D365 Solution Architect – Highlander Programme

UK Remote 

Staff Role

Morgan Advanced Materials is a business rich in history and innovation. Founded in the UK in 1856, we have grown into a global organisation with 70 sites in 18 countries. Our model to serve our customers where they need us has led to a diversified product range using our unparalleled expertise in ceramic and carbon materials, which we exploit to solve difficult problems for our customers across a diverse range of markets.

We are a purpose driven organisation. Our purpose is to use advanced materials to make the world more sustainable and to improve the quality of life. We deliver on that purpose through the products that we make, and the way that we make them.

We help our customers push the limits of their processes and products to meet the demanding requirements they face, from higher process temperatures to higher product performance to increasing miniaturisation.

Key Figures: Revenue £1,114.7m (2023), ~8,500 employees, manufacturing in 20+ countries, and a global customer portfolio. A UK PLC with head office located in Windsor, Berkshire UK.  Listed on London Stock Exchange; Member of the FTSE 250 Index.

D365 Solution Architect – Highlander Programme

UK Remote 

Staff Role

The Solution Architect for Microsoft Dynamics D365 is responsible for overseeing the overall solution of the Highlander D365 implementation project. This covers core D365 configuration (in collaboration with our Dynamics System Integration Partner) in addition to interfaces and integrations to other third-party systems or Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) as approved by Microsoft. The role includes leading a team of D365 functional resources covering the entire Highlander solution.

This is a project role during the Highlander Programme lifecycle as Morgan sites are rolled out on D365 and transitioned to steady state BAU support.  The Solution Architect will play a critical role in driving the success of our D365 projects by translating business requirements into effective and efficient solutions. Working closely with stakeholders, including business analysts, developers, and project managers this rule is pivotal to ensure that solutions align with business objectives and technical standards.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of Microsoft Dynamics D365 across finance, supply chain, production operations including MRP, Manufacturing and CE. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and proven experience in leading teams is essential.

The ideal candidate must have worked as a workstream lead and be expert for at least two towers, Finance, Supply Chain, Logistics, Project Accounting, Production and Operations and understand the End to End Solution capabilities in order to prove experience of Solution Architecture with sound decision making within a Microsoft D365 Implementation programme.

Due to the aggressive timelines and delivery plans the Solution Architect will ensure the focus on delivery and excellence in Design, Build, Test and Deploy. Particularly attention to staying structured and focused, with attention to detail, on the priorities agreed and not to evangelise and distract attention from the main objectives of the programme, so that it can be delivered on-time and within budget.

The D365 Solution Architect will take ownership of all aspects of the D365 Solution Architecture working with the business stakeholders and successful delivery of the programme. · Assist with kick-off, requirement gathering and knowledge transfer sessions; evaluate the client business processes and provide Business requirement documentation. Ensure and manage solution in regard to the following,

• Analyse requirements and objectives, suggest Business Re-Engineering processes, eliminate non-value addition processes and derive how best the software can address clients’ business process
• Perform analysis, convert requirements to functional specs and functional design documents
• Configure and showcase Solution Management processes/systems as to how the solution meets Morgan business requirements.
• Document and own delivery of the Global Solution Design Document and all associated artifacts including review and approval of all FDD’s Functional Design Documents. Documentation of the Configuration Blueprint and joint ownership configuration management and control.
• Participate and ensure successful delivery in collaboration with the programme leadership, test management and environment manager with delivery of Build Cycle Deliver, End to End Testing, UAT and Go Live.
• Provide input and thought leadership and approval to the Data Migration Strategy, Integration Straegy and Solution Architecture footprint for Morgan.
• Mentor other consultants in delivering according to client expectations; take ownership and deliver successful completion of projects including documents, user manuals
• Participate in the development of functional design documentation and technical specifications, unit and system test scripts, and deployment plans, perform SIT testing
• Facilitate functional sessions and weekly status meetings with clients, including the ability to drive a client to decisions

• Solution Design: Lead the architectural design of Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions, including requirements gathering, analysis, and planning. Create detailed technical documentation and solution blueprints.
• Solution Governance: Overseeing the integrity of the global solution with local variations throughout the roll out of the Highlander programme through a structured governance framework. Establish and enforce technical standards, policies, and best practices for D365 solutions.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with business and technical stakeholders to understand business processes and requirements, translating them into D365 solutions that meet business needs.
• Technical Leadership: Collaborate with the Highlander Technical Lead to develop solutions and ensure best practices in design, customization, and integration. Oversee and mentor other team members as needed.
• Customization and Configuration: Collaborate and oversee the design and configuration of Dynamics 365 components, including custom workflows, plugins, and data model customizations.
• Integration: Oversee and control the integrations between Dynamics 365 and other applications and provide leadership, advice, guidance and governance to technical team members responsible for integrations
• Data Migration: Alignment and collaboration with the programme data team to ensure data migration strategy and plans are aligned to the solution.
• Quality Assurance: Lead the wider Highlander team to establish quality assurance processes, including code reviews, testing protocols, and performance optimization.
• Documentation and Training: Produce high-quality documentation, including technical specifications, architecture diagrams, and user manuals. Conduct training sessions for end-users and technical teams. Lead and guide other team members in the solution and technical teams to deliver high quality outputs.
• Project Management: Work closely with the Project Management team to define project scope, timelines, and deliverables. Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. Identify risks and issues and actively participate in their associated mitigation.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay updated with the latest developments in Microsoft Dynamics D365 and related technologies and identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the system and processes.

Experience:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business, or related field.

Experience:

• Strong ERP background
• Previous experience in leading and mentoring functional & technical teams
• Excellent communication skills
• 15-year ERP Implementation experience
• Minimum of 8 years of experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365, with at least 2 full End-to-End ERP implementation Cycles.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale ERP/CRM projects.

 Technical Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Good knowledge of Azure DevOps. Knowledge of other complementary Microsoft tools is preferred.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 CE/CRM, F&O, or other related modules..
• Proven experience as a Solution Architect or similar role within D365 projects.
• Experience with Power Platform (Power Apps, Power BI, Power Automate) is highly preferred.
• Proficient in D365 configuration, customization, and development.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft technology stack (Azure, Power Platform, .NET, SQL Server).
• Experience with integration tools such as Azure Logic Apps, API management, and other middleware.
• Knowledge of data migration tools and techniques (e.g., KingswaySoft, Scribe).
• Familiarity with DevOps and CI/CD processes.

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex technical issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Certifications (preferred):

• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 + Power Platform Solution Architect Expert
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

 Working Environment

Remote with visits to Morgan offices in the UK and other international locations as required, including supporting ERP rollout globally

Morgan Advanced Materials is an EEO/AA/M/W/D/V Employer Ind-1