Solutions Architect

Job content

Flexible and remote working is an option, but must be able to attend Milton Keynes as required.Change your career, change livesThe Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.The Chief Information Office (CIO) Portfolio bring trusted design, data and technology know-how to the delivery of lifelong learning.CIOP are responsible for the digital information, systems and technologies used by staff and students across The Open University. Covering all aspects of digital technology at the OU, from sourcing and maintaining systems, through to providing frontline IT support for staff and students.The roleThe Open University is recruiting aSolutions Architect.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Solutions Architects to join the External Engagement product teams within IT. You will work with the business, analysts, and the technical team to architect great solutions that enable our staff to deliver fantastic services to our students, owning the solution architecture from inception through to delivery.Your design role will be varied, including solutions based on SaaS, integrating them using APIs, as well bespoke solutions using Microsoft .Net development. You may be overseeing the architecture for brand new strategic digital platforms, as well as working on improvements to the existing technical estate and integrations. You will ensure that Architecture is aligned to our strategic direction and adheres to our principles and processes.As part of the wider architecture community, you will work to shape our architecture, developing patterns and standards, and supporting your colleagues to achieve their goals and covering where necessary.Skills And Experience

• A degree level qualification with a significant computing element or relevant industry experience
• Demonstrable understanding of IT architectural frameworks such as TOGAF
• Proven ability to design and document solutions based on business requirements
• Evidence of excellent written and verbal communications with the ability to deliver messages in a language relevant to the audiences
• Experience of successfully working with agile development teams including both internal staff, external suppliers, and consultancies
• Excellent skills of negotiation, influencing and conflict resolution
• An ability to gain influence and trust with business and technical stakeholders at all levels of an organisation

More information can be provided via a link to the Job Description .If you would like to discuss the application or recruitment process before making an application, please contact Jo Beach at Resourcing Hub on 01908 655544 or jo.beach@open.ac.uk quoting the reference VRF 21004.What You Get In ReturnWe have a strong commitment to providing training and development in and beyond your current role. This includes thorough induction into the organisation and regular reviews of your training and development needs.We also offer a great range of benefits that support our employees and their families for the long term. Staff Benefits include an attractive pension proposition and 33 days holiday per annum pro rata, plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure days.How To ApplyUnless otherwise stated in the advert, all applications are completed online via the "Apply Now" link below. Applications submitted via 3 rd party websites will not be received.Access details for disabled applicants are available from the Resourcing Hub, telephone: 01908 655544, quoting the vacancy reference above.To apply for this role please submit the following as one document;

• CV
• Personal statement, up to 1,000 words , you should set out in your statement why you’re interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competencies for this role as detailed in the job and person specification.

Please save your document with the following file name as appropriate to the vacancy you are applying for: 21004, surname, forename.You will need to have your documents ready ahead of submitting the electronic application. Please click on the APPLY NOW button below to be redirected to our application page.APPLY NOWYou will receive updates regarding your application from resourcing-applications@open.ac.uk . Please ensure this email address is added to your list of trusted senders so it does not go to your junk folder.You can view your application communications on the Candidate portal .Closing Date:21st July 2023 at 12 noonFind out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link).The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.