Anaplan Solution Architect

Solution Architect - MENARole OverviewA specialist consulting firm focused on digital and operational transformation across Asset & Wealth Management, Alternative Investments, and Insurance is looking for a Solution Architect to join its growing EPM practice.The team delivers solutions across leading Enterprise Performance Management platforms, including Anaplan and other modern EPM technologies.This is a senior, technical and client-facing position responsible for leading EPM solution design and delivery. You will shape architectural approaches, guide model-building teams through agile delivery and act as the primary technical point of contact for clients.The position is based in the Middle East and is offered at Manager or Senior Manager level.Key ResponsibilitiesPre-Sales SupportSupport pre-sales activities, including building and presenting platform demonstrations.Work closely with model builders and wider technical teams to develop appropriate solutions.Develop strong knowledge of EPM solutions and industry-specific accelerator models.Scope Definition & DiscoveryLead discovery sessions with client stakeholders to understand current processes, systems and data flows.Document business and functional requirements.Produce workflow and process diagrams covering current and future-state operations.Identify integration dependencies and assess wider enterprise system alignment.Identify scope risks at an early stage and communicate these to the Project Manager and client stakeholders.Solution Design & SpecificationsTranslate functional requirements into detailed technical specifications and sprint plans.Design and document future-state operating models.Define how new processes, data sources and workflows will interact with the EPM solution.Recommend pragmatic solutions where client requirements and platform capabilities differ.Requirements ManagementLead requirements gathering throughout the delivery lifecycle.Create and maintain user stories and requirements within agile project tooling.Review existing systems to identify opportunities for process improvement and integration.Client EngagementWork directly with client stakeholders from discovery through to deployment.Prepare and present sprint reviews, progress updates, integration reports and solution demonstrations.Communicate effectively with both senior business stakeholders and technical teams.Manage evolving requirements during delivery and work with the Project Manager to prioritise and re-plan where required.RequirementsExperience & QualificationsUniversity degree or equivalent professional qualification.Anaplan Solution Architect certification.5+ years of experience managing or delivering Anaplan solutions, ideally within internal Finance or EPM teams.Strong consulting background with experience across complex programmes.Demonstrable experience in requirements gathering, documentation and project scoping.Experience working with financial modelling is desirable, particularly within Private Markets, Asset Management or Insurance.Technical SkillsStrong knowledge of Anaplan, including advanced concepts, model design best practices and integration patterns.Strong Excel modelling experience.Knowledge of wider EPM and Finance systems would be advantageous.Experience with process mapping tools such as Visio or Lucidchart.Experience with JIRA or similar agile project management tools.Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly PowerPoint and Word.Consulting & Client SkillsExcellent written and verbal communication skills.Confidence presenting to both business and technology audiences.Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.Ability to quickly understand complex, cross-functional requirements.Experience managing client relationships and delivering within demanding environments.Comfortable working with technology vendors and partners to obtain technical information required for project delivery.Personal AttributesSelf-motivated, proactive and highly organised.Comfortable working in a fast-paced consulting environment.Able to prioritise competing demands across multiple stakeholders.Genuine interest in Financial Services, Private Markets and the technology supporting these sectors.Willingness to broaden knowledge across the wider EPM technology landscape.Arabic language skills are desirable but not essential.Venquis is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.