Head of Application Engineering and Architecture

Head of Application Engineering and Architecture

Reference number: JR242983

Location: Hybrid working - home and our office in London Bridge

Working pattern: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Number of roles: 1

Salary: £100,000-£110,000 per annum

We are looking for a Head of Application Engineering and Architecture to join our team.

We are seeking an experienced and innovative “Head of Application Engineering and Architecture” to lead and manage our software engineering, solution architecture, and QA teams. This is a senior role within the Kaplan International Pathways Technology team, being one of two reports into the KI Pathways IT Director, and accountable for design and delivery of scalable and high-performance applications and solutions to enable the Kaplan International Pathways business to meet its strategic business goals – while still being a team player who brings others on the journey.

A detailed job description can be viewed here. If the link does not work for you, please copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: https://tinyurl.com/2xpt35d4

What you’ll bring to the role

Essential:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.

• Several years of experience working in similar roles, demonstrating Architectural leadership at Solution and Enterprise levels; preferably leading a small team of Architects

• Proven track record of managing and delivering complex software projects.

• Strong knowledge of a broad spectrum of different technologies, software development methodologies, architectural patterns, and best practices, with a clear understanding of modern architectural approaches and how best to apply these.

• Broad experience with a number of different technology stacks and approaches –including Evolutionary Architecture, Micro-services, AWS, PHP, Java, Javascript /Node, and so on.

• Experience with cloud platforms (specifically, AWS, Google Cloud) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).

• Experience in finding and understanding synergies between processes and businesses, allowing for overall simplification and alignment of architectural designs

• Experience with large scale transformation programmes; preferably representing a strong or leadership voice within the programme

• Demonstrated experience rolling out Architectural frameworks and approaches that drive alignment and efficiency

• Experience growing relationships with, presenting to and aligning Senior Leadership to Architectural vision and strategy

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically and analytically.

• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Can articulate key technical concepts in an accessible manner to non-technical stakeholders, technical teams and end users.

• Ability to lead and inspire teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

Desirable:

• Certification in project management (PMP, Agile) or architecture (TOGAF) is a plus.

• Experience working with offshore development teams.

What we do

Kaplan International Pathways is a leading provider of global education centred around our students. Whoever they are, and wherever they are in the world, our goal is to help them achieve their goals.

We offer a range of study options to our students – ranging from degree preparation and direct admission, helping students to receive a life-changing education. Our partnerships with over 40 universities worldwide create wonderful opportunities for students, education agents, sponsors and more. Kaplan International Pathways guides more than 20,000 students to university each year. Our strong partnerships with universities in the UK, USA and Australia have opened up amazing educational opportunities to students from across the globe.

Our success story is underpinned by our overall mission – to connect students, agents, sponsors and partner universities by matching life-changing international education opportunities with individual needs and aspirations.

Technology is at the heart of what we do, as the digital expectations of our customers continue to increase.

Our Technical Leads and Engineering teams forge the delivery of the agreed roadmaps, by using their deep technical knowledge and expertise to ensure that the right technologies, frameworks, and methodologies, are chosen, and safeguarding that any technical solutions are robust and scalable.

Our Solution Architecture capability work hard to ensure that IT systems and solutions are aligned with the overall business strategy, helping achieve business objectives more efficiently and effectively.

Our QA teams is essential in ensuring that our developed products and services meet exacting standards of quality before they reach our customers – whether they be internal or external.

What we offer

As well as a competitive salary, hybrid/home working where possible, and paths for career progression, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 28 days annual leave*
• Big discounts on Kaplan courses for you and your family
• 24/7 confidential helpline providing counselling and other support services
• Company pension contributions
• Maternity, Adoption, Shared Parental and Paternity/Partner pay which is well above statutory levels
• Medicash Health Cash Plan

*Please note that the annual leave entitlement will be calculated on a pro rata basis if the role is part time.

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit a CV along with a Cover Letter detailing how you meet the requirements of the role no later than 11 November 2024. Note, we recommend that you apply at the earliest as we reserve the right to close the role before the closing date if we have gathered a suitable shortlist.

The recruitment process will involve 3 stages:

• Vetting stage
• Competency Interview
• Further interview with senior members of the function

Additional Application Information

As part of our commitment to safeguarding, depending on the nature of the role, successful candidates may be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Application Support

If you require support completing the application or wish to talk to someone about the role, please email the Recruitment Team [email protected].

Disability Confident Scheme and Reasonable Adjustments

At Kaplan International Pathways, we're dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive global workforce. As equal opportunity employers, we ensure fair treatment for all employees, safeguarding them from discrimination based on protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010, and beyond.

We actively welcome individuals from varied backgrounds to apply for roles within our organisation, appreciating the distinct viewpoints and contributions they offer. We especially encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with visible and hidden disabilities, and individuals of any age or family status.

Following the submission of an application, applicants will receive details of how to request their application be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme. Applicants will also be given information on how to request reasonable adjustments if selected for interview.

Our Employee Resource Groups

We proudly endorse and provide a platform for our Employee Resource Groups, such as Kaplan Pride, Higher Ground Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage Group, Kaplan Ability, Kaplan Women and Parents and Carers. These groups serve as vital forums for support, connection, and advocacy within our company.