Solution Architect

Welcome to Hastings Direct – From our Group HR Director Pam Angel  

We’re a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become The Best and Biggest in the UK market. We’ve made huge investments in our data and tech capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture. We’re proud of the journey we’re on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues. 

We provide insurance for over three million customers, but we know there’s even bigger opportunity out there. The fact you’re now reading this job advert means we’ve tempted you to find out more about #lifeatHD – we really hope you like what you see, and you’ll join us to share in the success of the exciting chapter that lies ahead. 

We understand some people may not apply for jobs unless they feel they tick every box. If you are excited about joining us and think you have some of what we are looking for, even if you’re not 100% sure we would love to hear from you. 

Job Details 

• You will be responsible for leading, validating and delivering the definition and description of solutions across the product and change lifecycle.  

• You will be working with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders to develop and communicate solutions that addresses requirements, complies with standards and conventions, regulation, security, quality / non-functional needs, understand as-is and to-be, solving problems and developing decisions where trade-offs are required. 

• Designs APIs, microservices & event driven solutions across current, transition and target states and develop business, application, information and technology views. 

• Embrace re-use, principles and patterns, use opportunities to create re-use artefacts. 

• Adapt to technical realities that are revealed during implementation and collaboratively solves problems, leading on architecture decisions. 

• Establish a trusted adviser relationship with the business by influencing and negotiating with stakeholders on the flexible facets of the solution. 

Skills we would love you to have  

• Proficiency in cloud native technology and solutions, preferably Microsoft Azure. 

• Proficiency in creating new or transforming application architectures. 

• Essential experience in the design and consumption of APIs using a range of protocols. 

• Previous experience with enterprise integration patterns, solution architecture patterns & principles, microservice & event driven architectures. 

• Experience leveraging CI/CD, DevOps, Infrastructure as Code. 

• Experience in Relational and NoSQL database and understanding of modern ETL processes 

• Experience in Underwriting, Fraud, Data Enrichment domain areas within Financial/Insurance industry. 
   

What we offer  

Join us and you’ll find a different way of doing things. We call it the 4Cs. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company and community. As one of our colleagues, you’ll be helping to drive our growth, so in return, we’ll give you all the support, training and development you need. Not to mention plenty of recognition and rewards, and the scope to voice your ideas and put them into practice. 

Reward 

Salary – Attractive salary based on experience + car allowance (pay reviews also completed each year) 

Flexible Working – We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach so please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail, including days in the office and at home.  

Competitive Bonus Scheme - All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus, which is usually paid in March. The scheme is based on Hastings’ performance against our business goals and your own personal performance. 

Physical Wellbeing – as a Band 4 colleague, Hastings pay for you to receive private medical Insurance (also known as PMI) This gives you flexibility and convenience to see a specialist or consultant and allows you to decide when and where you will be seen. 

Financial Wellbeing – As well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover and income protection at no extra cost, pension contribution match up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an AWARD WINNING package which includes – discounts and cashback at everyday retailers and on our own products, fee free independent mortgage advice, and free access to financial wellbeing support. 

Mental Wellbeing programme – At Hastings Direct we understand that mental health cannot not be scheduled, that’s why we have a range of support to help you keep yourself well. We have the thrive mental health app, our colleague assistance programme available 24/7, our own, in-house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs 

There's more! – 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your contracted weeks, access to our health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much more …. 

Our 4Cs principles are simple: we believe by creating the right culture for our colleagues and giving them the right tools to do their job, we’ll deliver good outcomes for every customer, helping us to grow the company profitably and sustainably and allowing us to invest in the communities we serve