Solutions Architect

Ddgroup; Witham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discount portal

SmartPay loan scheme

Cycle2Work scheme

33 days annual leave

Birthday day off

Company pension

Dental plan

Sick pay and life assurance

Eye care vouchers

Mental health support

Job summary

DD Group is seeking an experienced Solutions Architect to shape technology solutions and provide governance across ERP, data and operating models. The role collaborates with IT, stakeholders and suppliers to translate requirements into practical designs while aligning with future ERP and data strategies.

The position is hybrid with three days in our Witham, Essex offices and flexibility to work at other Group sites. Fixed-term PAYE to 30 June 2027, with potential funding beyond pending approval.

Qualifications

• Significant solution architecture experience in complex multi-system environments.
• Experience delivering architecture across ERP, integration and legacy projects.
• Strong knowledge of integration and data architecture.
• Good understanding of governance, principles, patterns and standards.
• Ability to assess options considering risks, costs and dependencies.
• Experience with modern and legacy technologies and bringing structure to ambiguity.
• Comfortable working with business stakeholders, technical teams and third parties.
• Able to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Strong communication to explain concepts, options and risks.
• Experience with ERP platforms (Dynamics 365, Sage, NetSuite) advantageous.
• Exposure to C#, Delphi or COBOL beneficial.
• Relevant degree with architecture certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Own the solution architecture for projects and change initiatives.
• Assess designs across ERP, integration, data, security and operations.
• Ensure interim solutions align with ERP roadmap and minimise debt.
• Maintain documentation covering current and target architecture and dependencies.
• Define architecture principles, patterns and standards.
• Support resilience testing and remediation for critical systems.
• Govern data extraction and integration approaches for ERP readiness.
• Review designs from suppliers and third parties.
• Translate business requirements into viable options.
• Provide architectural assurance through governance and risk documentation.
• Support technology modernisation balancing near-term needs with long-term strategy.

Skills

Solution architecture

ERP integration

Data architecture

Technical governance

Stakeholder collaboration

Legacy modernization

Risk assessment

ERP platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Architecture certification desirable

Tools

C#

Delphi

COBOL

Job description

We’re looking for an experienced Solutions Architect to join our IT team and play a key role in shaping the technology solutions that support DD Group’s continued transformation. You’ll provide solution architecture and technical governance across a varied portfolio of change, ensuring solutions are resilient, well-integrated and aligned with our future Group ERP, data and operating model.

Working across a diverse technology landscape, you’ll collaborate with IT teams, business stakeholders, suppliers and third parties to turn requirements into practical solutions. We’re looking for broad technical capability, curiosity and someone energised by new challenges. The ability to engage with unfamiliar technologies, ask the right questions and shape a clear route forward matters more than deep expertise in every system.

Contract and working arrangements

This is a fixed-term PAYE employment contract running until 30 June 2027. We intend to seek funding to continue the role beyond that date, subject to approval through our next financial-year budgeting process, and this cannot be guaranteed.

Hybrid working is available, with a default expectation of three days each week in our offices, primarily Witham, Essex. You’ll have flexibility to work from other Group sites where required.

Main duties

• Own the solution architecture for assigned projects and change initiatives.
• Assess solution designs across ERP, integration, data, security and operational requirements.
• Ensure interim solutions align with our future Group ERP and minimise unnecessary technical debt.
• Maintain documentation covering current and target architecture, integrations and system dependencies.
• Define and promote pragmatic architecture principles, patterns and standards.
• Support recovery design, resilience testing and remediation for critical systems.
• Govern data extraction and integration approaches supporting ERP and data readiness.
• Review solution designs and technical deliverables from suppliers and third parties.
• Translate business requirements and processes into viable solution options.
• Provide architectural assurance through change governance, ensuring key decisions, risks and dependencies are understood and documented.
• Support technology modernisation while balancing immediate business needs with longer-term strategic objectives.

Illustrative projects

Depending on your appointment date and programme timing, you may lead the technical solution design for work such as:

• Integrating an acquired business using an OrderWise ERP platform with a larger Group business running bespoke C# and Delphi ERP applications. The focus is on designing back-to-back purchasing and end-to‑end process integration rather than replacing either core system.
• Integrating new packing and sealing machinery into our principal UK warehouse, designing the solution across the business application, integration and PLC layers.
• Structuring value‑add activity around an existing Dynamics 365 Finance ERP system, supporting processes such as document management and accounts payable automation.
• Enabling modern mobile warehouse processes for one of our European businesses while retaining and integrating with its established COBOL- and Delphi‑based core systems.
• Applying artificial intelligence to operational processes and data across a varied Group technology landscape, selecting practical solutions that deliver measurable value.

About you

• Significant solution architecture experience within complex, multi-system environments.
• Experience delivering architecture across ERP, integration and legacy modernisation programmes.
• Strong knowledge of integration and data architecture.
• Good understanding of technical governance and architecture principles, patterns and standards.
• Able to assess solution options considering technical risks, dependencies, costs and longer‑term implications.
• Comfortable working across modern and legacy technologies and bringing structure to uncertain challenges.
• Comfortable working with business stakeholders, technical teams, suppliers and third parties.
• Able to translate complex business requirements into practical technical solutions.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts, options and risks.
• Experience with Dynamics 365, Sage, NetSuite or other ERP platforms would be advantageous.
• Exposure to bespoke applications and technologies such as C#, Delphi or COBOL would be beneficial.
• A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience, with an architecture certification desirable.

What we offer

• Comprehensive employee discounts portal for shopping, gym memberships and days out
• Interest‑free SmartPay loan scheme
• Cycle2Work scheme
• 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays)
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Company pension scheme
• Dental plan
• Company sick pay, life assurance and enhanced family leave
• Eye care vouchers
• Mental health support and virtual GP service

Who are DD Group?

DD Group is a leading provider of products, services and solutions to the dental and healthcare sectors. We support customers across the UK and beyond through an extensive range of products, equipment, digital solutions and specialist services. Our people are at the heart of what we do, and you’ll join a business focused on great customer service while continuing to invest in our people, technology and future growth.