Solution Architect

**Solution Architect**

**Start: ASAP
Length: 6 months, likely to extend
Location: Malmsbury, Wiltshire (2 days onsite, 3 WFH)
Rate: Up to £800PD
IR35: Inside**

The objective of this role is to mature the technology capability across the business, providing a bridge between the varying architecture of different groups in the company through the innovative use of technology solutions, and enabling their growth andsuccess as an entity.

The main technologies used by the client are as follow:

- S4 Hana (the underpinning system for everything - experience is essential)
- Workday (for HR, absences, payroll etc - experience is essential)
- SAP Concur (for expenses)
- SAP Ariba (for supply chain)
- Cornerstone (training platform)

**Responsibilities**
- Focus on core Finance, HR and DBS solutions, end-to-to end accountability for all aspects of Solution Architecture
- Working in alignment with the Global Architecture teams (Solution, Data, Security, Infrastructure and Integration Architecture) to oversee the architectural design of the current and new Core Finance, HR and DBS Applications such as training/learning, financeand payroll,
- Partnering with the business stakeholders to deliver IT solutions and services aligned to the business vision and mission objectives.
- Comprehending the business strategies and requirements and develop necessary designs and plans to ensure projects and solutions satisfy those needs.
- Identifying and evaluating alternative architectures and the trade-offs in cost, performance and scalability.
- Communicating design decisions to key stakeholders to ensure the solution is understood, opportunities for improvement are identified and delivery of the correct solution is achieved.
- Within a change programme, leads the preparation of technical plans and, in liaison with business assurance and project staff, ensures that appropriate technical resources are made available.
- Act as the design authority point of contact for working projects within your solution landscape by attending global architecture governance forums and being part of the design authority groups for Finance, HR and DBS.
- Ensure adherence to the core IT Application Strategy and Design principles in alignment with the Target Architecture.
- Alignment with Architecture design teams to ensure the designs and strategy for the Finance, HR and DBS solutions align to the overall direction of the architecture.
- Provide guidance to the IT leadership team, senior stakeholders and other colleagues to maximize value of IT architecture.
- Collaborate with programme and project managers and other staff members to develop budgets and timelines for solutions.
- Designing, developing, implementing and coordinating systems, policies and procedures in line with the global IT strategy, working closely with the Group IT functions
- Assess and evaluate risk as required, including possible mitigations and working with global teams to ensure the risks are registered.
- Establishing and maintaining strong, strategic partnerships with vendors and service suppliers.
- Awareness and guidance of country/region specific legal and mandatory requirements impacting technology deployment or operations.

**Skills**
- A proven track record of solution architecture in Finance and HR is essential
- Experience of the full software delivery lifecycle and complex heterogeneous systems environments.
- A proven track record of senior level business engagement / stakeholder management is essential
- Understanding of security principles and policies ensuring these are applied to the design of solutions.
- Able to act as a liaison between technical, functional and support functions both on and offshore.
- Comfortable working in technical and non-technical environments and be able to traverse these with ease.
- Ability to stay informed of technological developments and understand their applicability to business problems and opportunities.
- Ability to identify technology, functionality and methods that could be of significant benefit to and drive those through into successful implementation.
- Ability to translate business requirements into functional and technical requirements.