Solution Architect

A leading utilities company working within Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), seek an experienced forward thinking and proactive Senior Solution Architect, ideally with an understanding of Source to Pay, for a large roll out.

Core skills:

• Ideally within Source to Pay initiatives or Coupa (or similar) implementations.
• Need to be senior enough to lead on governance (running DA, documenting and collaborating on decisions).
• Development of target architecture, working with business and Integration partner to determine how we decommission existing and transition to new.
• I would add that Coupa implementation experience is useful (given that’s the tool of choice) but not essential, and general Source to Pay experience remains nice to have., * The Source to Pay (S2P) Solution Architect is accountable for the end-to-end technical solution design and delivery of a Source to Pay solution.
• This includes supporting a Solution Implementation Partner in implementing a SaaS Solution and pre-implementation activities to set the foundation, defining the solution for integration, Data Migration, Decommissioning and supporting future phases of this transformation.
• The chosen solution encompasses sourcing, procurement, contract management, supplier management, invoicing, and accounts payable.
• This role is responsible for ensuring that the solution aligns with business objectives, enterprise architecture standards, and integrates seamlessly with other systems.
• The architect will guide and support technical implementation teams throughout the project life cycle.

• The SA is a bridge between business stakeholders and technical teams, translating functional needs into architectural blueprints and ensuring that solutions are scalable, secure, and cost-effective. The role involves determining the overall solution that meets the needs of Procurement and the wider business end-to-end processes, providing governance and leadership of design authorities, and feeding into the longer term roadmap for the Procurement domain., * Works closely with the Domain Architect to understand the technology roadmaps to meet business needs (as well as understanding the organisations guidelines, standards and principles to work within).

• Works closely with the Domain Architect to shape decisions and estimates before work is initiated on the programme.
• As Architecture leader on the programme, provide the following architectural services’: High Level Design - Is responsible for writing the end-to-end high-level design, taking all stakeholders with them and taking through QA and governance processes.
• Options Analysis - Provides high level technology options and recommendations to solve problems.
• Stakeholders and Coordination - Works with all digital functions/owners that contribute to the HLD (eg Infra, Security, Data etc).
• Risks - identifies risks/issues from an architectural perspective.
• Governance - ensures all parties (business & digital) are well informed throughout the design phase and seeks formal sign off in the appropriate governance forum.
• Design Assurance - chair Design Authority for the programme, ensuring all decisions are surfaced, assessed and decided with the correct stakeholders engaged.
• Advice & Guidance - being a trusted advisor to the business and tech teams when they have questions.

Detailed Duties and Responsibilities for the Senior Solution Architect - Source to Pay contract: Solution Design & Architecture:

• Lead the design of scalable, secure, and high-performing S2P solutions across the enterprise.
• Translate business requirements into technical architecture and integration designs.
• Define and maintain the S2P solution blueprint, including data flows, interfaces, and system interactions.
• Ensure alignment with enterprise architecture principles and procurement best practices.

Technical Leadership:

• Provide technical oversight and guidance to implementation teams, including developers, integration specialists, and third-party vendors.
• Review and approve technical deliverables, including solution configurations, custom developments, and integration components.
• Act as the escalation point for technical issues and risks during implementation.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with business stakeholders, procurement leads, finance teams, and IT to understand requirements and ensure solution fit.
• Communicate complex technical concepts in a clear and business-friendly manner.
• Work closely with project managers to ensure timely delivery of solution components.

Governance & Standards:

• Ensure compliance with data security, privacy, and regulatory requirements.
• Define and enforce standards for configuration, customization, and integration.
• Maintain documentation of architecture decisions, solution designs, and technical specifications.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in S2P.
• Recommend improvements to existing systems and processes to enhance efficiency and user experience.
• Support post-implementation reviews and optimization efforts.

Technical Expertise:

• Min 3 years of experience.

• Proven experience in designing and implementing Source to Pay solutions.. Strong understanding of procurement processes, supplier life cycle management, and accounts payable.

• Experience with system integration (eg, ERP, finance systems, supplier networks, e-invoicing platforms).
• Knowledge of data modelling, APIs, Middleware, and workflow automation.
• Experience of government and/or utilities (esp water) desirable but not necessary.
• Proficiency in systems design, integration, and architecture principles.
• Ability to assess complex business and technical requirements and identify both options & recommended solutions.
• Capacity to design scalable, sustainable, and future-proof architectures, end-to-end.
• Ability to produce clear and detailed architectural documentation.
• Has worked in both a waterfall and agile environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Leadership & Communication:

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Collaborative in approach, especially across domains and digital functions
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
• TOGAF certification would be a plus.
• Certifications in relevant platforms are a plus.
• Agile and/or ITIL certifications desirable.

Preferred Attributes: Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Passionate about delivering high-quality solutions that drive business value.