Application Architect – Global Publisher

JR United Kingdom; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global educational publisher is seeking an experienced Application Architect to join their Global Technology team in Oxford. This role involves designing scalable application solutions, leading technical design, and collaborating with various stakeholders to align solutions with business goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong development background and proven experience in application architecture, particularly with technologies like Java and Python.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in application/software architecture.
• Strong development background with Java, Python, Node.js, ReactJS.
• Cloud platform expertise (AWS, Azure) and CI/CD practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design and architecture of digital products.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Ensure adherence to architectural, security, quality, and coding standards.

Skills

Application/software architecture

Java

Python

Node.js

ReactJS

AWS

Azure

CI/CD practices

Agile methodologies

API integration

Data processing (XML, JSON)

UX best practices

Leadership

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Application Architect – Global Publisher

Location: Oxfordshire (2 days a week onsite)

About the Role

Our client, a leading global educational publisher, is seeking an experienced Application Architect to join their dynamic Global Technology team. Their digital products support researchers, teachers, and learners across academic and educational institutions, including platforms for content, assessment, learning, research, and eCommerce.

As an Application Architect, you will play a critical role in designing scalable and robust application solutions. You will work closely with product and system owners, enterprise and solution architects, and cross-functional delivery teams to define, develop, and implement solutions that align with technical and business goals.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the technical design and architecture of digital products across diverse platforms.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business requirements into clear technical solutions.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership to internal and partner development teams.
• Ensure adherence to architectural, security, quality, and coding standards.
• Support DevOps practices and foster continuous delivery and integration.
• Deliver applications on time, within budget, and aligned to strategic architecture goals.
• Champion UX best practices across solutions.
• Contribute to long-term technology strategy through reusable frameworks and architectural governance.

What We’re Looking For

Must-Have Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in application/software architecture.
• Strong development background with technologies such as Java, Python, Node.js, ReactJS.
• Cloud platform expertise (AWS, Azure) and CI/CD practices.
• Experience working in Agile environments (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe).
• Solid understanding of data processing (XML, JSON), API integration, and enterprise architecture principles.
• Strong communicator who can explain complex technical solutions to non-technical stakeholders.
• Skilled in leading engineering teams, both internal and third-party.
• Track record of delivering robust, scalable solutions.

Nice-to-Have:

• Experience in digital publishing or educational technology sectors.
• Familiarity with DevOps, containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Exposure to AI and Machine Learning.
• Experience with UX/UI alignment and front-end usability.