Solution Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Solution Design Manager

Company: S&P Global (for OSTTRA)

Location: Singapore, SG

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Solution Design / GTM Operations

Date Posted: October 02, 2025

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between sales and project delivery, focusing on the intricate workflows and technical solutions for financial services SaaS products.

• The Solution Design Manager will be instrumental in pre-sales activities, ensuring client requirements are accurately scoped and translated into actionable project plans.

• A key aspect involves deep collaboration with Product, Sales, and Customer Success teams to drive product enhancements and define new service offerings.

• Success in this role requires a strong understanding of financial markets, specifically FX, Credit, and Risk services, and the ability to articulate complex solutions to diverse stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Solution Design Manager," the responsibilities described lean heavily into pre-sales technical consulting and GTM (Go-To-Market) support, rather than traditional team management. The role acts as a critical interface for operationalizing sales wins into successful client implementations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Pre-Sales Solution Scoping: Collaborate closely with the Sales team to thoroughly understand client needs and ensure proposed solutions align with their business requirements and service optionality.

• Client Demonstrations & Engagement: Actively participate in and aid Sales during client demonstrations, effectively showcasing the capabilities and value proposition of the SaaS solutions.

• Project Scope Documentation: Develop comprehensive and accurate Project Scope documents detailing required workflows and service configurations, securing client agreement before contract finalization.

• Technical Specification Input: Create necessary specifications for message transformations, defining inbound and outbound message structures for seamless client integration.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with Project Managers for smooth handover of project scopes and translation logic, and liaise with Product Design, Product, and Customer Success teams to escalate potential product enhancements and gather client feedback.

• Product Enhancement Contribution: Gather client requirements during BAU (Business As Usual) activities and provide input to Product and Product Design teams for the Product Refinement Forum (PRF).

• New Product Definition: Define Minimum Viable Product (MVP) requirements for new products and services, specifying standard and custom documentation needs, and designing compelling demo experiences.

• Design Approval: Participate in and approve the design and implementation of new features, products, and services, ensuring alignment with business logic and messaging/integration requirements.

• Product Prioritization Support: Assist Product Design in understanding item prioritization benefits for PRF items and contribute to roadmap planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: direct client-facing pre-sales solutioning and internal product development advocacy. The role requires not only technical acumen but also strong business understanding and strategic input into product roadmaps.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Finance, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline is generally expected for roles of this nature.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience within the Financial Services Software as a Service (SaaS) industry.

Required Skills:

• Deep Domain Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of detailed workflows and financial modelling for FX, Credit, and Risk Services.

• Platform Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of OSTTRA platforms and their functionalities.

• Client Engagement: Proven experience working with external customers, including C-suite level executives.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical and business concepts clearly.

• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously and prioritize workload autonomously.

• Adaptability: Flexibility to handle diverse scenarios and adapt to changing project requirements.

• Collaborative Spirit: A demonstrated desire and ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external clients.

• Microsoft & Google Suite: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (including Google Docs).

• Internal Wiki Platforms: Experience with internal wiki platforms such as Confluence for knowledge management.

• Agile Tools: Experience with Jira for issue tracking and project management.

• CRM Systems: Experience with Salesforce for sales process support and client interaction tracking.

Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of operational requirements and business drivers for key financial industry participants including Prime Brokers (PB), Investment & Asset Managers (IM/AM), Executing Brokers (EB), Single Dealer Platforms (SDP), Electronic Communication Networks (ECN), Swap Execution Facilities (SEF), Futures Commission Merchants (FCM), technology providers, and industry vendors.

• Experience in solution architecture or pre-sales engineering roles within the financial technology sector.

• Familiarity with API integrations and message formats common in financial data exchange.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific OSTTRA product experience is a significant differentiator. Candidates with direct experience on these platforms will have a distinct advantage. The broad list of financial entities indicates the need for a comprehensive understanding of the financial ecosystem.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Solution Design Case Studies: Demonstrable examples of past solution designs, clearly outlining client challenges, proposed solutions, implementation scope, and achieved outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, risk reduction, process streamlining).

