Solutions Architect - Core Systems, Global Pet Nutrition

Employer: Mars

Location: London, United Kingdom

Salary: Competitive

Closing date: 8 Nov 2024

Sector: Construction and Building Services

Role: Professional

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time

Job Description:
Pet Nutrition (PN) is the most vibrant category in the FMCG sector. As we work to transform this exciting category, a new program, Digital First, has been mobilized by the Mars Pet Nutrition (PN) leadership team. Digital First places pet parents at the center of all we do in Mars PN, while digitalizing a wide range of business process areas, and creating future fit capabilities to achieve ambitious targets in top line growth, earnings, and pet parent centricity. The Digital First agenda requires Digitizing at scale and requires you to demonstrate significant thought leadership, quality decision making, deep technical know-how, and an ability to navigate complex business challenges.

Are you passionate about optimizing and redesigning key systems and processes that run a multibillion dollar business and excited about how it can completely transform the way an organization efficiently and effectively manage its longer-term financial health & operational efficiency and effectiveness? Do you have the strategic vision, technical expertise, and leadership skills to drive digital solutions? If so, you might be the ideal candidate for the role of Shepherd - Solution Architect in the Enterprise Architecture function for Global Pet Nutrition (PN) at Mars.

The Shepherd - Solution Architect is a technical leadership role that oversees delivery of digital and data capabilities that are critical to the success of our Enterprise. This role is responsible for the architecture, design and optimization of key applications surrounding ERP, software engineering and the development of a number of key systems used by the supply chain and related associates for the multi-billion-dollar Pet Nutrition division. Reporting to the Head of Enterprise Architecture, the person in this role will be a part of the Global PN Architecture of Tomorrow team. The role operates globally and partners with PN business and digital leaders across all functions.

This role is an incubation role (temporary) with an estimated end date of December 2026. The purpose is to fast-track and support the build of this specific product. At the completion of the product, a permanent BAU role will open to maintain and support the product: the role will be permanent and will have a different job description more suited to the need of the organisation at end state. If you are unable to secure the role by December 2026 you will be eligible for a separation package.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's degree or Equivalent (IT Degree preferred in particular computer science, data science or related field)
• Proven track record of working in an SAP S4 HANA implementation program
• Extensive experience in the application & solution architecture domain
• Deep understanding of SAP BTP
• Proven track record of presenting solution options to design authorities and governance forums
• Proven track record to master new and emerging technologies
• Successful experience, established over several years, to perform architecture leadership within a Technology environment
• A strong customer centric mindset especially within an internal customer base with the purpose of driving adoption and use
• Strategic thinking, problem solving and innovation, with the ability to anticipate and navigate challenges and opportunities.
• Excellent in engaging with technical and functional leadership in a matrix organization.
• Ability to navigate complex matrix organisation
• Motivational and thought leading
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and manage multiple priorities
• Experience working in a multi-region business team with potentially conflicting needs/views and ability to navigate a complex organizational landscape
• Must be customer focused with demonstrated ability to form productive relationship including business & DT leaders
• Learning agility and desire to learn new technology and business

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Mars Principles: Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team.
• Strategy and Thought Leadership: Work with PN Digital Leadership & Shepherd program leadership to create and execute the Shepherd application strategy and roadmap for the Pet Nutrition segment, in alignment with the Pet Nutrition's business strategic priorities and goals. Bring the