Salesforce Solution Architect

Job Description

Job DescriptionSolution ArchitectReports To: Director of Delivery & Operations Department: Salesforce & App Solutions
Location: Remote Exemption Status: ExemptPURPOSE
The Salesforce Solution Architect plays a critical role in delivering impactful consulting engagements by designing and implementing robust, scalable Salesforce solutions. This hands-on role requires deep expertise in Salesforce and related cloud technologies, as well as the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, business-friendly language.

Key responsibilities include leading discovery sessions, gathering and refining business requirements, defining functional and technical specifications, assessing existing system architectures, and guiding development teams through implementation. The Solution Architect ensures alignment across the Salesforce Delivery team by collaborating closely with Consultants, Project Managers, and fellow Architects to deliver high-quality solutions.

This role is both strategic and execution-focused: you will own the integrity of the proposed solution, act as a trusted advisor to clients, and mentor junior team members. Success requires a strong command of the Salesforce ecosystem and the communication skills to inspire confidence and drive alignment with stakeholders—turning vision into value.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Solution Architects at Ascend have four primary areas of responsibility:
1. Project Planning

• Scope Projects: Support the presales process by engaging in deep-dive technical discovery to help accurately scope and estimate Salesforce project efforts. Collaborate with Sales and Delivery teams to ensure proposed solutions align with client needs and technical realities.
• Assess Business Processes: Evaluate existing business processes and identify opportunities for optimization through Salesforce capabilities. Take a holistic view of the client’s Salesforce ecosystem, analyzing how systems, workflows, and data interact across the broader business architecture. Recommend enhancements that improve efficiency, scalability, and overall system alignment with strategic goals.
• Create Project Plan: Define and sequence key architectural milestones in collaboration with project managers and solution leads. Identify technical dependencies, resource needs, and critical path items to ensure successful delivery of complex solutions. Proactively communicate architectural risks and design constraints that may impact project timelines or scope.

2. Project Design and Configuration

• Document User Stories: Translate complex requirements into well-structured user stories with clear acceptance criteria. Provide coaching on backlog grooming and ensure alignment across technical and business teams.
• Design Solutions: Architect scalable, maintainable Salesforce solutions using out-of-the-box features, declarative tools, and custom development where needed. Produce detailed solution diagrams, data models, and integration architecture artifacts.
• Automate Processes: Design and implement automation using Salesforce Flow, Apex, and API integrations. Recommend the most efficient path for automation based on system complexity and performance considerations.
• Be the Expert: Serve as the go-to Salesforce authority, offering insight into platform capabilities, product releases, and architectural best practices. Maintain fluency across key clouds (Sales, Service, Experience, Data, FSC) and external systems (ERP, middleware, etc).
• Validate the Solution: Oversee QA and testing to ensure that build aligns with the solution design and business goals. Support UAT sessions, facilitate defect resolution, and manage go-live quality checks.
• Conduct Business and System Research: Stay up to date on emerging technologies, AI, low-code trends, and Salesforce roadmaps. Provide strategic guidance by evaluating new tools, conducting fit-gap analysis, and advising on future-state architecture.

3. Project Management

• Facilitate Meetings: Prepare presentations and effectively facilitate meetings as Facilitate Meetings: Lead technical discussions, architecture reviews, and stakeholder workshops with confidence and clarity.
• Demonstrate Project Delivery: Present solution demos, walk through sprint accomplishments, and translate technical progress into business value.
• Lead Deployments: Oversee or execute deployment activities, ensuring proper sequencing, risk mitigation, and rollback plans. When necessary, take responsibility for deploying changes directly.
• Test and Train: Support test case development, execute test scenarios, and deliver training to end users or Admin teams.
• Deliver the Project: Ensure successful project execution by tracking delivery milestones, mitigating risks, and upholding solution quality and scope.

4. Collaboration

• Lead the Project Team: Provide hands-on architectural guidance and oversight to cross-functional teams throughout the project lifecycle. Offer coaching and mentorship to Developers and Admins, ensuring alignment with the solution design. Step in to manage team dynamics and responsibilities as needed to keep delivery on track.
• Develop Customer Relationships: Successfully build and nurture long-term customer relationships.
• Identify Opportunities: Build strong client relationships throughout the project to uncover future needs and areas for continued engagement. Leverage tools like JIRA to track enhancement requests and maintain a structured backlog for future phases.
• Partner with Account Owner: Collaborate closely with the Account Owner across both sales and delivery to ensure technical strategies align with the client’s long-term business goals.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by management.

MINIMUM SKILLS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Education & Experience: B.S. degree in Computer Science, Business, or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
• Salesforce Leadership: 5+ years of experience overseeing the technical direction, development, and implementation of Salesforce (SFDC) software solutions.
• Consulting Expertise: 5+ years of consulting experience, delivering high-quality solutions tailored to client needs.
• Salesforce Certifications: Admin, Sales/Service Cloud, Platform App Builder, or Platform Developer
• Project Management & Leadership: Previous project management experience with the ability to lead global, distributed teams, overcome obstacles, and meet critical deadlines.
• Salesforce Expertise: Deep knowledge of Salesforce applications, including Lightning, APEX programming, Flows, and integrations with other business systems.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of coding languages (Java, JavaScript), IT architecture, and evolving Salesforce technologies, with experience implementing Salesforce from scratch.
• Business & IT Alignment: Ability to support business strategy by ensuring the integrity of an integrated application landscape, including Salesforce and Workday.
• Problem Solving & Analysis: Strong analytical skills to define problems, collect data, and deliver innovative solutions that align with business needs.
• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Proven ability to build relationships across business and IT stakeholders, facilitate meetings, and present complex ideas clearly.
• Process Optimization & Agile Methodologies: Experience with SAFe Agile framework, JIRA, and other tools to support analysis, track progress, and refine workflows.
• Coaching & Mentorship: Skilled in coaching, motivating, and directing cross-functional Salesforce teams while fostering a collaborative, transparent work environment.
• Business Acumen & Strategic Thinking: Strong understanding of IT processes and standards, with the ability to align technology solutions with business objectives.
• Continuous Learning & Adaptability: Committed to ongoing professional development, staying up to date with industry trends, and sharing knowledge across teams.

At Ascend Technologies we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only fundamental values but also powerful drivers of innovation, growth, and success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.

CORE VALUES
We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have the willingness and ability to demonstrate Ascend core values:

• Committed to Client Success: Our actions and our words always align with the best interest of the client.
• One Team: We work collaboratively to overcome challenges with humility and respect and do what it takes to find innovative solutions.

• Integrity: We are unquestionably committed to doing the right thing even when it is hard.

• Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for keeping our commitments to our clients, our communities, and one another.

• Transparency: We create open lines of communication with each other and our clients, fostering relationships founded on candor and trust.

Salary Expectations: $130,000-$135,000
The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications. The range is intended to reflect our commitment to attracting top talent, and the final offer will be based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's previous experience, expertise in the field, relevant certifications, and the specific requirements of the role. In addition, internal equity, market trends, and geographic location may also influence the final salary.

Along with a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, flexible time off (FTO), and professional development opportunities. We are open to discussing compensation and benefits further during the interview process to ensure alignment with the candidate’s expectations and experience.

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