Professional Services Solutions Architect

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As a Customer-facing Solution Architect, you will work with customers, sales staff and delivery teams to create solutions to customer problems. Solution Architects will define solutions across the product range and not focus on a single product or component. In this role, you will be leading the solution design and implementation on a range of projects covering the range of products and services in the RM e-Assessment portfolio.Client DetailsWe are the leading supplier of technology and resources to the education sector, supporting schools, teachers and pupils across the globe - from pre-school to higher education - including examination boards, central governments and other professional institutions.Our purpose is to enrich the lives of learners worldwide and we aim to improve the life chances of people - worldwide - by delivering great education products and services that help teachers to teach and learners to learn.DescriptionAs solution lead for customer projects, Solution Architects will:Create requirement specifications by interpreting customers' requirementsDefine high level solutions to meet customers' requirementsEnsure solution boundaries are defined and that interfaces across boundaries (either between customer or RM systems or applications) are specifiedArticulate solutions to all stakeholders and adopt a position as the solution authorityWork closely with the delivery team throughout the delivery lifecycle providing guidance and steering to ensure a successful deliveryWork directly with and assist the customer during acceptance phasesPosition solutions in RM's best interests while recognising and compromising with customers where necessaryOperate independently on a customer site as a chargeable resourceFacts & FiguresSolution Lead for 1 or more projects up to £1m in value, either as part of multi-million pound contracts or on their own lasting anything between 3 months and 2 years.Lead the solution team of typically between 1 and 5 people.Decision MakingThe Customer-facing Solution Architect needs to be able to work autonomously within the project team with the ability to take crucial decisions regarding the development of the solution and implementation of the customer project. It is critical that the Solution Architect is aware of the impact of their work on the commercial aspects of the project, but also customer focussed with excellent organisational skills and the ability to communicate and influence both internally and externally with senior business stakeholders up to and including CEO level.Impact & InfluenceWorking with our Account Directors and customer management teams to manage and build existing customer relationships whilst also effectively responding to new business requirements; shaping and scoping the solution development process and response to ensure new business wins.Working closely with other individuals working on project, including product development teams.Working closely with commercial product and proposition teams to influence product and service roadmaps and our overall customer propositions. Profile

What are we looking for?

It is critical that the Customer-facing Solution Architect has a good understanding of the full product portfolio and can influence the customer such that change is minimised, and expectations set appropriately. They must have excellent communication skills, and the ability to communicate and influence both internally and externally with key stakeholders.In addition, they will have:Experience as solution lead of a cross-functional software implementation projectExperience of working in an Agile software development environmentKnowledge and experience of working in the full Software Delivery LifecycleCompleted ITIL V3 or V4 Foundation training (Desirable)Experience of working with senior decision makers within customer organisationsStrong communication skills to effectively communicate customer requirements to internal and external stakeholders with the ability to translate business requirements into development user stories and acceptance criteriaThe ability to influence internal and external stakeholders of all levels, using flexibility of approachDemonstrable ability to motivate teams to work together in the most efficient mannerFlexibility and adaptability.Job OfferOur competitive core benefits package includes 25 Days Annual Leave (with an option to buy an extra 5 days), a Performance Related Bonus Scheme, membership of our Group Personal Pension with higher contribution levels available from the Company if you choose to contribute more, Private Medical Healthcare, Income Protection, Life Assurance (4 times salary) and enhanced family leave.We also offer voluntary benefits such as Cycle to Work Scheme, Family Private Medical Healthcare, Dental Plan, Health Cash Plan, Critical Illness Cover, Health Assessments (cost deducted over 12 months), Give as You Earn and an Employee Referral Scheme. At RM we are committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the customers and communities we serve, and to creating an inclusive and flexible workplace where all our colleagues can be themselves and succeed on merit.