Full-Time
Lead Solution Architect
Multiple Teams
Posted on 9/6/2025
City Electrical Factors
1,001-5,000 employees
UK electrical wholesale network internationally
No salary listed
Remote in UK
Remote
 Sales & Solution Engineering (1) |
|---|
- Proven leadership in architecture roles—ideally in a Scaled Agile environment
- Experience with both HLD and LLD
- Strong experience with ArchiMate, EA tools, and architecture modelling
- A confident communicator who can bridge the gap between business and tech
- Someone who knows how to get buy-in and make architecture feel practical, not abstract
- Passionate about coaching and developing people
- Coaching and growing a team of architects (initially ~5)
- Defining standards and architecture guardrails to support delivery at pace
- Translating technical vision into action, working closely with product and engineering teams
- Bringing our global tech strategy to life with smart, incremental delivery
- Driving adoption of best practices (and helping us stay ahead of the curve)
- Being a key player in aligning architecture with business outcomes
City Electrical Factors is the United Kingdom’s leading electrical wholesale network with almost twice as many distribution outlets as its nearest competitor, serving UK, North America, the Middle East, and Australia. The company stocks electrical products and delivers them to customers, using in-house IT to track orders from receipt to delivery. Professional drivers provide free delivery with no minimum charges. It differentiates itself through its large nationwide network, fast responsive service, and a customer-first mindset. Its goal is to be a trusted partner in customers' development by solving problems and exceeding expectations.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Kenilworth, United Kingdom
Founded
1951
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- UK electrical market grew 4.2% in 2025 from rewiring and EV chargers.
- AFDD sales surged 35% YoY ahead of Amendment 4 compliance.
- Segen partnership expands CEF into 22% growing solar PV market.
What critics are saying
- Rexel UK's 200+ branches outpace CEF's 25 TechTalks in 6-12 months.
- Screwfix's 50 new stores poach customers undercutting prices in 3-6 months.
- IET's free digital platform obsoletes TechTalks diverting 12,000 attendees in 6-12 months.
What makes City Electrical Factors unique
- CEF TechTalks tours 25 UK locations explaining Amendment 4 from May 2026.
- Partnership with IET delivers CPD-accredited training by Darren Staniforth and Dave Austin.
- CEFLive25 platform attracted 15,000 users boosting CPD engagement 40%.
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Benefits
Remote Work Options
Flexible Work Hours
Paid Vacation
401(k) Retirement Plan
Mental Health Support
Professional Development Budget
Company News
CEF TechTalks to tour 25 locations to explain Amendment 4. Electrical distributor CEF has announced that registrations are now open for its latest TechTalks series, running from May to July 2026. Delivered in partnership with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the free events will visit 25 locations across the UK, giving electricians and contractors practical insight into the upcoming Amendment 4:2026 to BS 7671:2018 IET Wiring Regulations. The IET will publish Amendment 4 to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations on 15 April 2026. The update will introduce changes that affect how electrical installations are designed, installed, and inspected, making it important for installers to understand how the new requirements will apply in practice. CEF's TechTalks aim to help electricians stay ahead of the changes, providing a clear overview of the amendment and what it means for day-to-day installation work. Event details. Returning to host the sessions are Darren Staniforth, CEF's Head of Electrotechnical Solutions, alongside technical expert Dave Austin. Together, they will aim to guide attendees through the key updates in the new amendment, explain the practical implications for installers, and answer questions alongside a representative from the IET. Each event will also feature an exhibition space where prominent brands will showcase products and technologies designed to help electricians meet the latest requirements and stay compliant with the Wiring Regulations. Darren Staniforth, Head of Electrotechnical Solutions at CEF, comments, "With a new amendment to the Wiring Regulations being introduced, it's important that electricians understand what's changing and how it affects their work. "TechTalks are designed to break down the updates in a practical way, helping installers stay informed and confident when applying the new regulations on site." Each TechTalk is CPD accredited and free to attend, with complimentary breakfast, refreshments, and free parking available at every venue - plus, the opportunity to purchase the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations at a discounted rate on the day. Selected locations will also feature TechTalks PLUS, offering an expanded exhibition area with additional supplier partners. See the full 2026 TechTalks schedule and find out how to register by clicking here.
Electrical distributor CEF has partnered with Klein Tools to launch a limited edition five metre tape measure in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.
The TechTalks returned, with over 12,000 attendees participating across the two days, and CEF unveiled the launch of a new online learning platform offering CPD-accredited content and live sessions for remote learning.
CEF, the UK's largest electrical wholesaler and supplier, has launched a new essential industry product, designed by a loyal CEF customer.