• Workflow Diagrams: Visual representations of complex financial workflows, showcasing an ability to map current states and design optimized future states for clients.

• Scope Document Examples: Samples of well-structured Project Scope documents that clearly define deliverables, timelines, and technical specifications for SaaS implementations.

• Integration Specifications: Examples of technical documentation related to message transformation or API integration, illustrating an understanding of data exchange protocols.

• Client Presentation Materials: Examples of client-facing presentations used during pre-sales or solution walkthroughs, demonstrating clarity, persuasiveness, and an ability to tailor content to different audiences.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Evidence of designing and documenting optimized workflows that reduce manual intervention, improve data accuracy, and enhance operational efficiency.

• Requirements Gathering: A structured approach to gathering, documenting, and validating client business and technical requirements, ensuring alignment with product capabilities.

• Cross-Functional Handovers: Processes for effectively handing over scoped solutions and requirements to implementation teams (Project Management, Development, Customer Success) to ensure seamless project execution.

• Product Enhancement Feedback Loop: Documented processes for capturing client feedback and translating it into actionable requirements for Product Management and Design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Solution Design Manager role, a strong portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but tell a story of problem-solving, technical expertise, and client success, with a clear emphasis on process definition and optimization within the financial SaaS context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: SGD 90,000 - SGD 140,000 per annum.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on market research for Solution Design Manager roles in Singapore within the Financial Services and SaaS sectors. Factors considered include the required experience level (5-10 years), specialized domain knowledge (FX, Credit, Risk), and the specific technology stack (OSTTRA platforms, Salesforce, Jira). Comparable roles in Singapore typically fall within this range, with variations based on exact experience, specific platform expertise, and the candidate's negotiation skills. S&P Global, as a reputable financial information provider, generally offers competitive compensation.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health care coverage designed for physical and mental well-being.

• Flexible Downtime: Generous paid time off (PTO) policies to ensure work-life balance and employee rejuvenation.

• Continuous Learning: Access to a wide array of resources, training programs, and professional development opportunities to foster career growth.

• Investment in Your Future: Competitive salary, robust retirement planning options, continuing education programs with company-matched student loan contributions, and financial wellness initiatives.

• Family-Friendly Perks: Best-in-class benefits designed to support employees and their families.

• Beyond the Basics: Additional perks such as retail discounts and employee referral incentives.

• Specific Country Benefits: Detailed benefit summaries are available via https://spgbenefits.com/benefit-summaries.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be available, but the on-site nature of the role suggests adherence to core business hours to facilitate collaboration with sales and project teams, particularly given the global nature of financial markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for Singapore and may vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications and the final negotiation. The benefits package reflects a comprehensive offering typical of a large, established financial services organization.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Information and Analytics Services, Fintech. OSTTRA operates in the post-trade financial services infrastructure sector.

Company Size: OSTTRA, as a joint venture between S&P Global and CME Group, benefits from the scale of both parent companies. OSTTRA itself has over 1,200 employees globally. S&P Global is a large multinational corporation.

Founded: OSTTRA was formed in 2021, consolidating businesses with over 20 years of experience in post-trade evolution. S&P Global was founded in 1906.

Team Structure:

• The Solution Design team likely operates as a specialized unit within a larger GTM or Product function, supporting sales and product development efforts.

• Reporting structure would typically be to a Head of Solution Design, VP of Sales Engineering, or a similar senior operations/GTM leadership role.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizing the use of client data and market insights to inform solution designs and product enhancements.

• Agile Principles: Likely incorporating agile methodologies for product development and potentially for solution design processes, utilizing tools like Jira.

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and addressing client needs through tailored solutions and continuous feedback loops.

• Process Optimization: A core tenet of the role is to identify and implement efficiencies in client workflows and internal processes.

Company Website: www.osttra.com

📝 Enhancement Note: OSTTRA's formation as a joint venture signifies a strategic move to unify and enhance post-trade services. This context implies a dynamic environment focused on innovation and integration, leveraging the strengths of S&P Global and CME Group.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor, often referred to as a "Senior Solution Consultant," "Pre-Sales Engineer," or "Solution Architect" in other organizations. It requires significant subject matter expertise and client-facing experience.

