Solutions Architect - job 1 of 2

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company that provides a wide range of branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers. Our products and solutions include labeling and functional materials, radio frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital, and a variety of products and solutions that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving an array of industries worldwide — including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive — we employ approximately 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Our reported sales in 2023 were $8.4 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

As the Solutions Architect, you will be accountable for developing strategies and innovative solutions that connect physical and digital and have the potential to transform business models and/or build new revenue streams. In doing so, you will collaborate with business stakeholders in strategic marketing, commercial, business development, product management, and digital functions to identify, develop, and commercialize solutions and unlock new value-creation opportunities for the apparel business. As a leader with vision, you will also identify technology disruptors and challenge product line leaders to assess new solutions that may affect the future apparel business.

Main Responsibilities:

• Define the most appropriate solution and outcome against a problem to solve, leveraging the existing product portfolio and informing future product evolutions

• Lead the design and development of innovative solutions that connect physical and digital, align with business requirements, drive organizational growth, and create value for Avery Dennison and our key stakeholders

• Develop new business models and value propositions for the new solutions 

• Support the development of a long-term growth strategy for new business opportunities 

• Deliver against goals and measure results against the plan

• Drive strong C-level wiring with relevant potential new customers and partners

• Develop architectural roadmaps that guide the implementation of solutions

• Informs future product evolutions based on value pillars, problems to solve, and POCs success/obstacles

• Analyze and optimize relevant business processes to ensure that they are streamlined and effective

• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the success of the project

• Ensure that the solution is scalable, secure, and cost-effective

• Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends and make recommendations on how they can be leveraged to improve our solutions

• Support Digital Solutions/Tech Sales in finalizing and executing the data monetization models

• Partner with the Commercial team to build & deliver growth targets

• Partner with the Product Management and Innovation teams to surface new ideas, products, and applications to develop solutions to answer customers’ needs

• Partner with Strategic Partnerships and M&A/Ventures to progress AD's right to win in new markets/technologies 

• Partner with the Marketing Communications team on ‘push marketing’ activities, through events, networks, and social media

• Collaborate and communicate effectively with all key internal stakeholders to support the development of new solutions 

• Train and mentor the Commercial team members on the transfer of newly established solutions

• Self-starter who takes initiative and has an entrepreneurial spirit that can work independently and collaboratively 

• Demonstrates curiosity of the industry and awareness of key trends, players and development as they emerge. Subject matter expert in area of focus

• Sharp mind, curious and dynamic approach, comfortable with dealing with complexity, and looking forward to exploring new business concepts 

• Obsessed with winning

• Ability to understand and create value; demonstrated track record developing and executing new solutions 

• Experience leading a business or product function within a matrix organization with annual turnover >$100 million, preferably in the Apparel industry 

• Prior product ownership experience in a highly customized business, including market understanding, product lifecycle management, product line strategy development and execution, and innovation roadmap development.

• Experience leading agile or hybrid product/solution development and commercialization methodologies

• Consistent track record of leading change

• Experience operating within a complex information technology landscape that is fundamental to the customer experience. Experience in monetizing data, a plus.

• Previous experience with digital workflows and variable data management is highly preferred

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

• Understanding of digital technologies and go-to-market models

• Strong collaboration and networking skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, public speaking skills, and ability to champion projects both cross functionally and vertically within the organization

• Strong business and financial acumen are needed

• Strong project management skills

• Avid learner, taking care of own personal development via practical and theoretical learning 

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required (e.g., business, engineering)

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in solution architecture or related field

• Understanding of applicable computer systems, such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace

• Frequent travel may be required