Solution Architect

Responsible for managing changes across an entire solution and/or has ownership for the end-to-end solution design and implementation technical oversight through to transition into Production for existing large clients and new logos. For Implementations: * Ensures individualized solution incorporates clients’ and Acxiom’s overall business strategy and technical vision. * Engages in all solution communications with client and engage in its progress throughout the implementation phase. * Has ownership for the end-to-end solution design and implementation technical oversight through to transition into Production. For existing clients: * Activities are focused on client consulting for proposed changes, process improvements, issues or research of client data inquiries. * An associate in this role is functioning independently as the technical Subject Matter Expert in at least two components but has working knowledge of all solution components. * They are expected to provide solution consulting for the client and create and maintain a solution roadmap for future enhancements.

JOB ROLE SUMMARY

Responsible for managing changes across an entire solution and/or has ownership for the end-to-end solution design and implementation technical oversight through to transition into Production for existing large clients and new logos.

For Implementations:

• Ensures individualized solution incorporates clients’ and Acxiom’s overall business strategy and technical vision.
• Engages in all solution communications with client and engage in its progress throughout the implementation phase.
• Has ownership for the end-to-end solution design and implementation technical oversight through to transition into Production.

For existing clients:

• Activities are focused on client consulting for proposed changes, process improvements, issues or research of client data inquiries.
• An associate in this role is functioning independently as the technical Subject Matter Expert in at least two components but has working knowledge of all solution components.
• They are expected to provide solution consulting for the client and create and maintain a solution roadmap for future enhancements., * Assigned to projects for an existing Acxiom customer or a new logo OR assigned to existing Acxiom customer requiring on-going solution consulting for customer solution enhancements management.
• Responsible for the implementation of Acxiom solutions with emphasis on solution design and business requirements. Ensures individualized solution requirements and design incorporates Acxiom and client’s overall solution vision.
• Engages in project communications with client using a consultative approach. Anticipates obstacles and recommends solution options as it relates to the solution. Focuses on client value and satisfaction while balancing corporate objectives, feasibility and scalability of solution.
• Works with required teams on solution design for process improvements, issues management, or research
• Provides tier 3 solution support (technical issue management) by researching and resolving issues
• Gathers stakeholder requirements and transforms the information into a logical process flow. Researches possible approaches, evaluates cost, portability, compatibility and usability then engages in most efficient solution method for the changes/solution. Ensures the solution design fulfills functional and technical requirements. Accountable for the accuracy, process, integrity, quality and stewardship of client solution architecture.
• Maintain and enhance the roadmap for the client solution and maintains that solution roadmap with technical changes and direction including Acxiom standard components as often as possible.
• Provide direction with technical and business stakeholder requirements and overall project plan as it relates to the solution. Provide input into risk mitigation assessment. Ensures data solution design fulfills functional and technical requirements and can consistently meet progress against service level agreements (SLAs.) Monitors solution enhancement/implementation progress in order to stay abreast of possible issues and future challenges.
• Maintains subject matter expertise in Acxiom and industry technologies, verticals and lines of business in order to help align client business needs to products, solutions and services offered. Documents and shares best practices and case studies.
• Define and adhere to Acxiom solution standards, estimates, processes, policies and procedures. Utilizes standard methodologies to promote consistency and drives adherence to standards within designated teams. Familiar with other department’s methodologies including project management and development methodologies.
• Identifies areas of process improvement that drive profit enhancement and client value.
• Consults, advises and educates management, affected teams and clients through communications at the appropriate technical granularity. Shares best practices and incorporates lessons learned into estimates, standards and protocols.
• Provides feedback to the appropriate lines of business or product team to ensure Acxiom produces and/or enhances products that can meet the ever changing business needs of our clients.
• Keeps informed and evaluates the latest industry news, trends, products, services, competitors and relevant existing and emerging technologies.
• Have an understanding of pre-sales process focusing on scoping and estimation.

KNOWLEDGE / COMPETENCIES:

• Develops, maintains and demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of clients’ and Acxiom’s technical and business environments within at least two solution components or end to end solution.
• Deep knowledge of Acxiom Delivery Methodology Design, Project management and Change Management procedures
• Understanding of Acxiom organization structure and culture, the Acxiom Delivery Methodology and typical Delivery Tools. The associate also needs to have an understanding of the core Acxiom products, services, and solutions along with the Solution Center Framework.
• Perform design creation, elicitation, and planning with limited guidance from senior/principal architects
• Ability to exhibit and demonstrate leadership within a given implementation or major change project
• The associate is expected to be fully functional and self-directed
• Provide technical leadership to the team. The associate is expected to be able to interface with mid/high-level client stakeholders and communicate effectively. Recognizing that each group demands a different level of communication / presentation skills.
• Provide technical leadership to any role(s) required to deliver solution enhancement, modifications, issues management or research for clients.
• Begin demonstrating and developing ability to take detailed, highly technical concepts and present to client in a high-level non-technical fashion. Be able to effectively communicate the business benefits of a technical solution. Can be done in conjunction with Acxiom account management team., This position does not have direct reports but may mentor less experienced associates in the role.

• Bachelors Degree
• Strong SQL and ETL/data integration experience
• Data architecture and solution design
• Production troubleshooting and performance optimization
• Cloud migration / modernization experience
• Technical scoping and estimation

Preferred

• Databricks / Spark
• Cloud platforms (AWS or Azure)
• Strong SQL and ETL/data integration experience
• Data architecture and solution design
• Production troubleshooting and performance optimization
• Cloud migration / modernization experience
• Python / PySpark
• Technical scoping and estimation
• Minimum 2 years experience in technical roles and/or architect roles
• Minimum 2 years experience with database marketing, direct marketing or interactive marketing environments
• Minimum 2 years experience working in an external client facing environment
• Minimum 2 years experience with change management procedures
• Minimum 4 years of Acxiom experience

Any reference to years of experience should be disregarded in the UK

We are leaders in helping brands achieve the number one mantra for every business - know your customer. For fifty years, we’ve helped marketers deal with a fast-changing future of growing channels, data and technology. By understanding the customer, marketers can communicate with relevance everywhere and drive better customer experiences that build a better brand and, in turn, better business.

We’re one of the marketing industry’s most experienced, respected and forward-thinking leaders. For nearly fifty years, we’ve helped the world’s best marketers understand their customers so that they can reach people with relevance rather than randomness. Our products and solutions form the data foundation that make it possible for marketers to drive better customer experiences and meaningful interactions at scale across every channel.

Our job opportunities will give you the opportunity to showcase your talents, grow your skills, and expose you to cutting-edge technologies, whether you’re an engineer, developer, products guru, systems and security expert, sales and consulting executive, or an intern looking to gain real experience with a company that will make you stand out.

At Acxiom, our values begin with our associates, who are the single most important driver of our success. We’re looking to hire people who share our core values: collaboration, excellence, innovation, a focus on outcomes, and being empowered to make and own decisions that benefit our clients and our company. Our values represent our brand promise - to our clients and to our associates - and define our company culture.