Solutions Architect Manager

OCTAGON; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading marketing agency in London is seeking a Solutions Architect Manager to enhance processes and technology. The ideal candidate will have strong advanced Excel skills, experience in problem-solving, and a knack for project management. This position involves collaborating with teams to improve workflows and implement innovative solutions, utilizing tools like Microsoft Power Apps. The role offers a flexible working environment and numerous benefits.

Benefits

Unlimited holiday allowance

Private medical insurance

Flexible working options

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong experience with advanced Excel (complex formulas, pivot tables; VBA knowledge a plus).
• Familiarity with Microsoft Power Apps or willingness to learn quickly.
• Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to turn messy data into meaningful reports.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and map existing workflows to uncover bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Propose and deliver smarter solutions from Excel models to larger digital projects.
• Translate complex data sets into clear insights that drive decision-making.

Skills

Advanced Excel skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Project management

Familiarity with Microsoft Power Apps

Data visualization

Tools

Microsoft Power Apps

Excel

VBA

Job description

We’re excited to welcome a curious, proactive, and solutions-driven Solutions Architect Manager to our Strategic Operations team. Our mission is to dig deep into processes, technology, and projects to help our agency and our clients run like a well-oiled machine. From building advanced Excel models and developing custom Power Apps to exploring innovative third-party tools, we’re all about finding smarter, simpler, and more impactful ways of working.

If you thrive on problem-solving, love making processes run more smoothly, and enjoy bringing people and technology together, this could be the perfect role for you.

You will be Responsible for:

• Investigate and map existing workflows to uncover bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement
• Propose and deliver smarter, simpler solutions — from Excel models to larger digital transformation projects
• Design and build custom applications in Microsoft Power Apps to streamline both internal and client-facing processes
• Partner with external developers and explore third-party platforms to deliver innovative digital solutions
• Translate complex data sets into clear insights, dashboards, and presentations that drive decision-making
• Build dynamic Excel models and dashboards (with advanced formulas) to track performance metrics, revenue growth, and project milestones
• Work closely with project teams to scope needs, define success measures, and align resources for delivery
• Coordinate projects end-to-end, managing timelines, resources, and stakeholder expectations
• Collaborate across departments — from finance and consulting to IT — to ensure alignment and impact
• Present progress, solutions, and recommendations confidently to stakeholders in a clear and engaging way

This could be your next right move if:

• You’re excited by the chance to explore and implement new technologies to help teams work better
• You naturally notice inefficiencies and love figuring out better, faster, smarter ways of doing things
• You’re confident with advanced Excel and enjoy making data come alive through models, dashboards, and reports
• You’re curious and quick to pick up new tools, from Power Apps to Microsoft 365 integrations
• You communicate clearly and engagingly, whether in writing, in person, or presenting to stakeholders
• You stay calm under pressure, manage multiple projects, and keep timelines on track
• You’re collaborative, approachable, and enjoy building strong relationships across teams
• You get energy from solving problems and finding creative ways through challenges

You will also need to have:

• Strong experience with advanced Excel (complex formulas, pivot tables; VBA knowledge a plus)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Power Apps — or the willingness and drive to learn quickly
• Exposure to third-party tools, integrations, and a passion for exploring new platforms
• Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to turn messy data into meaningful reports or dashboards
• Basic project management experience — comfortable coordinating across teams and juggling priorities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A knack for explaining technical detail in a way that anyone can understand

It’s not essential but will help if:

• Experience with other Microsoft 365 tools (SharePoint, Flow, Power BI, etc.)
• Previous exposure to software development cycles or working with external vendors

Benefits

We’re pleased to offer wide range of benefits, including but not limited to the following:

• Core benefits (available from start date) – unlimited holiday allowance, AXA private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, Employee Assistance Programme, Perkbox
• Flexible benefits (available after probation) – Gymflex, dental insurance, travel insurance, health cash plan, Cycleshceme, interest-free season ticket loans
• A Flexible Workplace – we have a number of initiatives in place to ensure that our team have the flexibility to balance work with their lives, this includes unlimited holiday and flexible working options.
• We also run a number of internal programmes to support physical and mental wellbeing, alongside learning and development opportunities to support career development and progression.

About Us

We’re the global sports, entertainment, and lifestyle-marketing arm of IPG. A collection of 800 fans bound by a single mission: To create work that earns attention.

How we see the world: Time is our most precious commodity, and our audiences’ patience has never been shorter. There are two ways to gain attention: paid and earned. At Octagon, our purpose is to create work that earns attention. Through smart partnerships and generous ideas, we compete for, capture, and earn the attention of those who matter most.

Have we got yours?

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