Solutions Architect

We are seeking an experienced Solution Architect for an initial 6-month contract to support a critical Finance Systems transformation at our client a Financial Services firm in the North East of England.

 This role requires a deep understanding of finance processes, and Workday experience is highly desirable. A key focus of the role will be integrating a variety of different applications across the business environment into the new Workday solution while also supporting a migration onto Azure.

You will be responsible for designing and supporting the implementation of a scalable, secure, and strategically aligned solution that addresses both immediate and future business needs.

This role demands strong technical and strategic expertise, with the ability to translate business objectives into effective architectural solutions. You will collaborate closely with stakeholders across finance, enterprise architecture, engineering, and security teams to deliver a solution that aligns with organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Solution Design: Architect robust, scalable, and secure solutions that support the company's finance migration project and align with overall strategic goals.
• Requirements Translation: Analyze and convert business requirements into technical solutions that meet both current and projected needs for finance and pensions.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage with Finance, Pension Administration, and IT teams to understand requirements and propose tailored solutions.
• Research and Feasibility Analysis: Conduct solution architecture research, proof of concepts, and feasibility assessments to ensure effective application selection.
• Integration Management: Design, supervise, and implement Workday integration with existing systems, ensuring seamless data and process flow.
• Risk Mitigation: Identify potential project risks and create mitigation strategies to support project success.
• Documentation: Develop and maintain architecture documentation, covering design specifications, integration plans, and technical guidelines.
• Standards Compliance: Ensure adherence to company standards, including updates to the company Blueprint and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Quality Assurance: Oversee rigorous testing and validation to maintain the integrity and quality of the solution.
• Training and Support: Provide training and support to end-users and technical teams to facilitate smooth adoption and transition to the new system.

Expected Outcomes

• Deliver a robust, scalable, and secure solution that meets business requirements, on time and within budget.
• Achieve high satisfaction levels among stakeholders by delivering effective solutions and maintaining open, clear communication.
• Ensure full compliance with relevant regulations and align solutions with Enterprise Architecture strategy, prioritizing data security and privacy.
• Proactively identify and communicate risks, proposing mitigation strategies to project leadership.

Key Competencies

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effectively engage with diverse teams, fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment.
• Stakeholder Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all organizational levels to ensure alignment and effective communication.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Respond to evolving business needs with flexibility and an agile problem-solving approach.
• Trusted Advisor: Serve as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders and the engineering team, maintaining a positive, goal-focused attitude.

Qualifications and Skills

Essential:

• Demonstrated experience as a Solution Architect with expertise in finance system implementation  within a Financial Services organisation.
• Strong understanding of architectural frameworks and industry best practices.
• Excellent communication skills with proven stakeholder management capabilities.
• Strategic thinking and advanced problem-solving abilities.

Desirable:

• Relevant certifications (e.g., TOGAF 9, Certified Solutions Architect).
• Hands-on experience with Workday, including familiarity with its architecture, integration, and best practices.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a transformative project with strategic impact. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of technical skill, strategic insight, and collaborative spirit to drive the successful implementation of this critical finance and Workday migration initiative.