Solution Architect - Cloud Applications / SAP Ariba

Solution Architect – Sirion CLM (SAP Ariba / SAP S/4HANA)

Programme Context

This role supports the CLM Buy & Legal transformation programme, with Sirion CLM as the strategic contract lifecycle platform. The programme integrates Sirion with SAP Ariba and SAP S/4HANA Finance to enable standardised, compliant, and scalable buy‑side contract processes across BT.

Role Overview

The Solution Architect is accountable for defining and governing the end‑to‑end solution architecture for Sirion CLM within the enterprise SAP landscape. The role ensures that functional designs, integrations, and non‑functional requirements are coherent, scalable, secure, and aligned to enterprise architecture standards.

The Solution Architect provides design authority, working across Business, Process, Platform, Integration, and Engineering teams, and guiding vendors to deliver a configuration‑first, low‑customisation solution.

Key Responsibilities

1. End‑to‑End Solution Architecture (CLM)

• Own the overall solution architecture for buy‑side CLM using Sirion CLM.
• Define architectural patterns covering:
• Contract intake, authoring, negotiation, approvals, and execution
• In‑life obligation, SLA, and compliance management
• Amendments, renewals, and terminations
• Ensure alignment between business processes, functional design, and technical implementation.

2. Sirion CLM Platform Architecture

• Define how Sirion native capabilities are used and configured, including:
• Clause and template management
• Obligation and milestone tracking
• Workflow automation and approvals
• Reporting and compliance controls
• Drive platform‑first design decisions, avoiding unnecessary customisation.

3. SAP Ariba & SAP Finance Integration Architecture

• Define and govern integration architecture between:
• Sirion CLM
• SAP Ariba (Sourcing, Buying, supplier data)
• SAP S/4HANA Finance (commitments, controls, compliance) & Other platforms
• Own integration patterns, data flows, interface contracts, and error‑handling approaches.
• Ensure data consistency across supplier, contract, and financial domains.

4. Design Governance & Assurance

• Act as design authority for all Sirion CLM solution decisions.
• Review and approve functional designs, integration designs, and technical approaches proposed by vendors.
• Ensure designs meet non‑functional requirements (security, performance, scalability, auditability).
• Support architecture reviews, solution walkthroughs, and formal sign‑off forums.

5. Collaboration Across Roles

• Work closely with Business Analysts to ensure requirements are architecturally viable.
• Partner with Process Designers to ensure solution architecture fully supports future‑state processes.
• Guide Solution Designers and Engineering teams on implementation decisions.
• Align with enterprise architecture, security, and integration teams.

Required Experience & Skills

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in solution / enterprise architecture across Procurement, CLM, or Finance platforms.
• Strong hands‑on experience architecting Sirion CLM solutions.
• Deep experience with SAP Ariba and SAP ECC / S/4HANA Finance integrations.
• Experience working with system integrators and managing architectural governance.

Core Skills

• Deep understanding of buy‑side contract lifecycle architecture.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise integration patterns and data architecture.
• Ability to balance business outcomes, platform capabilities, and technical constraints.
• Excellent stakeholder communication, influence, and design documentation skills.