Solution Architect - ERP & CRM (D365)

6 Month Contract - Outside IR35

Hybrid Glasgow

The ERP & CRM Solution Architect designs, guides the implementation, and sets up and runs solution and IT governance for the implementation of D365 Customer Relationship Management and Enterprise Resource planning systems. They bridge business needs with technical solutions, overseeing data modelling, system integration, scalability, and security to drive customer engagement and operational efficiency. They document, monitor and drive decisions on Architecturally Significant Requirements in CRM & ERP implementation, enabling development streams to flow without undue interruption, and anticipating the future solution needs of the business.

Key Responsibilities

Solution Design & Architecture: Collaborating with the supplier to create architectural blueprints and technical documentation for the ERP & CRM solutions (e.g., D365 CE, Field Service, Power Platform) that align with business goals.

Integration & Technical Leadership: Identify, design and communicate complex integrations between CRM systems, ERPs, and third-party applications using APIs and specialised integration tools.

Stakeholder Engagement: Work with architects and functional consultants from our SI supplier to conduct workshops to translate business requirements into functional, scalable technical specifications.

Governance & Standards: Ensure best practices for security, data migration, and software development lifecycles (ALM) are followed.

Solution Analysis: Support Third-Party SI with solution discovery and fit-gap analyses.

Establish Solution Governance: Establish a regular Technical Design Authority, involving other IT stakeholders and CIO, to operate on the Programme to provide regular and relevant advice on solution matters.

Key Skills and Competencies

Essential:

Experience of end-to-end D365 ERP and CRM implementation projects, including integration with finance, HR and other SaaS solutions.

Extensive experience of working in an agile delivery environment

Experience of being in charge of significant solution design and architecture tasks relating to the implementation of D365 CRM and ERP in a brown-field environment

Strong solution design and re-engineering skills, with proven experience in Microsoft and SureStep methods and design artefacts

Ability to solve problems creatively and effectively and understand the business drivers for solution change

Experience creating proportionate solution designs to balance business need and scalability with affordability and adoption.

Experience creating, breaking down and managing a backlog of Architecturally Significant Requirements, driving these to a conclusion in terms of design decisions and specifications.

Strong communication skills (listening, influencing and persuasiveness), capable of dealing with all levels of staff

Able to adopt an assertive approach and challenge business and technical assumptions, while maintaining a diplomatic, tactful and sensitive manner

The ability to work well under pressure and deliver to deadlines within all areas of the business, and often on multiple work streams is essential

Proficient in use of Azure Dev Ops, Confluence, and other common development enablement technologies.

Desirable:

Experience of integration with Microsoft Dynamics CRM / ERP with external systems

Understanding of similar organisations

Solution Architecture qualification, such as a Diploma or equivalent

Qualifications and Experience

At least 5 years of experience in Microsoft D365 Solution Architecture, with proven experience as lead Solution Architect on scale projects

Proven knowledge and experience of D365 CRM implementation

Strong understanding of services businesses, with maintenance & field services experience desirable

Additional Information

* Engaging staff at all levels across the organisation, ensuring their participation in virtual teams to achieve delivery.

* Based in Central Glasgow, occasional travel to other sites may be required.

* Flexibility is essential to meet committed project deadlines.