Principal Solution Architect

Principal Solution Architect
Up to £75,000 plus great benefits (Work Level 4)
Manchester city centre (hybrid)

We’re looking for a Principal Solution Architect to join our wider Digital technology & data team in Manchester. In this strategic role, you’ll help shape the future of our newly formed Commercial and Logistics division. You’ll make sure our technology solutions meet our business goals, helping us to deliver real value across our retail and supply chain operations. As the go-to expert for system solutions, you’ll work closely with senior leaders to turn exciting plans into reality through smart, scalable technology.

Why this role matters

We’re in an exciting period of growth at Co-op. With a refreshed structure and a brand-new Commercial and Logistics division, we’re setting out to transform our end-to-end supply chain landscape. Technology will be key to making that happen – and this role will be key to driving that change.

What you’ll do

• Lead the solution strategy for the Commercial and Logistics division, making sure our technology delivers real impact
• Provide expert advice on new projects, discovery work, and RFPs, offering technical leadership and insight
• Design scalable, joined-up systems that align with our architectural roadmaps
• Work closely with senior partners to understand priorities and translate them into actionable technology plans
• Keep an eye on emerging technologies and trends to help shape our strategic direction
• Evaluate solution options, make key design decisions, and document your thinking
• Champion governance and standards, making sure solutions meet business needs and align with architectural principles

What you’ll bring

• Significant experience in solution and application architecture, including composable and MACH approaches
• Experience across retail, commercial, supply chain, and logistics value streams
• Strong background in enterprise architecture, governance, and best practice
• Confidence working with senior and executive-level colleagues, building trusted relationships
• Knowledge of Commercial and Logistics management systems 
• Good critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Good communication and influencing skills, with the ability to adapt your style and challenge constructively

We know some people may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every requirement. At Co-op, we’re committed to building diverse and inclusive teams, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we still encourage you to apply.

Why Co-op?

At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:

• A company car or £6,000 car allowance
• Private healthcare
• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays 
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions 
• Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ) 
• 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands 
• Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it 
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice 
• 24/7 colleague support service 
• Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle-to-work scheme

A place you’ll belong

We’re building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work.

We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.

Learn more about our recruitment process at jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process and our inclusion commitments at jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion