PowerPlatform Solution Architect

Newsweek is seeking an experienced and innovative Microsoft PowerPlatform Solution Architect to lead the design, development, and maintenance of custom PowerApps solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Microsoft Power Platform, including PowerApps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Dataverse. This role reports to the Chief Information Officer and oversees the Power Platform Center of Excellence (CoE) and will collaborate with external service providers to ensure the timely and effective delivery of solutions.

This is a full-time role, working 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. You will have the flexibility to work from home anywhere in the UK or from our London Canary Wharf office.

Our benefits include flexible home working options, private medical insurance, on-site office gym, an annual bonus scheme, and full access to LinkedIn Learning.

Key Responsibilities:

Solution Architecture & Development:

• Lead the design and development of custom PowerApps solutions, ensuring they meet business requirements and adhere to best practices. 
• Architect scalable, maintainable, and robust PowerApps solutions integrated with various data sources, including Dataverse, SharePoint, SQL Server, and other third-party systems. 
• Oversee the implementation of Power Automate flows, Power BI reports, and other Power Platform components to support business processes.

Power Platform Center of Excellence (CoE) Management:

• Establish and manage the Power Platform CoE to govern and standardize the use of PowerApps across the organization. 
• Develop and enforce guidelines, standards, and best practices for the creation and maintenance of PowerApps and related components. 
• Provide leadership and guidance to other developers and business users, fostering a collaborative environment for the continuous improvement of Power Platform solutions.

Collaboration with External Service Providers:

• Act as the primary point of contact for external service providers, ensuring they deliver high-quality solutions in line with project timelines and organizational goals. 
• Review and validate the work of external vendors to ensure it meets the required standards and aligns with the organization’s strategic objectives.

Project Management & Delivery:

• Lead and manage multiple projects concurrently, from initial concept through to delivery, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. 
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including business analysts, developers, and stakeholders, to gather requirements, provide status updates, and ensure successful project delivery. 
• Conduct regular project reviews, identifying and mitigating risks to ensure successful project outcomes.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation:

• Stay up-to-date with the latest features and capabilities of the Microsoft Power Platform, recommending and implementing new technologies to enhance solutions. 
• Drive innovation by identifying opportunities to leverage Power Platform to improve business processes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.

Training & Support:

• Provide training and support to end-users and internal teams to ensure successful adoption and usage of PowerApps solutions. 
• Create and maintain documentation, including architectural designs, technical specifications, user guides, and training materials.

• Perform any other reasonable duties as necessary to meet the needs of the business.

Requirements:

Experience: 

• Significant relevant experience in designing and developing solutions using Microsoft PowerApps and the broader Power Platform. 
• Experience managing Power Platform Centers of Excellence or similar governance frameworks. 
• Strong background in integrating PowerApps with various data sources and external systems. 
• Experience managing and collaborating with external service providers and vendors. 
• Experience training and supporting end-users in usage of PowerApps solutions.

Skills & Competencies:

• Deep understanding of Microsoft Power Platform, including PowerApps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Dataverse. 
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Strong skills in persuasion.
•  Ability to strategise and lead initiatives. · Ability to drive continuous improvement and innovation, and effectively demonstrate new learning to others.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and DevOps practices. 

Desirable:

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. 

Professional Qualifications: 

• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert is highly desirable. 
• Additional certifications in related Microsoft technologies (e.g., Azure, Dynamics 365) are a plus.