Join the UK and Ireland s Leading Supplier of Microsoft Dynamics Offices Oxford Dublin Holland Manchester Hook About K3 K3 is a leading global software provider for the Retail, Manufacturing and Distribution sectors. In our 25 years of business we ve kept more than 3,000 customers in over 30 countries happy with our innovative, leading and reliable installations of Microsoft centric business solutions. As market leaders in each of the Retail, Manufacturing and Distribution fields, it s our unique approach, selection of top personnel and use of outstanding technology that delivers a competitive edge to each installation; so our clients always win. That s no mean feat. The Retail People This role is within K3 s fast paced Retail Division - the UK and Ireland s leading supplier of Microsoft Dynamics so we want leading professionals to join us. Our company delivers integrated multi-channel solutions that help retailers create a unique shopping experience. And, of course, we use only the best in new technologies. As a K3 team member you would work with leading retail clients such as Agent Provocateur, American Golf, Dobbies Garden Centres, Dreams, GameStop, Kiddicare, Ryman, Woodie s DIY, The White Company, White Stuff, Links of London and DAA.K3 Retail Business Solutions are a Gold Level Microsoft Partner, Presidents Club member and an Inner Circle member; so we ve earned a rewarding reputation that takes dedicated team members to maintain. We employ around 200+ staff in our retail division. We offer great pay and benefits as well as a creative and vibrant working ethos.
K3 Job Description for Functional Solution Architect The Functional Solution Architect (FSA) is a leadership role within the AX Practice and as such works closely with the AX Practice Manager to promote functional solution and technical best practice within K3 s AX Practice. The FSA will demonstrate the ability to lead and influence in their area of responsibility and will drive quality and best practice at all times. The FSA also works closely with the Manager, the Product Manager and the Technical Architect ensuring that the impact of the FSA s areas of responsibility on both project and product delivery is realised and as such, quality of service and delivery is of a high standard. It is likely that the FSA will work across multiple projects at any one time as well as providing support to the wider team when required. Primary Duties and Areas of Responsibility The FSA is responsible for designing and architecting the AX solution to best satisfy a customer s requirements within the constraints and best practice guidelines that apply to delivering a solution with as few customisations as possible. The FSA is involved in a project from the outset, usually from presales stage. They will work alongside the sales and presales team and will assist in the shaping of the proposed AX solution based on the knowledge available at the time. As the sales opportunity progresses they may be required to participate in responses to RFIs, RFPs and Proposals in response to these. The FSA will take ownership of the proposed solution from the presales stage and will make sure that there is clear supporting documentation and clarity to achieve a smooth handover from presales to project delivery. The FSA will continue to work with the professional services delivery team throughout the implementation providing quality checks and review points to confirm the solution remains as per the signed off solution. The FSA takes primary responsibility for confirming that any project specific customisations are necessary and are well designed, developed and tested and that they stay within the agreed boundaries of delivery for the approved solution. The FSA is a key role within the K3 project team and is seen as a leadership role on the project. As such, the FSA establishes firm relationships with the customer project team from the start of a project and works to ensure there is visibility and understanding of the solution for all stakeholders. The FSA works closely with both the Product and Project delivery teams to ensure that project specific influences on the product are communicated clearly to the product team. The main responsibilities of the FSA are centred on the Functional Solution aspects of an AX implementation and cover: Management or Sure Step project phase Primary Duties and Areas of Responsibility Ownership of the Solution Blueprint for AX implementations. As such, the FSA will create Solution Overview Diagrams which clearly represent the AX 2 OF 6
All All All All Business Business solution that will be implemented, clearly identifying add-on solutions, 3 rd party solutions, interface requirements etc. In addition, phasing considerations for implementations must be clearly documented identifying interim interface requirements. Working alongside the AX product manager to identify suitable ISV and add-on solutions which will enhance K3 s product offering in the Retail vertical sector. Introducing and policing methodology and controls to support quality and best practice in the following areas of an AX implementation: Configuration of AX Running of requirements workshops Production of requirements documentation General consulting Application knowledge Design documentation Test scripts Training material Data migration Ensuring documentation exists in relation to the above to support training and adoption of best practice within the wider functional team. Detailed understanding of client issues and build credibility with the client at senior management level. Mentoring and educating functional consultants within the AX Practice to adopt best practice standards and methodologies in relation to implementing AX. This covers all aspects of the delivery role including but not limited to consulting, design, training and testing activities. Managing and improving best practice methodologies and approach for implementing AX and 3 rd party applications for customer and K3 projects. Assist in bringing together the major deliverables and workstreams to effect an integrated solution. Provide clarity on the scope of the solution and help lead the team to deliver a solution to time, quality and budget. Establishing and developing relationships within Microsoft and 3 rd party suppliers. This includes ensuring that K3 is aware of all relevant TAP opportunities and are registered for these and is actively participating. Work with the AX Practice Manager to establish professional development needs for the team to ensure expertise in all functional areas. Mentor and guide more junior resources. Research latest technologies and stay up to speed with the functionality changes in each new release of AX and the impact this has on current implementations and methodologies. Assist marketing to develop marketing materials. Serve as AX Subject Matter Expert to help identify and quality business 3 OF 6