Reporting Structure: The Solution Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP overseeing Solution Design, Sales Engineering, or Go-to-Market Operations, with direct interaction with Sales leadership and Product Management.

Operations Impact: This role directly influences revenue by enabling sales to close deals with well-defined, client-aligned solutions. It also impacts product strategy by channeling client feedback and market needs into the product development lifecycle, ensuring the SaaS offerings remain competitive and relevant.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into a management role, leading a team of Solution Designers or Solution Architects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific financial products (e.g., FX derivatives, credit risk) or platform technologies, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Product Management: Transition into Product Management roles, leveraging deep client and solution understanding to define product roadmaps and strategy.

• Sales Engineering Leadership: Move into broader Sales Engineering or GTM Operations leadership positions.

• Strategic Consulting: Grow into roles focused on broader strategic initiatives within financial technology or consulting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Solution Design Manager in FinTech is typically robust, offering opportunities for both technical specialization and leadership progression within GTM functions. The emphasis on client solutions and product development provides a strong foundation for various strategic roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment within S&P Global's Singapore office at Capital Square.

Office Location(s): Capital Square, 23 Church Street, Singapore. This is a prime central business district location, easily accessible via public transport.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, fostering interaction with sales, product, and project teams.

• Access to standard office technology, including high-speed internet, communication tools, and potentially specialized demo environments.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with colleagues across various departments to collaborate on client solutions and product improvements.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours are expected, likely aligning with local Singapore time (SGT), with potential flexibility depending on team agreements and project demands. Given the global nature of financial markets, occasional work outside standard hours might be necessary to support international clients or critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a central business district location suggests a professional, corporate setting focused on collaborative work and client engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and salary expectations.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Solution Design Manager's direct supervisor to evaluate technical skills, domain knowledge, and alignment with team responsibilities.

• Panel Interview / Case Study: This is often a critical stage. Candidates may be asked to present a past solution design case study, solve a hypothetical client problem, or walk through a complex workflow scenario. Expect questions testing business acumen, technical depth, and communication skills.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Sales, Product, or Project Management to assess collaboration style and ability to work across departments.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Sales Engineering or GTM) for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your solution design capabilities, client interaction experience, and understanding of financial workflows.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline:

  • Client Context: Industry, size, and their specific business challenge.
  • Your Role: Your responsibilities in the solution design process.
  • The Solution: Detailed explanation of the proposed solution, including workflows and technical components.
  • Implementation Scope: Key elements that were defined for the project.
  • Outcomes/Impact: Quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, risk mitigation) or qualitative benefits achieved.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize the methodologies used for requirements gathering, solution design, and handover.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, flowcharts, and mock-ups where appropriate to illustrate complex concepts.

• Tailor to OSTTRA: Research OSTTRA's products and services (FX, Credit, Risk) and try to align your examples where possible, or articulate how your experience translates.

Challenge Preparation:

• Workflow Analysis: Be prepared to analyze a given financial workflow and suggest improvements or design a new one based on specific requirements.

• Solution Articulation: Practice explaining complex technical solutions in simple terms, tailored to different audiences (e.g., a business executive vs. a technical lead).

• OSTTRA Product Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of the OSTTRA platforms listed in the requirements and how they address client needs in FX, Credit, and Risk.

• Sales Collaboration: Anticipate questions about how you would partner with sales teams, handle objections, and contribute to closing deals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process strongly suggests a focus on practical application of skills. A well-prepared portfolio and the ability to articulate thought processes during case studies will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• OSTTRA Platforms: Harmony 3, NetLink, ClientLink, CreditLink, DNM, ODC, LimitHub, CCPC (deep functional understanding required).

• CRM: Salesforce (for sales process tracking, client relationship management, and opportunity support).

• Project Management & Issue Tracking: Jira (for managing tasks, bugs, and product backlogs).

• Collaboration & Documentation: Confluence (for internal knowledge base, documentation, and team collaboration).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint (for documentation, analysis, and presentations).

