Store Applications Solution Architect

(Full time, 38 hours per week)

With around five to ten stores opening each week, it is essential that all systems in our new stores are up and running in no time and that we continue to strive for efficient operations in our current stores. As a Store Applications Solution Architect, you will help to shape the application landscape of our stores, from cash registers to hand-held terminals, and determine how we support our store staff with the technology they need.

This is your daily action

Together with a service delivery manager, several application analysts and technical specialists, you will lay the foundations of the technology on which our stores run. You will determine the needs of each store in partnership with the Store Operations department. You will then make the transition to suitable technical solutions that are future-proof and in line with our strategy. You will create and approve the design of a software solution and translate it into functional and technical designs. 

You will be part of one of our four Business Technology teams within the Technology department. You will also work with solution architects from other BizTech teams who are part our internal architecture community on a regular basis to provide a solid foundation and help us build on Action's success. Within your domain, this means you will work on projects that have an impact, whether this is opening stores in new countries and drawing up the relevant designs or working on the introduction of our store portal, where store employees can easily find their work instructions, different applications, tasks and contact details for other departments. We encourage you to provide your own input and be creative. After all, you know best where efficiency gains can be made and how technology makes a difference to our performance.

Meet your team

With some 80 colleagues at the international headquarters, Technology works pragmatically, in a fast, solution-oriented way on various IT solutions in order to support Action’s growth in all countries in a good and standardised way. What motivates us? Our desire to make an impact quickly and be able to support the organisation in its growth. Where possible, we are increasingly working according to the agile and scrum methods. We are smart followers, embracing proven innovative technologies if they help achieve the goal. For example, during the pandemic, we introduced handhelds in record time for all stores and developed a complete click & collect system in just 5 weeks. Plenty of experience across Business Technology Teams in the unique Action environment.

Curious about your new colleagues? Elma, Bertram and Erik will be happy to work with you! 

This is you

You are used to working in a retail environment and know what an application landscape looks like in such an environment. You are analytical and put your communication skills to good use to maintain a connection between business and technology. You know how to maintain the balance between details and the bigger picture in a dynamic environment.

You also have the following:

• Experience in a similar role is preferred
• Experience with POS systems in retail environments
• TOGAF certification would be an asset
• An excellent command of English (both written and spoken)

What we offer

Quite a lot, actually! From our bustling headquarters in the Netherlands, you will have an impact across the whole of Europe. We're now up to more than 2,500 stores in 11 countries and millions of smiles from our customers – and we're not stopping there, because we have major growth ambitions, both for Action and you. Our growth means you can always take new steps to develop as a professional, whether that means a different position, an interesting innovation project or new skills. And you can do all that in a culture where we truly embrace our shared values: customer focus, teamwork, simplicity, discipline, cost-consciousness and respect.

You can also count on Action for the following:

• A competitive salary based on a 38-hour week
• An annual bonus of between 10% and 20% based on achieving company and personal targets
• 24 days' holiday with the option to buy five additional days (based on 38 hours per week) 
• A temporary contract with the intention of offering you a permanent contract in the long term
• Flexible working hours and the option to spend 40% of your hours working from home (in coordination with your team and manager)
• 15% staff discount on your purchases at Action 
• A good pension scheme, collective health insurance and travel allowance (Zwaagdijk-Oost is reachable from Amsterdam by car in just 30 minutes on uncongested roads)

How we contribute to society

If you only know Action from the stores, a world will open up for you when you join us. For example, we are working hard behind the scenes to make a positive impact on society and the environment. Did you know, for example, that we sponsor more than 2,000 children worldwide who are growing up in an SOS Children’s Village? That our team reflects the diversity of our customers, including 124 nationalities? That we already source 70% of our wood products and 86% of our cotton sustainably? And that only energy-efficient LED lighting is used in more than half of our stores? Yes, that is also Action. Curious about what other initiatives we’re facilitating? Join our team and find out for yourself.

Interested?

We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we warmly invite anyone who recognises themselves in the vacancy to apply. So take action and respond to this vacancy now!

What happens next:

1. Response to your application within 14 days (and usually earlier)
2. First meeting with the manager and a colleague
3. Online assessment to get to know you better
4. Second interview with your recruiter, among others
5. Welcome to Action…

Throughout the process, your recruiter is your permanent point of contact and is available to answer any questions you may have.