All All All All Diagnostic Diagnostic Diagnostic Analysis Analysis Design Deployment Deployment development opportunities. Understanding and adherence to K3 s implementation methodology, based on Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step. Providing guidance for business decisions from a functional perspective on issues such as performance, scalability, reliability and security. Contribute to scope and risk management and actively work with the project manager, technical architect and lead consultant to ensure the project delivers to time, cost and quality. Problem solving validate hypotheses and diagnostics from other team member, testing insights and recommendations from the team with senior management internally and externally. Involvement in presales to help shape the functional requirements as understood at the ITT stage of a new opportunity this will include: analysing requirements identifying gaps envisaging and owning the proposed AX solution assisting in the provision of accurate phasing and timescales assisting in the provision of accurate cost estimates Responsible for defining the solution blueprint through the provision of diagrams in Visio format for inclusion in ITT and RFP responses. Contribute to the planning, shaping and development of client proposals. Carrying out quality review of outputs from Analysis Phase workshops and supporting the fit-gap analysis process. The FSA must work closely with the delivery team to ensure adherence to the solution that was signed off. Provide guidance and quality review checks in all areas of the Analysis Phase of the implementation. Lead and own the design of the overall solution for the customer Contribute to the planning and implementing of system test scripts to ensure functionality, configuration and data comply with specifications and standards. Providing input and quality review checks of detailed cut-over plans to support the actual go-live transition for AX implementations or upgrades. Soft Skills The following soft skills are necessary within the FSA role: Motivation Motivation Motivation Leadership Ability to work independently, prioritize and solve problems proactively. Demonstrates willingness and ability to pursue self-development independently. Work closely with others in the team and promote motivation amongst others by mentoring, guiding and leading by example. Ability to motivate, coach, review and evaluate performance of functional 4 OF 6
Leadership Leadership Communication Communication Team player consultants. Provides functional application expertise to other team members and is frequently sought out by others for advice and guidance. Act as a visionary and strategist for AX solution. A strong customer focus and the ability to respond to and deal with customer demands and issues in a professional and capable manner. Demonstration of excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities. The ability to adapt to organizational change and work within challenging environments. Work collaboratively with clients and colleagues and lead complex, large and senior meetings. Ability to produce clearly written and accurate documents which are of a high standard from a content, structure and formatting perspective. Ability to verbally communicate clearly at all levels of an organization whether with a consultant or a director. Bring good ideas to the team, co-ordinating the delivery input into business propositions Team player Team-oriented; willing to align work with team s priorities and goals External and internal With Microsoft 3 rd party liaison o Establishing and developing relationships within Microsoft and 3rd party suppliers. This includes ensuring that K3 are aware of all relevant TAP opportunities and are registered for these and actively participating. With K3 Support o Interaction with support on best practice, new areas to cover as they become apparent with AX and related technologies With Project Office o Developing and improving template for implementations With other K3 technical practices: BI,.NET, ecommerce o common approaches e.g. AX POS for Retail, BI, interfacing with ecommerce solutions Methodology Play a lead role in the ongoing improvement in K3 s Sure Step delivery methodology. Embrace and lead the way on any new implementation tools and utilities that Microsoft introduce to assist in the delivery of AX projects e.g. Rapid Start and Lifecycle Services Management. Technical skills, experience and expertise The following technical skills, experience and expertise are necessary within the FSA role: Microsoft certifications Dynamics AX functional accreditations in at least two modules including: Finance in latest two versions of AX Trade & Logistics in latest two versions of AX Other new certifications relevant to the role as and when introduced by Microsoft 5 OF 6
Software and tools Expert user of the following Microsoft Office applications: o Visio o PowerPoint Better than average user of the following Microsoft Office applications: o Word o Excel Good understanding of the following Microsoft Office applications: o Project Good knowledge of UML tools No. of years experience Proven experience working in a senior consulting and lead capacity on a number of AX end-to-end implementations. Methodology Expert understanding and use of Sure Step or other implementation methodology. AX Solution expertise Expertise to identify and translate system requirements in to software design and documentation. Ensure quality internal and external client-oriented documentation is always produced. Present at senior meetings in relation to either internal or external projects and solutions. Ability to conduct impact analysis of design decisions on overall integrated solution. If you are interested in this role, please submit your CV stating your salary requirements to jobs@k3btg.com 6 OF 6