We’re a multi-channel, multi-brand business serving millions of customers a day, with the UK’s largest loyalty scheme and an ever-evolving set of digital platforms. All of this equals over 1.2 billion transactions each year, presenting a volume, depth and complexity of data that few can match.

We don’t think we’re exaggerating when we say we have the most exciting data set in the country. And from the insights gained, we build scalable, high-performance products using cutting-edge technology that give our customers an amazing shopping experience – like our award-winning Smartshop app. In an inclusive, agile environment, you’ll have the space to be curious, to experiment, and to solve real-world challenges. And you’ll get to see your creations in the hands of millions of people across the UK.

As a Senior Architect, you’ll plan and define a technical roadmap for your capability areas. You’ll work collaboratively with our engineering teams and leaders to shape and design new products and services that fit into an overall architecture for that area.

You’ll also shape and contribute to cloud-native designs being considered for future pieces of work – iterating existing components or designing new components from the ground up.

You’ll work in agile, empowered teams that contain all of the skills and support needed to put fantastic products in the hands of our customers and colleagues at pace. And in a culture that encourages teams to innovate, collaborate, learn and take ownership.

More about the role

• Create cloud-native designs for future pieces of work – iterating existing components or designing new components from the ground up. Work in tandem with Product Managers and Engineers to explore and experiment with different solution options
• Work alongside Engineering Managers and Senior Engineering Managers to develop and communicate an overall technical architecture, roadmap, and strategy for their area of responsibility
• Influence how teams within your area of responsibility design and build components that help deliver your roadmap, encouraging teams to work on the components that add most value
• Contribute to and drive the adoption of our overall technology principles across your area of responsibility
• Work with the broader architecture community of practice sharing your design ideas to promote re-use and drive new innovation across teams beyond your area of responsibility
• Strong understanding of the technology landscape in their area of responsibility – how the components operate together and the technology used to do this
• Good understanding of modern engineering techniques and cloud-native design ideas
• Building trust and high levels of personal credibility and confidence in own technical expertise
• Being results orientated with a bias for action, underpinned by evidence, data and strong judgement
• Planning ahead and working with product and business teams to prioritise and shape the work of engineers and others across their area of responsibility
• Considering multiple viewpoints, often beyond own team remit and coming up with creative solutions when faced with difficult detailed technical problems
• Manage a small team of Architects and ensure they have the support required to deliver value and progress their careers

More about you

• Good architecture and solution design experience
• Experience of working as part of (or alongside) engineering teams to create conceptual, logical and physical solution designs that operate within agreed guide rails
• Good understanding of modern engineering practices and cloud-native design techniques
• Experience of working with Product teams to develop architectural roadmaps and blueprints for their area of responsibility
• Experience in evolving architectures and emergent design – the development of target and transition states that modernize and simplify the technology landscape for their area
• Flexibility - the ability to take an holistic view and consider multiple viewpoints, to come up with creative solutions
• Experience of leading a team

As well as lots of on-the-job training and endless opportunities, you’ll get:

• Colleague discount across our multi-brands – Sainsbury’s, Argos and Habitat
• Holiday allowance
• Bonus scheme
• Pension plan
• Special offers on gym memberships, restaurants, holidays, retail vouchers and more

Work-life balance is important to us, so we offer our colleagues as much flexibility as possible in line with the needs of their role. We trust them to decide how, where and when they work, combining remote and collaborative working with a flexible approach to hours, giving them plenty of time and space for life outside of work whilst delivering against our business goals.