IT Solution Architect

Company Description

At Aramark we empower our people to create experiences that matter.
 
We share a passion for hospitality, it’s at the foundation of everything we do. Hospitality excellence is brought to life by our people every day. We embrace our responsibility to our people, our communities, and our planet. While the services we provide, and the industries we serve, are extensive, we never waver from our people-first approach.

Job Description

Are you someone who enjoys solving complex problems, influencing technology strategy, and turning great ideas into practical solutions? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Aramark UK and play a leading role in shaping how technology supports our business. As our Solution Architect, you'll work closely with senior IT leaders and project teams to design scalable, secure, and future-ready solutions that make a real impact.

You'll have the rare chance to build our Solution Architecture capability from the ground up, establishing the standards, principles, and governance that will guide technology decisions across the organisation. From major transformation programmes to everyday technology improvements, your expertise will help create a more integrated, efficient, and sustainable technology landscape.

We're looking for a hands on architect who can think strategically, collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, and bring clarity to complex challenges. In return, you'll have the opportunity to influence key decisions, drive meaningful change, and leave a lasting mark on the future of technology at Aramark UK.

Key Benefits:

• Generous annual leave that increases in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra
• Competitive salary and hybrid working
• Life assurance and pension scheme
• Benefits app: access to 100s of discounts, free mortgage advice, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, online GP appointments, and our Employee Assistance Programme

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and evolve the UK IT architecture landscape, defining current and future-state solutions across infrastructure, applications, data, POS and cloud.
• Develop and maintain architecture standards, principles and design patterns that enable scalable, sustainable solutions.
• Produce key architecture artefacts, including solution designs, ADRs, integration maps and data flows.
• Identify technical debt, assess risks and deliver prioritised remediation roadmaps.
• Provide architecture leadership across the IT change portfolio, from concept through to delivery.
• Partner with project, infrastructure, applications, POS and data teams to ensure solutions are fit for the future.
• Evaluate vendor and third-party solutions for technical suitability, integration and strategic fit.
• Support major transformation initiatives, including POS, data, network and business mobilisation programmes.
• Champion best-practice architecture and build strong relationships across IT and the wider business.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable business recommendations.
• Ensure solutions align with architecture standards, security requirements and compliance obligations.
• Advise on emerging technologies, including cloud, AI, automation and integration platforms.

Qualifications

• Degree in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in Solution Architecture or senior technical design roles, ideally within retail, hospitality or multi-site environments.
• Strong understanding of architecture frameworks and best practices (e.g. TOGAF, Zachman).
• Experience designing solutions across infrastructure, applications, integrations, data and cloud.
• Knowledge of enterprise technologies including POS, Microsoft 365, Azure, networking, identity, endpoint management, Snowflake and Power BI.
• Good understanding of cybersecurity, data protection and compliance standards, including GDPR, PCI-DSS, Cyber Essentials+ and ISO27001.
• Experience assessing technical debt and developing remediation roadmaps.
• Retail, hospitality and EPOS technology experience is advantageous.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, commercially focused environment.

Additional Information

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive.

As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We are an Armed Forces Friendly organisation and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, cadet forces adult volunteers, reservists and military families.

For roles requiring security clearance, any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion and maintenance of the required level of security clearance. Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility and residency requirements applicable to that level of clearance.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all employees and workers to share this commitment. Where relevant to the role, safer recruitment checks will apply, including references and an enhanced DBS check in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any adjustments or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – careers@aramark.co.uk

Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.