General information
Job Posting Title Solutions Architect Date Thursday, July 11, 2024 City Remote Country United Kingdom Working time Full-time
Description & Requirements
Be part of something great
Maximus is a global organisation that specialises in providing health and employment services to millions of people every year. Here in the UK we employ around 5,000 people across the country to deliver services that have a profound impact on people’s lives. From assessments and health services to employability programmes and specialist support, we do work that matters with people who care.
The Solution Design function is part of the UK Bidding Services team and is responsible for the production of the Solution Design elements across Business Development within the MAXIMUS business groups. This role covers our five divisions; Central, Assessments, Employability, Connect and Health and will support Business Development and Bidding Services from initial opportunity qualification, full solution design whilst supporting tender responses, and sub-contractor offers. The Solution Architect will also support internal sign off and contribute to the production and validation of workstream inputs, including implementation planning, for both new and existing business.
The role of the Solution Architect will be to develop solutions to customer specifications which are compliant, in line with Maximus UK strategy and joined up with the different Maximus UK divisions, utilising existing capability and operational contacts to develop compelling and cost-effective offers. It is a role closely aligned with the sales, business development and PMO teams during the capture planning phase from identifying capability and potential supply chain through to transition and implementation.
Research and Development
- Identify best practice examples throughout the business to build solutions by building a strong rapport and delivery knowledge with workstreams including Operations, Digital, PMO, Clinical, Client Service Managers and Sales. Undertaking on / off site delivery visits as required.
- Undertake full and or co-design activity as directed by the Sales Team, Bidding Services and Operational Delivery, to include :
- Standard delivery models
- Bespoke solution design
- Supply Chain development
- Customer / client journey construction
- Work closely with the Sales Lead and Bid Management in developing win themes and USPs and ensuring they are accurately articulated in ITT submission.
- Undertake, when required, supply chain analysis working closely with procurement and other teams to support the development of quality and robust supply chains.
Opportunity Qualification
Work closely with the BD, Bidding Services and Operational teams to undertake initial solution assessment on new and re-bid work to develop, design and produce solution options and recommendations along with risk analysis and mitigation.Work closely with the finance team on proposed financial modelling, assumptions and Maximus’ competitive commercial position.Work closely with subject matter experts from across the business to ensure costs and assumptions are captured and our solutions are inclusive of the latest service delivery innovations and strategy.Key Bid Responsibilities
Analysis of customer documents including specification, evaluation criteria and tender response requirements, contributing and collating views, opportunities, and risksPrepare and lead solution design meetings and articulation of solution development throughout governance processDevelopment of the solution from concept to Target Operating Model engaging with workstreams for operational and financial inputsConstruction of end-to-end solution, refining the TOM and taking it to internal challenge and through the governance process with supporting assumptions that could include staffing levels / supply chain volumes / financial modelling / referral volumesSupport workstreams, SMEs and partners with their understanding of the solutionsWork with procurement on supply chain options and activities from identification through to offerParticipation in storyboarding sessionsWork with the Bid Manager and Writers to agree the breakdown and contribution of bid content to ensure solution design and win themes are articulated and clearly translated into written responsesTo have keen knowledge of the financial impact of commercial modelling, with an ability to tailor an approach to ensure a compelling offer is balanced with the need to achieve commercial efficiencyObtain bid solution assurance sign off using the bid process methodologyFacilitate transition to implementation and develop material in support of solution pre implementationOther activities
Continuously work to develop in-depth knowledge of business development priorities for the organisation and the breadth of commercial opportunities in scopeWork collaboratively across multiple business areas to ensure the development of effective, innovative, and bespoke solutions that positions Maximus UK in the best possible place to secure new and retain existing businessHave the capacity and appetite to adapt to new business areas and develop solutions in diverse marketsProvide peer solution assurance reviews on other bidsClosing date : 18 / 07 / 24 - 5pm
Skills & Experience
The candidate will have experience developing and costing service solutions for competitive tender / proposals.
Essential :
Demonstrable experience of bid solution design (Solution Architecture) working within a service delivery organisation in the Public Sector, preferably with experience delivering within one of our core functions of Employment, Justice, Assessments, Public Health and Wellbeing and Mental Health services OR comparable sectors using proven solution design methodologyPrevious experience of working within a Business Development function preferably with business development experience bidding to clients such as DWP, MoJ, MoD or Community and Local Authority Health customersDemonstrable experience of supporting, working in and leading on bidding work streams such as Solution Design and Supply Chain DevelopmentAbility to support peers in gaining understanding of solutions proposed through regular team solution updates, presentations and following bid methodologyExperience developing bid financial cost modelsExperience in contributing to the production & delivery of tender documents and supporting documentsExperience of communicating and dealing with both external and internal customers, partners and suppliers.Desirable :
Experience using solution / process design tools, such as Miro boards, VisioOperational efficiency / continuous improvement such as Lean Six SigmaProfessional Development qualification in Service Design2Behavioural Science application to solution development.Skills :
Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, and ability to manage solution development both remotely (this is a home-based role) with travel as and when requiredBe well read, and interested in government procurement news, for instance through BSA, ERSA etc.Dynamic and influential in style, with the people skills to manage multiple stakeholders with conflicting prioritiesStructured and organised with ideally a solution design tool kit and experience using industry solution design methodologyAble to work to multiple priorities, will often have a number of bids at different stages of the procurement process to manageAbility to dissect customer specificationsCommercial awareness / business and financial acumenAnalytical SkillsPlanning and organising skillsIT Literacy (including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)Ability to confidently lead and present to teams remotely including representation of Maximus UK at customer dialogue and or sales pitch meetingsExcellent communication skills both verbal and writtenTechnology and digital acumen desirable