Salesforce Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Salesforce Lead Designer

Company: Barclays

Location: Knutsford, Radbroke Hall, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Revenue Operations / Sales Operations / GTM Technology

Date Posted: 2026-04-13

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead enterprise-wide Salesforce design initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic transformation goals and large-scale program delivery.

• Drive technical excellence and innovation by setting architectural direction for Salesforce and related technologies, including emerging areas like Generative AI.

• Oversee the full lifecycle of Salesforce solutions, from design inception through delivery, adhering to engineering standards and delivering tangible business value.

• Foster a high-performance engineering culture through mentorship, performance management, and continuous improvement of processes and methodologies.

• Collaborate closely with business partners, product managers, security, and other stakeholders to translate complex business requirements into scalable, resilient, and secure technical solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor or a team lead, with significant emphasis on strategic architectural direction and hands-on design within the Salesforce ecosystem. The "Vice President Expectations" section strongly suggests a leadership component, whether managing a team or acting as a principal technical advisor. The inclusion of Generative AI highlights the forward-looking nature of this role within Barclays' digital transformation efforts.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement enterprise-level Salesforce architecture and design strategies, ensuring scalability, resilience, and security across multi-layered environments.

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams, setting clear technical direction and supporting the professional growth of senior engineers and designers.

• Spearhead the application of Generative AI within the Salesforce ecosystem, including defining AI governance, risk management, ethical practices, and integration strategies.

• Oversee the end-to-end delivery of Salesforce solutions, ensuring adherence to engineering standards, application design principles, and articulated design propositions.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including Product Management, Engineering, Security, and Business Units to translate business needs into robust technical solutions that deliver measurable business value.

• Define and enforce technology standards, facilitate peer reviews, and champion robust testing methodologies to ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable Salesforce solutions.

• Manage and mitigate risks associated with Salesforce implementations and new technology adoption, contributing to the organization's control and governance agenda.

• Champion change and adoption initiatives, ensuring that new Salesforce solutions are successfully embraced by users and contribute to desired business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of strategic architectural planning and hands-on design leadership, with a strong focus on governance, risk management, and the practical application of cutting-edge technologies like Generative AI within a large financial institution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., Salesforce Architect, TOGAF) are highly advantageous.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in enterprise Salesforce architecture, design, and implementation, with a proven track record of leading complex, large-scale programs.

Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in Enterprise Salesforce Architecture, including designing scalable, resilient, and secure solutions within complex, multi-layered environments.

• Proven experience in setting and executing technical strategy for large engineering teams, supporting senior engineers and designers.

• Demonstrated experience with Generative AI strategy and implementation, including AI governance, risk, compliance, ethical practices, and integration.

• Strong understanding of the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), including agile methodologies, CI/CD, and robust testing practices.

• Excellent Stakeholder Management and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value for diverse audiences.

• Proficiency in Risk Management and Governance frameworks within a regulated industry like financial services.

Preferred Skills:

• Deep knowledge of the broader Salesforce ecosystem, including core clouds (Sales, Service, Marketing), integrations, and platform capabilities (e.g., Experience Cloud, Field Service).

• Experience in Change and Adoption management to ensure successful user uptake and realization of business value.

• Familiarity with cloud integration patterns and technologies.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and define innovative solutions.

• Experience with financial services industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level and the depth of technical requirements, particularly around enterprise architecture and Generative AI, suggest that candidates will need a very strong and specific background in Salesforce and related modern technologies. The "Vice President Expectations" section reinforces the need for strategic thinking, risk management, and leadership capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of end-to-end Salesforce ecosystem design, covering the full lifecycle from concept to delivery.

• Case studies showcasing the design of scalable, resilient, and secure Salesforce solutions for large, multi-layered enterprise environments.

• Documentation or examples of how technical design propositions were aligned with specific business objectives and delivered tangible business value.

• Evidence of strategic technical direction-setting and support for senior engineering and design talent.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow designs and optimization strategies for Salesforce development and implementation processes.

• Methodologies for implementing and automating Salesforce solutions, ensuring efficiency and scalability.

