BO - Principal Architect

Role title: Business Operations - Principal Architect
Function: VGS IT
Band: F13
Department: Strategy & Architecture
Reports to Head of Corporate Applications
Location: Pune

Role purpose:
Vodafone is continually transforming and adopting digital solutions throughout it’s business units.  Part of the transformational activities includes each function across the organisation setting a digital strategy.    

The Principal Architect will be responsible for defining and driving the strategy and architecture of a global ERP landscape, predominantly based on SAP applications supporting the core Finance, Supply Chain, Logistics and HR processes. The Principal Architect will ensure the ERP solutions align with the company’s business objectives, providing a robust, scalable, and efficient systems to support global business operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architecture Design: Design and oversee the architecture definition of solutions within major transformational initiatives. 
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development and maintenance the overall ERP strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals and objectives.
• Integration Management: Ensure frictionless integration of ERP systems with other enterprise applications, domains and third-party systems.
• Governance: Enforce architectural standards, guidelines, and best practices.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with business leaders, IT teams, supplier and external system integration partners to understand requirements and deliver effective ERP solutions.
• Innovation: Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously improve the ERP landscape.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with ERP implementations and upgrades.
   

Experience and Skills Expected:
Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in ERP strategy and architecture, with a strong focus on SAP applications.
• Proven experience in defining solution architecture under-pinning large-scale ERP implementations in a global corporate environment.
• Extensive experience with Finance, HR, and Supply Chain processes, including accounts receivable.

Technical Skills:

• Deep understanding of SAP modules such as SAP FI/CO, SAP HR, SAP MM, SAP EWM and SAP SD.
• Proficiency in integration technologies and middleware solutions.
• Strong knowledge of cloud-based ERP solutions and hybrid architectures.

Leadership and Influencing:

• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to contribute effectively to multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in stakeholder management and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences up-to ‘C’ level.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze complex business requirements and translate them into effective ERP solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.

Soft Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High level of adaptability and flexibility.
• Capable of mentoring & coaching team members.

Preferred Qualifications:

• SAP certification(s) in relevant modules.
• Experience with SAP S/4HANA.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and IoT as they relate to ERP systems.  Understanding of cloud hosting (PaaS, SaaS) plus compliance to security and privacy restrictions.
• This role is pivotal in ensuring the company’s ERP landscape is robust, scalable, and aligned with business objectives, driving efficiency and innovation across global operations.
   

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly? At Vodafone we are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help you see how your skills fit in.

We want you to feel happy and fulfilled at work, without compromising the other things in life that matter to you. There are lots of ways we support this, including hybrid working and generous parental leave. You'll also get four Spirit Days a year to focus on your personal development and wellbeing, plus a host of other great benefits too.

You may have already heard of Vodafone - We're a leading Telecommunications company in Europe and Africa. But what you might not know is that we are continuously investing in new technologies to improve the lives of millions of customers, businesses and people around the world, creating a better future for everyone.

As part of our global family, whether that's Vodafone, Vodacom or _VOIS, you'll feel a sense of pride and purpose as you contribute to our culture of innovation. We pursue equality of opportunity and inclusion for all candidates through our employment policies and practices. We recognise and celebrate the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our workspace and we do not tolerate any form of discrimination especially related to but not limited to race, colour, age, veteran status, gender identification, sexual orientation, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, religion, political affiliation, trade union membership, nationality, indigenous status, medical condition, HIV status, social origin, cultural background, social, or marital status.

Together we can.