Analytics & Data Solutions Architect (Business facing)

An exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment and one of the largest professional services firms worldwide. The role will be performed within the Reporting & Analytics pillar of Network Operations function, reporting to Analytics & Data Solutions Lead. Reporting & Analytics pillar has strong collaboration between the business and technical teams, driving innovation, an agile mind-set and a hands-on approach to all aspects of analytic application design; business requirements, analytics delivery, implementation, deployment and transition to business as usual service. The RoleThe role supports the Global Reporting & Analytics service and is responsible for the conceptual and logical Solutions Architecture and Data Modelling needs of a Global Reporting & Analytics service, which include strategic business insights, business intelligence, analytical insights, data science and other business information needs. We’re looking for someone who can grow with our products and solutions, and keen to develop what we already have and work with our customers to transform their challenges and requirements into solutions, in line with our Reporting & Analytics vision & strategy. Responsibilities/DutiesBusiness as Usual Service Delivery: Govern the Reporting & Analytic solutions, including the data models utilised for R&A, ensuring that our solutions are aligned with our R&A technology and tools strategy. Work in collaboration with the technical development teams and conceive, design and oversee the development of R&A solutions to meet our customer needs and challenges. Formulate the logical solution architectures by way of mapping the business requirements to data and technical solution components in line with the R&A product strategy. Provide expertise as to how the conceived solution ideas should be built Set the architectural boundaries and ensure the consistency and coherence of all component parts of R&A solutions, assuring the scalability and flexibility of solutions to support current and future requirements. Champion and defend the Data & BI Architecture best practices, standards and principles, and ensure these are met by the technical delivery teams. Facilitate dialogues with Project delivery teams, technical designers and technical developers to ensure that delivered solutions are in line with the set architectural boundaries. Seek advice from the Enterprise Architecture and GCDO (Global Chief Data Office) teams to make sure the R&A solution architectures are aligned to the global enterprise governance, standards and protocols set by those functions. Work closely with Network Operations Analytics & Data Solutions Lead to ensure all solution architecture propositions are fit for purpose and aligned with the strategic vision, even when delivering tactical alternatives. Application / Project Delivery: Develop Reporting and Analytics as well as Data solution architectures covering the business, information, application and technology dimensions (Technology dimension to be designed in collaboration with the Technology Solutions Architect upon the business approval of the conceptual and logical solution architectures) Ensure the new Data and Analytics solutions are designed for optimal access and usefulness, leveraging existing technologies where possible Apply architectural and engineering concepts to design solutions that meet non-functional requirements such as scalability, maintainability, security, reliability, extensibility, flexibility, availability and manageability Identify technologies to employ based on strategic guidance, performance, service agreements and organizational constraints Create and maintain accurate and complete architectural documents and artefacts Recommend strategies to improve performance and capacity of Data and BI tools. Collaborate with the SMEs, Business Analysts, Project Managers and Technical Developers to ensure the successful development of Data and MI/BI Analytic solutions. Skills & KnowledgeHighly skilled in using the appropriate tools (e.g. EA Sparx or other) to define Data Solutions and MI/BI/Analytic Architectures High Proficiency in 3rd Normal form and dimensional data modeling for BI solutions and Cloud architecture Knowledgeable in BI Access/Security Control Models and Framework designs Effective time management skills to support simultaneous business demands whilst meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment Proven ability to solve problems, handle conflicts, anticipate issues/concerns, troubleshoot problems, and proactively institute creative solutions quickly and in detail Ability to establish strong working relationships with other dependent functions and departments. Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, and technical writing skills Familiarity with Financial Services and Management Consulting industries EducationEducated to Degree Level (Information Systems discipline) Qualifications in Enterprise & Solutions Architecture (BCS, ISEB or equivalent) - desirable ExperienceExtensive years of relevant work experience as a Data/BI or Information Solutions Architect. Knowledge and experience of the latest technologies, challenges and industry best practices on reporting & analytics, data warehousing, data management and data governance disciplines. Experienced on medium to large scale data-centric BI/MI Analytic solution delivery projects/programmes including managed and self-service options Experience defining Solution Architectures for complex Data and MI/BI solutions including the provisioning of support for Operating/Service/Support Model designs Knowledge and experience working with popular development methodologies (e.g. agile, waterfall). Knowledge, experience and/or understanding of BI and predictive analysis tools (e.g. Power BI, SAS, R, Tableau etc.) and Cloud based infrastructure Knowledge and experience of the APIs of one or more of CRM/ERP products (e.g. Sales Force, Oracle Financials, SAP4H, WorkDay) Experience working in professional services/ accountancy/financial services sector (desirable) Experience working and collaborating with on and off-shore BI/MI technical delivery teams. Key StakeholdersInternal: Global Network Operations Global Client Interface Team Global Finance Operations Global Chief Data Office (Data Governance/Operations/Architecture) External: Offshore IT teams Other lines of Service Territory Project Teams Not the role for you? Did you know PwC offer flexible contract arrangements as well as contingent work ( ie temporary or day rate contracting)? The skills we look for in future employees All our people need to demonstrate the skills and behaviours that support us in delivering our business strategy. This is important to the work we do for our business, and our clients. These skills and behaviours make up our global leadership framework, ‘The PwC Professional’ and are made up of five core attributes; whole leadership, technical capabilities, business acumen, global acumen and relationships. Learn more here www.pwc.com/uk/careers/experienced/apply Diversity We work in a changing world which offers great opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek to attract and employ the best people from the widest talent pool, as well as those who reflect the diverse nature of our society. And we aim to encourage a culture where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths. Creating value through diversity is what makes us strong as a business and as an organisation with an increasingly agile workforce, we're open to flexible working arrangements where appropriate. Learn more here www.pwc.com/uk/diversity