• Metrics and analysis of performance for implemented Salesforce solutions, demonstrating continuous improvement.

• Documentation of governance frameworks and risk mitigation strategies applied to Salesforce projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Lead Designer" role, a strong portfolio is critical. It should not just showcase technical proficiency but also strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to connect technology solutions to business outcomes, especially in complex financial services environments. The emphasis on Generative AI suggests that any relevant projects or conceptual work in this area would be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the seniority of the role (10+ years experience, Lead Designer, VP Expectations) and location in Knutsford, UK, a highly competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar Lead Salesforce Architect/Designer roles in the UK financial sector, the estimated salary range is likely between £90,000 - £150,000 per annum. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, expertise, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Generous pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Annual performance-based bonus and potential for long-term incentive plans.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, public holidays, and sick leave.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Employee assistance programs and well-being initiatives.

• Potential for share purchase plans or other equity-linked benefits.

• Access to corporate discounts and perks.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 35-40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours to accommodate project needs and team collaboration, subject to management approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary estimate is based on research of Lead Salesforce Architect/Designer roles in major UK financial institutions, considering the specified experience level and the responsibilities outlined. The benefits package is typical for a senior role within a large, established financial services company like Barclays.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking)

Company Size: Barclays is a global financial services group with a significant employee base, generally categorized as 'Large' (10,000+ employees). This implies a structured environment with established processes and a broad range of career opportunities.

Founded: Barclays was founded in 1690, making it one of the oldest financial institutions globally. This long history suggests a culture that values stability, integrity, and long-term strategic thinking, while also adapting to modern technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• The Salesforce Lead Designer will likely be part of a larger Digital and Technology function, potentially within a dedicated Salesforce Centre of Excellence or an Enterprise Architecture team.

• The role may involve leading a team of senior engineers and designers, or operating as a principal individual contributor influencing multiple engineering teams.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and rigorous analysis are expected, aligning with the financial services industry's need for accuracy and risk mitigation.

• Emphasis on established engineering processes, peer reviews, and robust testing practices to ensure high-quality, secure, and reliable solutions.

• Adoption of agile methodologies for iterative development and delivery, balanced with strategic architectural planning for long-term sustainability.

• A focus on innovation, particularly in adopting emerging technologies like Generative AI, while carefully managing associated risks and governance.

Company Website: https://home.barclays/

📝 Enhancement Note: Barclays' standing as a major global bank means the operations and technology culture will be highly professional, risk-aware, and focused on compliance. The "Vice President Expectations" section provides a strong indication of the expected leadership behaviors and strategic contribution, regardless of whether the role is an individual contributor or a people manager.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position, likely equivalent to an Individual Contributor (IC) Principal Engineer/Architect or a Team Lead/Manager at the VP level within Barclays' structure. The scope includes setting strategy, influencing enterprise-wide design, and managing significant technical risks.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report into a Head of Enterprise Architecture, Head of Salesforce Engineering, or a similar senior technology leadership position within the Digital and Technology function. Direct reports, if any, would be senior engineers and designers.

Operations Impact: The Salesforce Lead Designer will have a substantial impact on Barclays' revenue generation and operational efficiency by shaping the core customer and sales platforms. Their decisions will influence customer experience, sales team productivity, and the ability to leverage data for strategic business decisions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in enterprise Salesforce architecture, Generative AI applications within financial services, or specific Salesforce clouds and integration patterns.

• Leadership: Transition into a formal people management role, leading larger teams or a dedicated Salesforce Centre of Excellence.

• Strategic Influence: Move into broader Enterprise Architecture roles, influencing technology strategy across multiple domains beyond Salesforce.

