VodafoneThree - Solution Architect

Vodafone Group Plc; Newbury; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

28 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension plan

Flexible benefits

Charity time off

Job summary

Vodafone Group Plc in Newbury is seeking an experienced API Platform Architect to define and evolve our cloud-native API strategy, architecture patterns, and technology standards, collaborating with digital, platform and enterprise teams.

You will guide solution architects, review designs for alignment with principles, promote simplicity and scalability, and partner with engineering to ensure security and reliability across enterprise-scale digital services, in a flexible hybrid setup.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience designing and delivering cloud-native, microservices‑based APIs for large‑scale customer‑facing platforms.
• Strong expertise in modern cloud architectures, including containerised and serverless solutions.
• Solid understanding of SOLID object‑oriented design principles and how to apply them to real‑world solutions.
• Knowledge of RESTful API design and experience with authentication and authorisation standards such as OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect.
• You’ll understand security best practices, including the OWASP Top 10 and approaches to mitigating common vulnerabilities.
• You’ll be a confident communicator who can translate complex technical concepts for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• You’ll have experience working within Agile environments, using methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, or Lean.
• You’ll be comfortable developing architecture roadmaps, business cases, and phased transformation plans that move organisations from current‑state to future‑state solutions.
• Experience with event‑driven architecture patterns will be highly valued.
• Knowledge of TM Forum‑compliant APIs will be advantageous.
• Experience with Java and the Spring framework will be beneficial.
• Exposure to AI agents, agentic frameworks, or intelligent integration patterns will be a plus.
• Cloud architecture certification, such as AWS Associate Architect or an equivalent qualification, will be welcomed.
• Most importantly, you’ll be passionate about collaboration, continuous improvement, and creating inclusive technology solutions that deliver meaningful business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• You’ll help define and evolve our API platform strategy, architecture patterns, and technology standards.
• You’ll collaborate with digital, platform, and enterprise architecture teams to shape future roadmap priorities and solution designs.
• You’ll guide and support solution architects across the business, providing expertise on complex API platform enhancements and architecture decisions.
• You’ll review solution designs to ensure alignment with architectural principles, target state architecture, and long‑term strategic goals.
• You’ll champion simplicity, scalability, and cost effectiveness by encouraging the use of existing platform capabilities wherever possible.
• You’ll work closely with engineering teams to ensure the platform continues to meet performance, security, and service availability requirements.
• You’ll enable delivery teams to succeed by providing clear direction, reference architectures, and technical guidance that supports greater autonomy and confidence.
• You’ll contribute to the creation of high‑quality digital products that serve customers at enterprise scale.

Skills

Cloud-native APIs

Microservices

REST API design

OAuth 2.0 / OpenID Connect

Java / Spring

Agile (Scrum/Kanban)

Tools

Spring Framework

OAuth 2.0

OpenID Connect

Job description

Location: Newbury + Hybrid

Salary: Excellent basic salary plus bonus and Vodafone benefits

Working hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday

Hybrid

We believe that through collaboration and connection with our colleagues we can achieve great things. Our hybrid working approach allows our people to work both in the office and at home, providing the flexibility and resources you need to succeed in your role. We don't require you to be in on specific days; instead, we ask people to come into the office 2-3 days each week, for at least 8 days per month. You should work with your line manager to understand what their expectations are for you, your specific role and your team.

Who We Are

We’re here to build a network the UK can count on – one that connects people, places and potential. Because no matter where you live, what your background is, or how you get online – we think everyone deserves the same chance to stay connected, and with VodafoneThree, that future’s being built – today.

We’re creating more than the UK’s best network. We’re helping close the digital divide, empower communities and drive meaningful progress.

We believe that everyone should feel they belong. Whoever you are and whatever your story, there’s space for you here. We’re building a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, voices are heard, and everyone feels safe to show up as themselves.

