Anaplan Solution Architect Location: Birmingham | Full-Time | Hybrid/Flexible WorkingDepartment: Digital & Technology | Company: Compass Group UK & IrelandCompass Group PLC is the world's largest provider of food and support services, with over £22.9 billion in global turnover. Serving millions daily across sectors like healthcare, education, defence, and sports & leisure, we're trusted to deliver excellence at scale.As part of our ongoing digital transformation, we're investing in smarter, data-driven planning. We're now looking for an experienced Anaplan Solution Architect to lead the end-to-end design and delivery of enterprise-grade Anaplan solutions that will revolutionise forecasting and financial planning across the business.This is a unique opportunity to drive large-scale transformation in a complex, fast-moving organisation — while influencing executive decision-making and building the future of planning at Compass.What you\'ll be doing Strategic Architecture & DeliveryOwn the architecture of large-scale Anaplan implementations, ensuring scalability, performance, and alignment with business goalsTranslate complex business requirements into efficient, driver-based forecasting solutions across Finance use casesDeliver planning models that integrate seamlessly with Compass's wider data strategyChampion innovation, best practice, and continuous improvement across all aspects of Anaplan development Technical LeadershipLead a team of Anaplan Model Builders, offering hands-on guidance and technical mentorshipDefine data needs and work cross-functionally to ensure quality data feeds into the modelsOversee full project lifecycles — from design to deployment — ensuring on-time, high-impact deliveryMaintain consistent, logical structures across all models using scalable methodologies Stakeholder & Business EngagementCollaborate with Finance, Commercial, and Technology stakeholders to shape use cases and prioritiesFacilitate workshops, design sessions, and demos with senior leaders and end usersRepresent the planning function in leadership forums, influencing roadmap direction and adoptionBuild relationships with Anaplan and other technology partners to ensure maximum value from tools and capabilities Knowledge Sharing & Capability BuildingPromote knowledge sharing across the wider Anaplan and digital community within CompassMentor junior team members and help develop internal capabilityContribute to cross-functional initiatives across planning, data, and transformation programmesWhat we\'re looking forProven success designing and delivering enterprise-level Anaplan solutionsDeep knowledge of financial planning, forecasting, and performance managementStrong technical and commercial acumen with experience applying driver-based modellingExcellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience influencing at senior levelExperience leading or mentoring model builders and cross-functional teamsAnaplan certifications (Model Builder, Solution Architect) strongly preferredAbility to balance strategic vision with hands-on delivery in a complex environmentWhat success looks likeDelivery of scalable, high-impact Anaplan solutions that drive forecasting accuracy and insightHigh adoption and engagement from Finance and commercial usersRecognition of the Anaplan function as a key enabler of business performanceConsistent delivery of improvements in planning efficiency, process, and visibilityDevelopment of team capability and leadership in planning innovationWhy join Compass Group?You\'ll receive a competitive salary and benefits including a Bonus, private healthcare and pension contributionsLead planning transformation for the UK's largest food & support services businessWork in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment with a strong culture of innovationAccess career growth within a global FTSE 100 companyJoin a collaborative, supportive team where your ideas and expertise are valuedReady to architect the future of enterprise planning?Apply today and help shape how Compass plans, performs, and grows.