• Industry Expertise: Become a recognized subject matter expert within the financial services technology sector, potentially presenting at industry conferences.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Gain exposure to different business units and technology functions within Barclays, opening doors to diverse career paths.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential, leveraging deep technical expertise to drive strategic initiatives. The "Vice President Expectations" explicitly outline pathways for both individual contribution at a high level and people leadership, with a strong emphasis on developing others and aligning across the enterprise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based at Barclays' Radbroke Hall campus in Knutsford, a significant technology and operations hub for the bank. The environment will likely be professional and corporate, designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Radbroke Hall, Knutsford, Cheshire, United Kingdom. This location is a major technology centre for Barclays, offering extensive facilities and a concentration of IT professionals.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will facilitate collaboration with a diverse range of technology and business professionals, fostering an environment for sharing ideas and problem-solving.

• Access to the latest technology tools, development environments, and enterprise-grade infrastructure will be standard.

• Opportunities for informal and formal knowledge sharing sessions, cross-functional team meetings, and design workshops are expected.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (typically 35-40 hours per week) and on-site. While adherence to standard working hours is expected, the nature of a lead design role may require flexibility to manage project timelines, critical incidents, or international stakeholder calls.

📝 Enhancement Note: Radbroke Hall is a key technology campus for Barclays, suggesting a well-equipped and professional working environment conducive to complex technical work and collaboration. The on-site requirement underscores the importance of in-person teamwork and knowledge transfer for this strategic role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with core requirements, particularly Salesforce architecture experience and leadership potential.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on Salesforce architecture, design principles, Generative AI application, enterprise integration patterns, and risk management. Expect scenario-based questions and problem-solving exercises.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present and discuss your past work, highlighting key Salesforce design projects, architectural decisions, and their impact. Be prepared to articulate your design rationale, technical challenges faced, and solutions implemented.

• Leadership/Behavioral Interview: Assessment of leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, collaboration style, and alignment with Barclays' values (Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Stewardship) and Mindset (Empower, Challenge, Drive). This may involve discussions based on the "LEAD" behaviors (Listen, Energise, Align, Develop).

• Final Round: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, strategic vision, and long-term impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to showcase 2-3 of your most impactful Salesforce design projects, focusing on enterprise-level solutions.

• For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your design approach, key architectural decisions, technologies used (especially Salesforce core, integrations, and any AI components), challenges overcome, and measurable business outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, revenue impact, risk reduction).

• Be prepared to discuss your role in setting technical direction, managing stakeholders, and fostering team collaboration.

• Highlight any experience with Generative AI, its integration into enterprise platforms, and associated governance/risk considerations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for hypothetical design challenges related to scaling Salesforce, integrating new technologies (like GenAI), or addressing complex business requirements within a regulated financial environment.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating how you would approach problem-solving, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement.

• Prepare examples of how you have mentored junior colleagues or influenced technical direction in previous roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical depth, strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates impact and addresses the specific requirements of enterprise Salesforce design and Generative AI will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Salesforce Platform: Deep expertise across various Salesforce clouds (e.g., Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud, Experience Cloud), Apex, Visualforce, Lightning Web Components (LWC), SOQL, SOSL.

• Enterprise Architecture Tools: Proficiency with diagramming tools such as Lucidchart, Draw.io, Visio, or similar for architectural documentation, solution blueprints, and process flows.

• API & Integration Platforms: Experience with RESTful APIs, SOAP, middleware solutions (e.g., MuleSoft, Informatica, Dell Boomi), and integration design patterns.

• Generative AI Platforms/Tools: Familiarity with concepts and potential integration points with platforms like OpenAI, Azure OpenAI Service, or similar AI/ML services.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Salesforce Reporting & Dashboards: Ability to design and interpret reports and dashboards within Salesforce.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar for advanced analytics and visualization, especially when integrating Salesforce data.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce CRM: In-depth understanding of CRM principles and Salesforce's application in managing customer relationships and sales processes.

• Workflow & Process Automation Tools: Salesforce Flow, Process Builder, and potentially enterprise-level workflow automation tools.

• Project Management & Collaboration Tools: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Microsoft Teams, Slack for project tracking, documentation, and team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus, deep expertise in the Salesforce ecosystem is paramount. The inclusion of Generative AI suggests a need for understanding AI integration patterns and tools. Proficiency in enterprise architecture tools and integration technologies is also critical for designing complex, interconnected solutions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment where all colleagues feel heard and appreciated.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all actions, decisions, and interactions, especially critical in financial services.

