Role: Solution Architect – Retail or FMCG & Grocery
Location: London - UK
About AbsoluteLabs
AbsoluteLabs is a business and technology consulting and digital transformation services company. We help organisations stay competitive and innovative by anticipating rapidly changing customer behaviours. Our strength lies in delivering tailored, outcome-driven solutions across cloud, data, platforms, and enterprise systems—helping clients adapt, scale, and innovate in an increasingly digital world.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Solution Architect to lead the design and delivery of scalable, enterprise-grade solutions across cloud, data, and technology platforms. This is a client-facing role, working closely with C-level executives, senior stakeholders, and delivery teams to translate business challenges into robust technical solutions.
A strong Retail background is required for this role. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience delivering solutions within Retail or Consumer businesses, particularly in areas such as omnichannel journeys, store operations, order management, loyalty, or eCommerce. Experience working in service-based or digital transformation consulting environments is essential.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead solution architecture and design across complex, integrated technology landscapes.
• Partner with C-level and senior client stakeholders to understand business objectives and shape technology strategies.
• Design end-to-end solutions spanning cloud, data, integration, and enterprise platforms.
• Work closely with delivery, engineering, and product teams to ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and fit for purpose.
• Own architectural integrity across systems and integrated applications.
• Define and maintain architecture standards, principles, and best practices.
• Translate business requirements into clear solution blueprints, architecture diagrams, and technical specifications.
• Support pre-sales activities including solution shaping, proposals, and client presentations where required.
• Ensure strong governance, system controls, and user access models are in place.
• Create and maintain high-quality technical documentation, policies, and processes.
Additional Retail-Focused Responsibilities:
• Lead architecture for Retail-focused initiatives such as omnichannel transformation, POS integrations, order fulfilment, inventory management, and customer engagement programmes.
• Design solutions supporting the full Retail lifecycle — from store operations to online customer journeys.
• Work with cross-functional retail teams (Merchandising, Supply Chain, eCommerce, Stores) to align technology designs with business outcomes.
• Ensure Retail systems (OMS, CRM, ERP, eCommerce, Loyalty) are integrated and scalable.
• Provide architectural direction for data-driven retail initiatives such as personalisation, promotions, and customer insights.
Skills & Experience Required
• 10+ years’ experience as a Solution Architect within a consulting, services, or digital transformation environment.
• Proven Retail industry experience is mandatory, with exposure to omnichannel, store operations, eCommerce, or consumer journeys.
• Strong experience designing solutions across cloud, data, integration, and enterprise systems.
• Experience working with integration platforms (e.g., MuleSoft, APIs, middleware).
• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture domains such as Customer & Experience, Product, Data, or Corporate Systems.
• Excellent architecture and design modelling skills (UML, ArchiMate or similar).
• Strong conceptual and logical data modelling skills.
• Proven ability to translate business needs into clear, actionable technical designs.
• Comfortable working in cross-functional teams and influencing without authority.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, particularly when engaging senior and executive stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to operate with high autonomy in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
Nice to Have
• Experience in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Background in data platforms, analytics, or AI-led solutions.
• Experience supporting product-to-service or platform-based business models.
• Prior exposure to retail, consumer, or customer-centric industries (preferred but additional depth is highly beneficial).
Why Join AbsoluteLabs?
• Work closely with senior leaders and enterprise clients on meaningful transformation programmes.
• Join a fast-growing, entrepreneurial consultancy where your impact is visible.