Technical Architect

Howdens are offering an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in our software development function as a Technical Architect. You will drive the technical vision, define architectural strategy, and guide the creation of innovative, scalable solutions that make a real impact on our business.

This is a full-time permanent opportunity based at our office in Brackmills Business Park, Northampton, Raunds, Northamptonshire or Howden, East Yorkshire. You will work onsite 4 days per week with one from home.

What you’ll be doing

Technical Leadership: Mentor developers, guide best practices, and resolve complex technical challenges.

Architecture Ownership: Define, evolve, and document system architecture to align with business goals and technical standards.

Solution Design: Deliver secure, scalable solutions that balance speed, cost, and quality.

Standards & Governance: Uphold coding, testing, and security standards across teams.

Innovation: Evaluate new technologies, modernise systems, and reduce technical debt.

Collaboration: Work closely with product and delivery teams, communicating technical decisions clearly.

Future-Proofing: Plan for growth with a forward-looking technology roadmap.

What we need from you:

Understanding of software engineering principles, design patterns, and system architecture.

Strong knowledge of modern programming languages (e.g. C#, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, Python) and frameworks relevant to your stack.

Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerisation/orchestration (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes

Hands-on technical expertise with enterprise solutions

Experience in defining, designing, configuring and delivering enterprise system

Effective communicator able to translate technical detail when communicated with stakeholders

System issue investigation and resolution

The ability to translate complex stakeholder demands into realistic solutions that meet expectations and don’t introduce technical debt.

Ability to set and communicate a clear technical vision

Solid grasp of integration approaches (APIs, microservices, event-driven systems) and data modelling.

Proven track record of designing and delivering complex, scalable, and secure applications in an Agile/DevOps environment

Experience applying CI/CD, automated testing, and monitoring practices

What we can offer you

Competitive salary and company bonus

Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)

Car Allowance or Company Car

Private Healthcare for you and your family

25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days.

Staff Discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Exceptional Reward and Recognition events

About Howdens:

FTSE100 company and the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier Howdens Joinery provides thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. If you want to be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For, please apply now.

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