You’ll join a team that genuinely cares – about each other, about our customers, and about the future we’re building. From day one, you’ll be welcomed, valued and encouraged to bring your whole self to work.

Why VodafoneThree

Join us and you’ll be at the heart of change. That means building responsibly, investing sustainably and creating opportunities that last.

We’re not just expanding connectivity; we’re reimagining what a connected nation looks like. With £11bn invested in 5G and digital infrastructure, your work will directly power businesses, services, and communities across the country.

You’ll work on real challenges, with real impact, across every corner of the country. Wherever you join us, whatever your role, you’ll be helping to build a future that works better for everyone.

We move at pace, because what we’re building matters – and we’re learning as we go. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re just getting started.

Join our Technology team and push the boundaries of tech to make a better world today and create the ground‑breaking products and services of tomorrow.

What you’ll do

• You’ll help define and evolve our API platform strategy, architecture patterns, and technology standards.
• You’ll collaborate with digital, platform, and enterprise architecture teams to shape future roadmap priorities and solution designs.
• You’ll guide and support solution architects across the business, providing expertise on complex API platform enhancements and architecture decisions.
• You’ll review solution designs to ensure alignment with architectural principles, target state architecture, and long‑term strategic goals.
• You’ll champion simplicity, scalability, and cost effectiveness by encouraging the use of existing platform capabilities wherever possible.
• You’ll work closely with engineering teams to ensure the platform continues to meet performance, security, and service availability requirements.
• You’ll enable delivery teams to succeed by providing clear direction, reference architectures, and technical guidance that supports greater autonomy and confidence.
• You’ll contribute to the creation of high‑quality digital products that serve customers at enterprise scale.

Who you are

• You’ll bring extensive experience designing and delivering cloud-native, microservices‑based APIs for large‑scale customer‑facing platforms.
• You’ll have strong expertise in modern cloud architectures, including containerised and serverless solutions, managed services, and scalable application design.
• You’ll have a solid understanding of SOLID object‑oriented design principles and how to apply them to real‑world solutions.
• You’ll possess deep knowledge of RESTful API design and experience with authentication and authorisation standards such as OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect.
• You’ll understand security best practices, including the OWASP Top 10 and approaches to mitigating common vulnerabilities.
• You’ll be a confident communicator who can translate complex technical concepts for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• You’ll have experience working within Agile environments, using methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, or Lean.
• You’ll be comfortable developing architecture roadmaps, business cases, and phased transformation plans that move organisations from current‑state to future‑state solutions.
• Experience with event‑driven architecture patterns will be highly valued.
• Knowledge of TM Forum‑compliant APIs will be advantageous.
• Experience with Java and the Spring framework will be beneficial.
• Exposure to AI agents, agentic frameworks, or intelligent integration patterns will be a plus.
• Cloud architecture certification, such as AWS Associate Architect or an equivalent qualification, will be welcomed.
• Most importantly, you’ll be passionate about collaboration, continuous improvement, and creating inclusive technology solutions that deliver meaningful business outcomes.

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly?

We know that everyone is unique, with multiple aspects to their identity and different experiences behind them. We are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background.

What we offer

We care about our people’s success by offering great pay, bonuses, up to 28 days off plus bank holidays, and paid time for charity work. You can personalise our benefits for you and your family, like discounts, vouchers, a pension plan and loads more. We help with your career through our amazing learning tools and top‑note parental leave policies.

Need to Know

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and all offers of employment for this role are subject to background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks to meet the regulator’s standards.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, or assistive technology, please refer to the Accessibility section of our Careers website (https://careers.vodafone.com/uk/reasonable-adjustments/) for guidance.

We use AI in different parts of our business to boost innovation, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities. We know many candidates use AI to fine‑tune their CVs or prepare for interviews, but what we really care about is your unique experiences and achievements.

During the interview, we want you to rely on your own knowledge and skills to show us who you really are—your personality, creativity, and abilities. Above all, we’re looking for authenticity and can’t wait to get to know the real you.