Overview

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. As a Solution Architect, you will ensure onshore and offshore technical teams understand the solution architecture and have a suitable framework in which 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 role designs robust, scalable solutions that integrate and transform data from a variety of sources to enable data-driven decision-making across departments and teams. You will champion architectural best practice, lead by example in technical excellence, and support continual improvement of our platforms. In a fast-paced Agile setting, you will help embed a culture of adaptability and innovation, ensuring our data and technology solutions empower strategic decisions.

What will you be doing?

Responsibilities

• Lead on solution design of architectures, systems & applications, with a strong preference towards Microsoft Azure.
• Collaborate with the development team to ensure adherence to the agreed solution architecture throughout the software development lifecycle, including participation in code reviews, technical planning, and sprint ceremonies.
• Ensure designs align with Enterprise Architecture and Product direction, meeting all functional and non-functional requirements.
• Stay up to date with the latest developments in identity improvement opportunities for The FA based on technical knowledge and industry trends.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of solution architecture as a practice.
• 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 governance of solution architecture, ensuring traceability between design decisions, standards and business value.
• Develop and maintain technical standards and best practices to improve performance and maintainability of applications.
• Shape epics and features early in the lifecycle with Product and Delivery, ensuring feasibility, cost-effectiveness and strategic alignment.
• Deliver and oversee solution architecture documentation, keeping it up to date within the Enterprise Architecture tooling (LeanIX) and project documents.
• Enable integrations across Microsoft Cloud (Azure, Office) and third-party COTS packages & solutions.
• Lead and collaborate with third-party technical staff, including offshore teams, to ensure development teams follow the agreed solution architecture.
• Execute additional tasks as required to meet The FA's changing priorities.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures to maintain the highest 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, with the level of check determined by the activity of the role and in line with legislation and government guidance.
• This role may require hybrid working; location and schedule details are described on the FA Careers page.

Qualifications

• Solution Architecture certification or degree, or 10+ years in the role, with extensive experience as a Solution Architect.
• Experience implementing ERP / Finance / HR systems (e.g., Workday).
• Extensive experience providing solution architecture on cloud platforms and in Agile delivery methodologies (especially Scrum).
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills; ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience leading design and integration efforts across complex systems.

Beneficial to have

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

What's in it for you?

We offer a competitive salary and opportunities to develop and grow in your role, including access to unique office spaces at Wembley and St. George's Park. We provide a range of benefits including event tickets, free meals, private medical cover, a contributory pension, additional leave, volunteering days, and a hybrid working model.