• Service: Dedication to providing exceptional service to internal stakeholders and external customers, ensuring business needs are met effectively.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards of quality, innovation, and performance in all aspects of work, from design to delivery.

• Stewardship: Demonstrating responsibility for the organization's assets, reputation, and long-term sustainability, including the ethical and secure use of technology.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively partnering with business units, product management, security, and other technology teams to ensure holistic solution design and delivery.

• Process Review & Feedback: Encouraging a culture of constructive feedback and continuous process improvement through regular design reviews and retrospectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing expertise, best practices, and insights on Salesforce architecture, Generative AI, and emerging technologies through documentation, presentations, and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: Barclays' core values provide a strong framework for the expected professional conduct and collaborative approach. The emphasis on integrity, service, and stewardship is particularly relevant for a senior technology role within a heavily regulated industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Enterprise Architecture: Navigating and designing for a vast, multi-layered financial services ecosystem with numerous legacy systems and stringent security requirements.

• Adoption of Emerging Technologies: Strategically integrating cutting-edge technologies like Generative AI while managing associated risks, governance, and ensuring practical business value.

• Balancing Innovation with Stability: Finding the right balance between pushing technological boundaries and maintaining the stability, security, and compliance of critical financial platforms.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Effectively managing and aligning diverse stakeholder expectations across different business functions and technical teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Salesforce Certifications: Pursuing or maintaining advanced Salesforce certifications (e.g., Application Architect, System Architect) or specialized certifications in AI/ML.

• Generative AI and AI Governance Training: Access to specialized training and resources to deepen understanding and application of Generative AI and its governance frameworks.

• Industry Conferences and Forums: Participation in leading technology and Salesforce-focused conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and designers, or to be mentored by senior leaders within Barclays' extensive leadership network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a leading financial institution. The focus on Generative AI specifically positions the candidate at the forefront of technological innovation within the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing an enterprise-wide Salesforce architecture that supports both rapid innovation and stringent regulatory compliance for a global financial institution?" (Focus on modularity, governance, security layers, and strategic roadmapping.)

• "Describe your process for evaluating and integrating new technologies, such as Generative AI, into an existing Salesforce ecosystem. What are the key risks and how would you mitigate them?" (Highlight your framework for assessment, pilot programs, ethical considerations, and change management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Barclays' values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship resonate with your professional approach to technology leadership?" (Prepare specific examples demonstrating these values in action.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to influence senior stakeholders with differing technical or business priorities. How did you approach it?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and building consensus.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation around 2-3 key projects, each with a clear narrative: Problem -> Solution -> Impact.

• For each project, detail your specific role, the architectural decisions you made, the technologies involved (especially Salesforce and any AI components), the challenges you overcame, and the quantifiable business outcomes.

• Be prepared to dive deep into technical details and defend your design choices, particularly regarding scalability, security, and resilience.

• Clearly articulate how your designs align with business strategy and contribute to overall enterprise goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for strategic thinking, deep technical expertise in Salesforce and Generative AI, strong risk management acumen, effective communication, and alignment with Barclays' established values and leadership principles. A well-structured portfolio presentation is key to demonstrating your impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday Careers link.

• Tailor your CV: Ensure your resume highlights extensive experience in enterprise Salesforce architecture, design leadership, and specific examples of implementing complex solutions. Quantify achievements wherever possible and explicitly mention experience with Generative AI, risk management, and large-scale program delivery.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Assemble a concise yet comprehensive portfolio showcasing your most relevant Salesforce design projects. Focus on enterprise-level challenges, architectural decisions, and business impact. Be ready to present this effectively.

• Research Barclays: Understand the company's strategic objectives, its position in the financial services industry, and its commitment to digital transformation and innovation. Familiarize yourself with Barclays' values and leadership behaviors.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare detailed, STAR method-based answers for behavioral questions and be ready to articulate your technical approach to complex design challenges. Practice presenting your portfolio with clarity and confidence.

⚠️ 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.