Tony is currently unavailable
Tony Stanley
Verified Expert in Engineering
Data Architect and Developer
York, United Kingdom
Toptal member since January 4, 2024
Bio
Tony is a seasoned architect with extensive experience across enterprise, solution, business, and data architecture domains. He is an expert developer with a deep understanding of client challenges. Tony excels at transforming complex problems into meticulously crafted architectural designs that align seamlessly with business objectives and target operating models.
Portfolio
x42.systems
Enterprise Architecture, AI Architecture, Target Operating Models...
Sodexo
APIs, Architectural Design, Application Architecture, Azure, SAP, Salesforce...
Teenage Cancer Trust
Enterprise Architecture, Solution Architecture, Data Architecture...
Experience
- Enterprise Architecture - 20 years
- Solution Architecture - 20 years
- Digital Strategy - 20 years
- Architectural Design - 20 years
- Presentations - 20 years
- Azure Cloud Services - 10 years
- Data Architecture - 8 years
- IT Strategy - 8 years
Work Experience
Lead Architect/Owner
2025 - PRESENT
x42.systems
- Designed an enterprise-scale reasoning platform modelling obligations, constraints, and dependencies across contracts, suppliers, workforce, systems, and operations, creating a new architectural layer beyond traditional BI and analytics.
- Defined a canonical enterprise data model (CDM) enabling consistent ingestion and alignment of structured (ERP, CRM, and HRIS) and unstructured (contracts and policies) data across domains.
- Developed AI-driven document intelligence pipelines to extract obligations, constraints, and risk signals from unstructured documents, converting them into structured, computable enterprise data.
- Architected a graph-based enterprise model (Neo4j/Cypher) representing thousands of interconnected nodes (contracts, systems, suppliers, and people) and dynamic n:n dependency relationships.
- Engineered dynamic dependency generation logic, enabling AI-driven identification of relationships across domains rather than relying on static, manually curated mappings.
- Built scenario simulation and propagation models capable of predicting enterprise impact (e.g., supplier failure, workforce disruption, and regulatory change) across multi-domain architectures.
- Established confidence-scoring and human-in-the-loop validation mechanisms, enabling scalable review of high-risk AI outputs while avoiding manual validation of entire datasets (10,000–15,000+ contracts).
- Defined a three-layer AI architecture (document intelligence, reasoning engine, and decision interface), ensuring separation of concerns, auditability, and governance alignment.
- Produced enterprise-grade architecture artifacts (Conceptual, HLD, LLD, domain models, and event contracts), aligning AI-driven architecture with real-world governance, audit, and compliance expectations.
- Demonstrated proof-of-concept models across multiple domains (procurement, finance, and operations), showing how obligation density and constraint propagation expose hidden enterprise risk earlier than traditional reporting.
Technologies: Enterprise Architecture, AI Architecture, Target Operating Models, Capability Modelling, Enterprise Roadmapping, Large Language Models (LLMs), Azure AI Document Intelligence, Retrieval-augmented Generation (RAG), Knowledge Graphs, Confidence scoring, Graph Databases, Cypher, Canonical Data Models, JSON, Event-driven Architecture, Workflow Automation, ISO 27001, Enterprise domain modelling
Enterprise Architect
2025 - 2025
Sodexo
- Defined a global enterprise architecture blueprint spanning CRM, ERP, digital commerce, OMS/IMS, and finance, aligning multiple business units and revenue streams into a single capability-led operating model.
- Architected a headless digital commerce and DXP ecosystem integrating Salesforce CRM, SAP ERP, and operational platforms, enabling scalable, multi-region event and hospitality operations.
- Established enterprise-wide integration standards (API-led and event-driven), reducing point-to-point complexity and enabling consistent interoperability across 10+ core platforms.
- Designed end-to-end Order-to-Cash and financial settlement architecture, improving traceability of transactions across commerce, operations, and finance systems.
- Produced strategic architecture roadmaps sequencing digital commerce, CRM, ERP, and data transformation initiatives over a multi-year horizon, enabling phased investment decisions at the executive level.
- Evaluated Salesforce Loyalty Cloud through detailed cost-benefit and capability analysis, avoiding unnecessary platform investment and reducing projected licensing and implementation costs by £700,000–£2 million (relative estimate).
- Defined enterprise capability models across customer engagement, workforce coordination, supply chain, and finance, aligning business operations with technology architecture.
