Solutions Architect

Job Description

Function OverviewThe IT Strategy & Architecture function is responsible for:

• Developing the IT strategy to complement the firms business plans
• Defining the roadmap to deliver the strategy
• Developing and implementing architectural principles, standards, policies and solution governance
• Ensuring the appropriate architecture governance is applied throughout the IT delivery lifecycle.

The Strategy & Architecture function will ensure that firm-wide objectives are understood and translated into specific IT strategies, initiatives and investments, and that these objectives are informed by the capabilities, opportunities and threats createdby technology. Additionally, the function will consolidate and rationalise methods, processes, frameworks and standards across the Firm and the entire IT delivery lifecycle.Key ResponsibilitiesOur software delivery teams work in Agile, iterative increments and deliver specialist Products to enable innovative services to our customers. The teams work from Product Backlogs that are defined by our Product Owners and Solution Owners who work togetherto refine Business as well as Technical requirements.The Solutions Owner will be working in this agile, product led environment, responsible for architectural design at an application specific level (eg. HR Systems or Data Integration), working closely with specialist functions such as security Architecture,and Ops, to ensure products meet requirements and fit with the enterprise roadmap.QualificationsEssential

• A strong background in software development and solution design.
• Experience in applying architectural principles into programme delivery to ensure solution alignment with strategy;
• Experience supporting business transformation in an Agile environment.
• Developing high level design and solution architecture artefacts.
• Experience of working in hybrid (Cloud and on-prem) environments.
• Leadership skills, demonstrated through precious technical or team leadership roles.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Management and representation of software solutions to technical governance boards and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience ensuring effective continuous feedback loops between delivery teams and specialist practices.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with architectural tools and frameworks such as TOGAF, Zachman, LeanIX.
• Vendor management
• Enterprise Integration platforms and related technologies ( RESDT, JSON, XML etc.)

Freshfields OverviewFreshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a major international law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it most matters, wherever in the world that may be. The Firm hasover 2,400 lawyers in 28 offices around the world, providing a comprehensive service to national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments.Our people make our firm - we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determinedto do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams. Our culture is a product of the combined mindsets and behaviours of our people which is through the Being Freshfields principles, outlined below:

• we show respect to everyone
• we are there for one another
• we are open with each other
• we are positive role models

We think and work globally - we dont just say we are one firm; we act like one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us. This is how we define ourselves, not by reference to where we have offices. Cross-border work isnt just whatwe do, it is what we excel at. We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps.We aim to add value in everything we do - we are passionate about helping our clients succeed. We use our experience and creativity to help clients make judgements and achieve their goals. In everything we do, we seek to make a real difference to the communitiesin which we operate.The Freshfields Global Centre provides both business and legal services to the firm. Our services are delivered in a way which supports the global nature of our firm and our clients, enables our fee earners to deliver exceptional service to our clients andto do that in a way which is efficient and effective.Freshfields is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to developing a culture that values differences, reognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds make important and positive contributions to our business and how we service ourclients.InclusionFreshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. Alloffers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and takea number of factors into account (e.g. the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.