Senior Manager, Solution Architecture

The Senior Manager, Solution Architecture at Deputy is responsible for delivering project enhancements and defining the strategic architecture that supports various business functions. This includes designing end-to-end solutions, managing technology evaluations for tools like AI, and recruiting a high-performing team. Collaborating with departments like Marketing and Sales ensures that systems are effectively tailored to meet both current and future needs.

Candidates for the Senior Manager, Solution Architecture role at Deputy should possess a minimum of 7 years of experience in a Solution Architect role with a strong background in SaaS technologies. At least 3 years of management experience is essential, along with proven skills in working with senior leaders and cross-functional teams. Technical expertise in Salesforce and billing systems like Zuora is also critical for this position.

In the context of Deputy's hyper growth, the Senior Manager, Solution Architecture plays a pivotal role in crafting scalable and sustainable solutions that can adapt to the changing needs of the business. By establishing strong partnerships across multiple functions and overseeing the strategic roadmap for technological consolidation, this position directly impacts how efficiently projects are delivered, enhancing overall business performance.

Team collaboration is vital for the Senior Manager, Solution Architecture role at Deputy. This position requires working closely with diverse teams—including Marketing, Sales, and Finance—to ensure that architectural solutions align with business objectives. The ability to engage and influence cross-functional teams while fostering an environment of teamwork is key to success.

At Deputy, the work culture is vibrant and inclusive, promoting diversity and innovative thinking. As a Senior Manager, Solution Architecture, you can expect a supportive environment that values collaboration and continuous learning. With flexible remote work policies and a wide array of social events, the culture emphasizes work-life balance while fostering a passionate community dedicated to improving the workplace experience.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of SaaS solutions you've developed or managed. Highlight how these solutions aligned with business needs and the strategies you employed to ensure scalability, security, and integration. Show your understanding of the critical challenges in a SaaS environment, particularly involving user experience and system performance.

A strong answer would involve discussing communication tools, regular check-ins, and strategies you've implemented to maintain team cohesion and motivation. Share experiences where you've successfully managed projects across geographies and ensured team members felt supported and engaged despite distances.

The key is to simplify complex concepts into relatable terms. Share strategies like using visual aids, analogies, or breaking down information into digestible segments. An effective demonstration of this skill showcases your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams for smoother decision-making.

Explain your conflict resolution style, emphasizing listening to all viewpoints and seeking common ground. Provide an example of a situation where you navigated disagreements and aligned the team towards a unified solution, highlighting the importance of collaboration and respectful dialogue.

Discuss specific frameworks like TOGAF or Zachman, and illustrate with examples of when you've utilized these frameworks to develop technology roadmaps. Highlight how they helped in aligning technology projects with business goals, showcasing your strategic thinking and planning abilities.

In your response, outline your recruitment strategies, from defining roles to conducting interviews. Detail an instance when you successfully formed a high-performing team, focusing on the skills, diversity, and culture you aimed to bring in, emphasizing the long-term benefits of a well-rounded team.

Discuss how understanding and valuing the opinions and experiences of your team enhances collaboration and loyalty. Provide examples of how empathetic leadership has positively impacted team performance and morale, showing that you care about individual contributions and professional growth.

It's crucial to involve foresight in your answers. Discuss how you analyze current business needs while anticipating future growth. Illustrate with a case where you successfully implemented a solution that not only met existing demands but was also designed to accommodate future challenges.

Share specific examples of AI tools you've worked with and how they were integrated into your solutions. Discuss the impact of automation on efficiency and user experience, showcasing your adaptability and innovation in incorporating technology into your architecture.

Craft a personal connection to Deputy’s mission and values. Reflect on what excites you about contributing to a company focused on transforming workplaces globally. Your answer should convey enthusiasm for collaborative work and the potential to make impactful contributions to the team and organization.