Solutions Architect

About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law.

Department/Role overview

Working within the Enterprise Architecture Team, the purpose of this role is to design solutions that meet business needs. To be responsible for solutions end to end across all architectural domains. To contribute towards architecture maturity by challenging the status quo.

Facilitating the implementation of all architectures through the various IT teams and technology partners. These IT Architectures must support the overall Ashurst business strategy.

We are a global team of architects with, enterprise, solutions and domain specific architects (cloud, integration, security, network, business etc)

If you want to join a maturing team where your voice can be heard, where you can make a difference with solutions that can have enterprise wide impact, Ashurst EA is the place for you.

This role reports to the Architecture Team Lead.

Main responsibilities

Ashurst is transforming its target operating model and the way it delivers essential business services in support of the employee and client lifecycles - making it easier to do business with and (and within) Ashurst.

We are seeking a talented Solutions Architect to join our team and contribute to the implementation of innovative solutions for implementation of our firms strategy. The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar role. You will also have a solid background in solutions architecture working across all domains. You will collaborate with clients both technical and business orientated to define requirements, create architectural designs, and oversee the successful implementation of solutions. You will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions

• Experienced in solving business problems with solutions that meet requirements
• Experienced in Identifying and evaluates alternative architectures and the trade-offs in cost, performance and scalability. Determines and documents architecturally significant decisions
• Contributes towards the maturity of all Ashurst architectures and artefacts. Principles, standards, policies, diagrams, matrix's etc
• Leads the development of solution architectures in specific business, infrastructure or functional areas
• Ensure that Architecture is, and is recognised as, a valuable asset to Ashurst
• Ensures that relevant technical strategies, policies, standards and practices (including security) are applied correctly
• Be a vocal member of the existing global architecture community within Ashurst, with presentations, challenges, peer reviews and offering insight into areas of interest

Architectural Governance:

• Participate in the design authority process from a solutions and governance point of view
• Provides technical guidance and governance on solution development and integration. Evaluates requests for changes and deviations from specifications and recommends actions
• Ensure that documented standards and working practices are followed
• Act as an ambassador for Architecture and Ashurst
• Analyse the current architecture to identify weaknesses, develop opportunities for improvements, and recommend new sustainable best practice approaches
• Support project working groups across the full delivery lifecycle from business consultation, to design then implementation and service transition

Risk and Control:

• Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies

Essential skills and experience

• Knowledge of Enterprise Architecture frameworks (TOGAF or other) and experience/understanding of modelling within an enterprise architecture tool. Ideally OrbusInfinity (this can be taught)
• Have demonstrable experience in design, governance, implementation and other architecture related activities
• Demonstrate a good knowledge of IT industry trends, suppliers and products, preferably in the legal sector (not essential)
• Promote an environment that encourages collaboration, team working and innovation
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal including active listening

Background checks

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.