• Google Workspace: Docs, Sheets, Slides (as an alternative or complementary suite for collaboration).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: Key for understanding the sales pipeline and client interactions that drive solution design needs.

• Integration Tools: Understanding of message transformation specifications implies familiarity with how systems communicate, even if not directly configuring integration tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Salesforce, Jira, and Confluence, alongside deep knowledge of the specific OSTTRA platforms, is essential. The role requires someone comfortable documenting processes and collaborating digitally.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting client needs through effective solution design.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in teamwork and cross-functional partnership to achieve shared goals.

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in client interactions and solution proposals, consistent with S&P Global's reputation.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and contributing to the development of new and improved product offerings.

• Efficiency: A drive to optimize processes and deliver solutions that enhance operational efficiency for clients and the company.

• Continuous Learning: A dedication to staying updated on market trends, product enhancements, and industry best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Partnership: Actively engaging with Sales, Product, and Project Management teams to ensure alignment and smooth transitions.

• Clear Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels to share insights, challenges, and solutions.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on finding practical and effective solutions to client and internal challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of client-centricity, collaborative execution, and a commitment to continuous improvement, reflecting the values of a leading financial information services provider.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Product Suite: Navigating and deeply understanding a wide array of interconnected financial services platforms (OSTTRA) and their specific configurations.

• Evolving Market: Staying abreast of rapid changes in financial regulations, market structures (e.g., FX, derivatives), and technology.

• Balancing Sales & Product Needs: Effectively mediating between the immediate needs of the sales cycle and the long-term strategic direction of the product roadmap.

• Client Expectations Management: Managing the expectations of sophisticated financial institutions, particularly C-suite executives, regarding solution capabilities and implementation timelines.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and alignment across geographically dispersed and functionally diverse teams (Sales, Product, Engineering, PMO).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Financial Markets: Continuous learning about FX, Credit, and Risk services, prime brokerage, and related financial ecosystems.

• OSTTRA Platform Mastery: Becoming a subject matter expert on the comprehensive suite of OSTTRA products.

• Solution Architecture Skills: Developing advanced skills in designing complex, scalable, and integrated technology solutions.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing relevant certifications in financial analysis, project management, or specific technologies.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced professionals within S&P Global and OSTTRA, potentially including senior architects and product leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant opportunities for deep domain expertise and technical skill development within a critical segment of the financial services industry. Successfully navigating these challenges will foster substantial professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design a complex solution for a client with unique requirements. What was your process, what were the key challenges, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure alignment between sales promises and the actual capabilities of a product during the solution design phase?" (Assess understanding of pre-sales integrity and collaboration.)

• "Imagine a client requests a feature that is not currently available in our product suite. How would you handle this situation, both with the client and internally?" (Evaluate communication, negotiation, and product feedback skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about OSTTRA and its position in the post-trade financial services market?" (Demonstrate research and industry awareness.)

• "How do you see the Solution Design Manager role contributing to S&P Global's and OSTTRA's overall business objectives?" (Show strategic thinking and understanding of role impact.)

• "Describe your experience collaborating with sales teams. What makes for a successful partnership?" (Assess teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: Clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the measurable results in under 5 minutes per case study.

• Focus on Process: Detail how you arrived at the solution – your methodology for discovery, analysis, and design.

• Quantify Impact: Use numbers and metrics whenever possible to showcase the value delivered (e.g., "reduced processing time by 20%", "enabled compliance with new regulation X").

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about the technical aspects of your solutions and the platforms involved.

• Client Perspective: Frame your presentation around client benefits and how your solution addressed their specific business pain points.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can balance deep technical knowledge with strong business acumen, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Solution Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the S&P Global careers portal via the provided job URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 relevant case studies that highlight your experience in solution design, financial workflows, and client engagement within the SaaS or financial services industry.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize experience with financial services SaaS, specific OSTTRA platforms (if applicable), solution design methodologies, client-facing roles, and key skills such as Salesforce, Jira, and Confluence. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and prepare specific examples for common interview questions related to problem-solving, client management, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research OSTTRA, S&P Global, and their respective offerings in FX, Credit, and Risk services. Understand their market position, recent news, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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