Who are we?

The Student Room Group (TSR) is the largest, most useful and best-loved online student community there is. Millions of students turn to us first for advice, info and support on work, learning and life’s ups and downs. And that means we’re uniquely privileged to connect educators, employers and consumer brands to switched-on young people actively seeking out answers and meaningful connections .

What does a Software Architect at TSR do?

Reporting to the Head of Production you will have full responsibility and oversight for software architecture and line management for the development team. We are looking for an experienced Software Architect to make intuitive high-level decisions for software development. You will see the “big picture” and create architectural approaches for software design and implementation which align and fuel the long-term product roadmap. When presenting solution proposals, you must show that you have considered several options, putting forward recommendations based on the three-year company strategy, experience within

the team and cost, guiding the development team to make technical decisions that support the business. You will have a hands-on approach and love to code with a strong and wide technical background and excellent IT skills. You will be experienced in designing and building software to develop a unified vision for software architecture and function.

This position requires line management for the development team where you will be expected to lead, inspire and coach the team to continually challenge themselves and progress at pace. An outward looking approach to complement our ideas and opinions within the team, where you are not too proud to learn from outside of the organisation on how best to overcome a challenge is important.

Key role responsibilities:

• Work with other IT professionals in the company in order to determine needs for new software, platforms and applications
• Utilize tools, technology and various methodologies to create functional and intuitive solutions for user interfaces of desired products
• Develop and implement product specifications
• Pay attention to system integration, sustainability and feasibility
• Manage all phases of technology development
• Oversee and supervise the work of the development team
• Guide and train developers and engineers
• Suggest and implement solutions for process improvement
• Adhere to all the requirements and guidelines for quality, security, extensibility etc.
• Develop the Data Engineering function and work with the Data team to build the required data architecture to support the business
• Ensure an effective execution of agile operations
• Provide technical leadership
• Lead the creation and maintenance of a technology roadmap aligned to company and product strategy

Management style and communications

• A collaborator
• Decisive, facilitating both short and long-term change
• Champion lean and agile development process
• Develop good working relationships with peers and leaders within the organisation.
• Ensure clear and frequent communication to the business and stakeholders

Team

• Recruitment, operational management and performance management of the Development team.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners to compliment internal resources.
• Personal coaching and mentoring of the Development team, engaging other company employees, and external trainers as needed.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and will evolve with the ongoing needs of the company. You will be expected to perform other related duties as reasonably instructed.