Principal Solutions Architect

Cox Automotive; Leeds; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Leeds is seeking a Principal Solution Architect to lead the transformation of their technology estate into a unified cloud-based platform. The ideal candidate will drive collaborative solution efforts, define cloud-native architecture, and guide experienced teams in delivering top-tier solutions. Key requirements include a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and significant experience in cloud environments, software engineering, and team leadership. This role offers the opportunity to impact key business domains across the UK and Europe.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in software development for mid-size to large corporations.
• 3+ years in a cloud-native environment.
• experience managing large teams and software delivery projects.

Responsibilities

• Drive collaborative solution efforts to understand business needs.
• Define cloud-native architecture solutions.
• Lead teams of architects and delivery leaders.
• Articulate solution designs to organization levels.
• Maintain and communicate Architecture Blueprint.

Skills

Software engineering

Communication skills

Team leadership

Solution architecture

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Tools

.NET

AWS

SQL

No-SQL databases

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Are you ready to be a part of a transformative journey in the world of technology? At Cox Automotive Product and Technology Group (CAPTG), we are revolutionising our technology estate to create a unified, cloud‑based platform that supports our UK and European businesses. We are looking for a dynamic and innovative Principal Solution Architect to lead this exciting transformation.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

• Innovative Projects: Be at the forefront of modernising our product portfolio into a broad offering of reusable services delivered in the cloud. You'll help deliver industry‑leading experiences that our customers love.
• Impactful Role: As a technological change agent, you'll build world‑class solutions for key business domains including digital marketplace, inventory management, vehicle servicing, merchandising, and fleet ownership.
• Collaborative Environment: Work closely with engineering, product, technology, transformation and business partners across the UK and Europe to design next‑generation, customer‑facing, software‑as‑a‑service applications.

What You'll Do

• Lead and Innovate: Drive collaborative solutioning efforts to understand business needs, define target state architecture, and create value‑driven, iterative roadmaps.
• Architect and Implement: Define cloud‑native architecture solutions and collaborate with Product and Engineering teams for their implementation.
• Guide and Mentor: Lead teams of experienced architects and delivery leaders, facilitating design discussions, driving technical design reviews and ensuring successful delivery.
• Communicate and Influence: Articulate solution designs to all levels of the organization and drive successful delivery throughout discovery, development, testing and release.
• Maintain Standards: Work with the wider Architecture team to maintain and communicate an Architecture Blueprint for the enterprise, showcasing current state, target state and vision for all product and technology solutions.

Educational Background

Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or relevant industry experience.

Technical Expertise

• Strong software engineering background with hands‑on experience in .NET, AWS, SQL & No‑SQL databases and event‑driven systems.
• Proficiency in coding, REST API design, microservice implementation and container technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.

Interpersonal Skills

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to work with technical and non-technical stakeholders. An influencer who can articulate arguments well and is comfortable working with a wide range of people.

Experience

5+ years in software development for mid‑size to large corporations, 3+ years in a cloud‑native environment, and experience managing large teams and software delivery projects.

Ready to Make an Impact?