Position/Employment type: Business Applications Solution Architect Organization/Reporting line: Reports to: Business Applications Manager Direct Reports: N/A Place of work/Travel: Regional Resource Travelling to all Garda World International Countries Contact and Cooperation: Internally : Main cooperation with Business Applications Team East Africa, all application users at Garda World.
Externally: IT Consultants, IT Suppliers, Professional Associations, and Technology Stakeholders.
Job Summary: The Business Applications Solution Architect will have a good understanding of Microsoft Dynamics ERP family (Navision, Business Central, D365 Finance and Operations) along with a proven track record of designing, implementing, and supporting complex ERP solutions.
As a Solution Architect, they will play a pivotal role in shaping our digital transformation journey by providing expert guidance, technical expertise, and innovative solutions.
The Business Applications Solution Architects primary responsibility is to be a champion for technical solutions on the Microsoft platform with a keen understanding of development practices, and other solution delivery techniques.
Key activities will entail requirements understanding, solution design, control of development activities, testing, implementation and user support.
Key Responsibilities: Key Responsibilities: Solution Design: Analyze business requirements and map them to existing ERP platforms i.e.
Microsoft Dynamics Navision, Business Central and other key business applications.
Develop comprehensive solution architectures, including system integration, data migration, and customization strategies.
Create detailed solution designs, including data models, integrations, and customizations.
Collaborate with project teams to ensure alignment between business objectives and technical implementations.
Identify best business practice solutions to Dynamics 365 / NAV problems utilizing internal & external resources.
Take responsibility for overall system functionality working with the Project Managers, Business Analysts, Support team members & Consultants to deliver business requirements.
Create technical documentation for all customisations, configurations, and integrations.
Implementation: Provide technical leadership and guidance to project teams throughout the implementation lifecycle.
Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
Ensure adherence to best practices, performance standards, security requirements, and quality assurance guidelines.
Lead technical discussions with developers and internal teams.
Test functionality developed by the development team against business requirements.
Technical Expertise: Stay up to date with the latest advancements in key Microsoft Dynamics Navision, Business Central and other relevant business application platforms.
Leverage technical expertise to address complex challenges and provide innovative solutions.
Contribute to the development of reusable assets and knowledge base articles.
Provide technical oversight and quality assurance throughout project lifecycles.
Install and implement service packs and hot fixes as needed.
User Support: Effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Provide exceptional user service and support.
Be the technical liaison to business groups for application support.
Perform data conversions, debugging system problems, and craft resolutions.
Team Leadership: Mentor and develop junior team members.
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.
Principal Outputs of this Role: Stable, reliable, secure, and consistently available business application services Business application platforms that are configured as per best practices, and performing optimally Business application platforms that are backed up on schedule with a disaster recovery plan Regular business application system maintenance and clean-up to ensure optimal performance Efficient and effective system implementation End user support Authority: As per Garda World authority matrix Accountability: Business Applications Solution Expert is accountable to the Business Applications Manager, for the responsibilities stated in this job description.
These responsibilities will be monitored and managed through the mid-year and annual performance review and supported through the monitoring of KPIs.
Competencies: Demonstrate a high degree of sensitivity, confidentiality when dealing with internal and external customers.
Influencer with excellent negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills.
A forward planner with clear focus.
Team player and able to work with remote supervision in a diverse environment.
Attention for detail, excellent analytical skills.
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve business software problems.
High moral standing with impeccable integrity.
Experience & Qualifications: Minimum 4+ years of experience as a Business Applications Solution Architect or in a similar role with Microsoft Dynamics Navision, Dynamics 365, Business Central, Dynamics 365 CRM.
Good understanding of ERP systems, business processes, core functionalities, configuration, and customization.
Knowledge of C/AL, AL programming languages, and the Microsoft Dynamics development environment.
Experience with data migration, system integrations, and third-party add-ons.
Familiarity with Azure cloud services and Power Platform (Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate).
Experience writing effective system and technical documentation (integration, process, technical, data flow charts) Proven track record of successful project implementations and client satisfaction.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Experience managing multiple projects and priorities effectively.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, or a related field.
Microsoft Dynamics certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate).
Experience with cloud-based ERP solutions (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365, Business Central).
Knowledge of industry-specific best practices and regulations.
Experience with other ERP systems or CRM platforms.
Knowledge of agile development methodologies.
Experience in specific industries (e.g., service industry, manufacturing, distribution, professional services).