and opportunities to develop and grow in your role.
• Unique office spaces at Wembley and St. George’s Park, with facilities to support high performance.
• Access to event day tickets, regular internal events, and support for mental health and well-being.
• Free, nutritious lunches at Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park.
• Free private medical cover and contributory pension scheme.
• Additional benefits including 25 days annual leave, volunteering days, and a hybrid working model.

For more information on what it is like to work at The FA, visit the FA Careers page. This role is currently offered on a hybrid basis with location-based expectations and potential adjustments in the future. The contractual location is listed on the FA Careers page. The FA is committed to inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities. DBS checks are required where appropriate for the role.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology