Halfords seeks Enterprise Integration Architect as it overhauls tech platforms

Halfords is in the market for an Enterprise Integration Architect as part of a transformation of its group wide technology platforms.

“At the heart of this lies integration - the means of providing access to information and services wherever and whenever required,” a job spec states.

“As such, we have invested in an initiative to build a set of strategic APIs, abstracting our back-end systems and building a true layered approach to integration. We are looking for an individual to join us to continue and lead this journey.”

Staying safe while we stay open - As an essential retailer, our stores, garages and mobile expert service will remain open with continued safety measures in place.
— Halfords (@Halfords_uk) January 5, 2021

It adds: “As our Enterprise Integration Architect you'll be accountable for architecting and driving the group-wide Halfords Integration platform.”

“This is a key role, liaising with and influencing projects, technology decisions and business stakeholders. The role holder will be the Product Owner for the strategic integration platform, managing features and design requests.”

Astound Commerce

Last year, Halfords partnered with Astound Commerce for a digital transformation project across its retail and Autocentres businesses.

It was looking to create “highly relevant, data-driven, personalised and frictionless customer journeys across all touchpoints”.

With around 20% of total sales now being delivered online, Halfords.com also supports many multi-channel journeys, with around 80% of online orders collected in-store.

However, the IBM WCS legacy platform did not have the functionality necessary to allow for developments and site enhancement in a timely or cost-effective manner. Halfords therefore selected Salesforce Commerce Cloud and teamed with Astound Commerce.

The latter designed and delivered the solution, configuring and integrating Salesforce Commerce Cloud and more than 30 third party integrations, including Datacash, Booking Bug, Amplience and TrustPilot. The Astound team also provided consultancy services advising on best practices.

Emma Mead, Digital Director, Halfords, said: “Our in-house digital team worked closely with Astound during the discovery phase to ensure a clear vision for the digital transformation.”

“Once we completed discovery, we rolled into a build cadence where we got a constant view of progress and valuable consultancy and input to support other elements of the project. This is a huge milestone for Halfords.”