Senior Solution Designer (0080-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB
2 days ago
Derby
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region. We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills. Digital Solutions & Services are responsible for providing the digital platform to enable the best possible service to staff, students and stakeholders across the University and beyond. We take a collaborative approach to developing strategic goals to provide a diverse range of information technology and business services designed to support learning, teaching and research at the University of Derby. Digital Solutions & Services are responsible for ensuring that the University’s IT capability is fit for purpose, future focused and able to protect, support and enhance the full breadth of services that will be delivered either on campus or digitally online with contributions across the department. We aim to assist students, teaching staff, support departments and collaborative partners to ensure we are making an impact on the University’s current and future digital landscape. About the Team Our Solution Architecture function plays a critical role in shaping the University’s digital future. We design and govern high-quality, integrated technology solutions that meet the evolving needs of students, staff and the wider institution. The team ensures that all solutions align with our architectural strategies, security standards and long-term digital roadmaps, enabling the University to deliver reliable, scalable and innovative services. Within this function, the Senior Solution Designer leads the creation of robust, future-focused solution designs that translate complex business problems into clear, actionable technical architectures. Working closely with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, the team provides expert guidance, horizon-scanning for emerging technologies, and ensures that every solution is strategically aligned, technically sound and commercially viable. Through strong communication and trusted engagement, the team instils confidence in the design process and the solutions we deliver. The Senior Solution Designer plays a pivotal role in shaping the University’s digital landscape by translating complex business needs into high-quality, future-proof technology solutions. You will lead the full solution design lifecycle from initial concept, feasibility assessment and benefits identification through to detailed specification, testing support and successful embedding of new systems and processes. A key purpose of the role is to ensure that every solution aligns with the University’s architectural standards, strategic direction and long-term digital capabilities. Working closely with business units, technical experts and the Solution Architect, the Senior Solution Designer will analyse existing “as-is” processes, define improved “to-be” workflows, and design technology solutions that enhance performance and deliver measurable value. The role requires presenting solution options with clarity and influence, negotiating with stakeholders to arrive at the most appropriate design, and ensuring that commercial, technical, architectural and operational considerations are fully balanced. The post holder will also support User Acceptance Testing, guide colleagues in understanding system administration responsibilities, and contribute to benefit tracking throughout the project lifecycle. A core responsibility of the role is to provide horizon scanning and benchmarking to identify emerging technologies and evolving best practice, ensuring the University remains informed and prepared for future opportunities. As Senior Solution Designer, you will also contribute to the development of the University’s Solution Architecture Framework, helping to define consistent processes, templates and ways of working that strengthen delivery across the institution. In the medium to long term, the post holder will be expected to drive continuous improvement in solution design practice and support the successful implementation of transformational change initiatives. While the role does not include formal line management, the Senior Solution Designer will act as a mentor to less experienced colleagues, supporting their development and ensuring high-quality, consistent solution design across the team. The position offers significant opportunities for professional growth, including exposure to enterprise-level architecture, cloud-based service models, business process redesign, and complex digital transformation programmes. You will be an experienced solution design professional with a strong track record of shaping and delivering high-quality technology solutions in complex organisations. You’ll bring a relevant degree or equivalent qualification/professional experience, alongside recognised qualifications in areas such as business analysis, solution design, software engineering or technical certification. A deep, applied understanding of Solution Architecture is essential, as is the ability to work confidently across the full design lifecycle from requirements gathering and process mapping through to testing, benefits identification and successful implementation. You will have substantial experience operating within an information or technology design environment, balancing competing priorities and making informed decisions in resource-limited settings. Your background will include developing process maps and workflows, defining acceptance criteria, and supporting both technical and non-technical colleagues through change. You will be comfortable engaging senior leaders, providing evidence-based insight, and influencing decisions to ensure solutions meet strategic, architectural and business needs. Your skillset will combine analytical strength, excellent communication, and the ability to build trusted relationships quickly. You will be adept at facilitating workshops, interpreting complex problems, and presenting clear, compelling solution options. Confidence, curiosity and attention to detail are essential, as is the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment. You will also bring strong coaching skills, supporting colleagues and stakeholders through activities such as requirements definition, process review and User Acceptance Testing. To thrive in this role, you will be resilient, proactive and comfortable navigating change. You will have a natural customer-service ethos, the ability to deliver to tight deadlines, and the creativity to think beyond conventional approaches. Flexibility around working hours is required. While not essential, qualifications such as Prince2, Agile Practitioner or Lean Six Sigma, as well as experience in Higher Education or business change delivery, would be advantageous • Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata), • Local Government Pension Scheme, • Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, • Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers, • Discounted onsite gym, • Holiday purchase, • Cycle to Work scheme, • A flexible working environment For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via This role may be eligible for sponsorship by the University. The offered salary for this role is less than the going rate for the occupation and the minimum salary threshold for the ___ (£41,700 per annum, as of 22nd July 2025). Therefore you will only be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker visa subject to your individual circumstances which must meet one of the following ___: • Your job is on the Immigration Skills List, • You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training, • You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job Please note that the University will assess your individual eligibility for sponsorship at the shortlisting stage. For more information, visit our ___. The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern. Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy ___. Closing Date: 14 Apr 2026 Area: Management, Professional and Specialist Salary: £43,391 to £53,994 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £62,093 per annum).