Job Description
Who you are
The solution architect is a key role, which safeguards and develops the design of the template/solution, has deep understanding & analysis of the business processes, to enable and steer optimal, scalable and holistic functional solution architecture and design which includes both new and legacy technology landscape.
The role leverages strong leadership capabilities to work with key & senior business and digital stakeholders collaborate across domains where needed and influences discussions towards evolving a simpler technology landscape which enables business outcomes and business value at speed.
Keeping up to date with the latest developments in the respective functional and technology area is key success criteria for this role.
You appreciate the mix of strategic thinking and turning architecture trends and requirements into practice. You get motivated to keep learning and to forget the obsolete and to work agile and being open to the change. In addition, you are energized by working both independently and interdependently and cross functions. Last but not least you share and live the IKEA culture and values.
For this role we believe you have, solid SAP S/4 Finance experience. Experience of the R2R – Record to Report process is critical to the role. Experience of delivering multi country implementations of SAP products and SAP S4/HANA platform as a solution architect. Have exposure to technologies beyond SAP and not be limited by platform in devising the technology stack strategy. Have strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to convince the leadership in Finance organization, country Leadership and Enterprise architects.
Acts as a positive force to bring out the best in people. Must lead by example in line with IKEA values and leadership compass. Is a strategic thinker with strong foundations & proficiency in content in either or both functional or technology area, proven delivery capabilities in leading in the SAP technology/platform.
You have experience in the following areas:
20+ years of experience in building Finance technology roadmap and solutions with relevant experience in providing the same in Retail Domain
Proven experience in evangelizing organizations with outside in technology knowledge which is practical and relevant to the business processes and the tactical and strategic objectives of the business
Proven experience in working with business stakeholders and advising/influencing business strategy roadmap by leveraging knowledge in the relevant insights and developments in technology capabilities
Deep knowledge of the changing landscape and new products impacting finance processes
Experience in drafting 3-year and 5-year roadmaps for digital organizations in the relevant technology area in SAP Finance. Knowledge of other ERP capabilities is an added advantage.
Building strong relationships with stakeholders
Track record of delivering successful projects, managing and maintaining the integrity of established SAP templates, navigating complex situations, influencing senior stakeholders with the relevant information, insights.
Strong communication skills, verbal, written and presentation.
Demonstrable critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Good knowledge of SAP platform architecture/engineering across multiple modules and technology domains
Strong understanding of processes, application of the same and trends in SAP technology/platforms
Experience in building business case for multi-year programs and getting consensus from CXO organization.
A day in your life with us
A solution architect is a key leadership role who has deep expertise in the business processes and their solution implementation in the respective functional area. A Solution Architect must have strong leadership capabilities, balance functional and technical acumen with effective
communication, strategic thinking, and adaptability to steer the relevant optimal solution implementations as well as safeguard the sanctity of the design.
This role involves continuous learning and evolution to keep up with the ever-changing technology landscape and business needs.
Your responsibilities are:
Understand/Analyses the Technology and Business Process landscape to develop relevant insights. Leverages deep expertise in the respective Functional/Technology area to develop, steer optimal solutions that are holistic and scalable, that simplify the technology landscape and enable agility in enabling/unlocking business value and potentially pivot the business case positively.
Uses strong leadership capabilities combined with effective communication to build strong network and relationships within the business and technology stakeholders.
Is passionate about keeping up to date with current developments and industry best practices in the relevant functional and technology area.
Exhibits strong accountability/ownership, is proactive, is resourceful and able to navigate and influence/pivot discussions, using logic, expertise, insights and data.
Technical/Functional Expertise:
Possess a deep understanding of business processes in the retail industry and their implementation in the relevant technology platform, functional modules, coupled with strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, business process analysis and optimization, stakeholder management, and complex ecosystem familiarity.
Understand and analyze the technology, functional and business process landscape, interfaces.
Work with business process owners, technology architects to design & architect simple, scalable and effective solutions considering integration, data flows, and functional modules which will help secure a strong solution foundation in the relevant technology/area.
Works with Functional teams to analyze requirements, cross functional, cross solution and cross domain impact. Ensures conceptual designs/blueprints are holistic and effectively documented.
Own product backlog and prioritize the releases along with process owners.
Co-leads & participates in workshops for clarifying requirements and arriving at confirmed scope. Participates in the relevant cross functional/domain meetings for analyzing and communicating impact
Provides inputs and builds solutions that could positively pivot business case.
Provide technical leadership and guidance throughout the project lifecycle. Collaborates with development and project/program teams to design and implement enhancements, and interfaces, ensuring compliance with best practices and standards.
Participates in Release management gates and provides go/no-go from solution perspective (scalability, performance, invasiveness, integration, design, etc.). Ensure that the solution complies with industry-specific regulations and organizational compliance policies.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management:
Brings strong collaborations across the organization, builds a strong network and relationships within the business and technology stakeholders, is able to navigate within and across organization.
Staying up to date with the latest technologies, trends, and industry best. You will continuously evaluate and incorporate new methodologies, tools, and frameworks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the technology/platform. Builds effective partnerships with Suppliers for gaining insights, leveraging and improving solution direction.
Exhibits strong accountability/ownership, rigor and a “can do” mindset.
Builds and communicates solution vision effectively, drives clarity while simplifying the objectives, is proactive, is resourceful and Influences/pivots discussions, using logic, expertise, insights and data.
Positively influences the team.
Supplier:
Works with industry partners and suppliers and technology architects to continuously investigate and bring in best of breed solutions to improve and develop a future-enabled solution landscape.
Is passionate about keeping up to date with current developments and industry best practices in the relevant functional and technology area and leverages connects with suppliers towards this objective
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:
Analyzing complex issues and identifying creative and effective solutions, leveraging and weighing existing solutions, a holistic perspective of the problem statements and solutions and where appropriate build/reuse existing solutions & capabilities
Making well-informed decisions based on data, insights, and stakeholder input.
Handling crises and high-pressure situations with composure and sound judgment. Encouraging a culture of problem-solving and innovation within the team.
Together as a team
We’re the ones who make it possible for people to have a smarter life at home and a hassle-free and rewarding shopping experience. Together we work to find new digital solutions for every business need to help make IKEA a great and efficient place to work. We like to think of ourselves as innovative and modern, and we believe that nothing would actually work without us.