- Introduced architecture governance frameworks (principles, standards, and design assurance), improving alignment across multiple delivery teams and external SI partners.
- Led cross-functional stakeholder alignment across commercial, operational, and technology teams, ensuring consistent architectural direction across global transformation streams.
- Reduced application and integration fragmentation by rationalizing overlapping platforms and defining a coherent target-state ecosystem.
Technologies: APIs, Architectural Design, Application Architecture, Azure, SAP, Salesforce, Integration, Adobe Commerce
Consultant – Enterprise, Solution, and Data Architect
2023 - 2023
Teenage Cancer Trust
- Led the solution design for the charity's digital transformation, orchestrating the migration from legacy CRM and ERP systems to a cloud ERP and a cloud HR tool.
- Leveraged Microsoft Dataverse to store and manage unique data sets associated with charities. I implemented Microsoft Power Apps to present this data internally and externally.
- Ensured adherence to architectural principles of commercial off-the-shelf solutions, implementing point-to-point integrations. I designed a strong and secure solution with no single point of failure.
- Implemented various technologies, including Azure Data Factory, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Dynamics 365 Human Resources, Azure, Microsoft Dataverse, and Microsoft Power BI.
Technologies: Enterprise Architecture, Solution Architecture, Data Architecture, Dynamics 365 Business Central, Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft Power Apps, Azure, Care CRM, IT Strategy, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Digital Strategy, Azure Data Factory (ADF), Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources
Lead Architect – Enterprise, Solution, and Data Architect
2022 - 2022
Onclusive
- Led a team migrating multiple legacy CRM and ERP solutions to a unified cloud platform-as-a-service (PaaS) ERP and CRM.
- Ensured seamless integration using single sign-on (SSO), identity and access management, and integration services, harnessing the power of APIs, JSON, and XML.
- Ensured alignment with commercial off-the-shelf principles and implemented point-to-point integrations, eliminating single points of failure.
- Defined and supported the new common data model in collaboration with data scientists, enhancing data consistency and usability.
- Handled command data models, governance, and security standards for applications, integrations, and JSON and XML data.
- Collaborated with stakeholders and the data team to architect and deliver Azure-based solutions, including Azure integrations, Azure SQL servers, Azure SQL Data Warehouse, and Microsoft Power BI.
Technologies: Azure Data Factory (ADF), Dynamics 365 Business Central, Salesforce, Microsoft Power BI, Single Sign-on (SSO), APIs, JSON, XML, Dedicated SQL Pool (formerly SQL DW), Azure SQL Data Warehouse, Azure, Azure SQL, Azure Cloud Services, Presentations, Communication, Architectural Design, Data Modeling, Service-oriented Architecture (SOA), Application Architecture, Data Architecture, Cloud Migration, Microsoft Azure, IT Service Management (ITSM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Integration
Architect – Solution, Data, and Business Architect
2021 - 2022
Thames Valley Police
- Led the solution design for five critical programs, ensuring a smooth migration from legacy to new on-premises and cloud-based platform-as-a-service (PaaS) and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) technologies.
- Managed the entire process, from concept to implementation, ensuring alignment with Thames Valley Police's technical design authority standards.
- Collaborated with business teams, stakeholders, and IT to identify existing services, data models, and technologies.
- Conducted proof-of-concept exercises for Dynamics 365 Human Resources and Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, validating their viability within the Thames Valley Police ecosystem.
- Worked closely with ERP partners to define robust data models and solutions. I delivered comprehensive conceptual, high-level, and low-level documents.
- Ensured a seamless integration through effective collaboration and adherence to technical design authority standards.
Technologies: Dynamics CRM 365, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources, PeopleSoft, Azure PaaS, Azure IaaS, Single Sign-on (SSO), TranMan, Oracle Duty Management, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Presentations, Communication, Architectural Design, IT Strategy, Service-oriented Architecture (SOA), SQL, ETL, Application Architecture, Business Architecture, Data Architecture, Cloud Migration, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations
Architect – Enterprise, Data, and Solution Architect
2020 - 2021
Azets
- Led the solution design for six pivotal programs in the O2C and H2R domains, orchestrating the migration from legacy to cloud-based technologies and ensuring a seamless alignment with business compliance and GDPR standards.
- Provided comprehensive architectural artifacts for various applications, including cloud marketing, onboarding solutions, mobile accounting, and document management systems.
- Collaborated with 3rd-party ERP subject matter experts to architect robust ERP solutions, ensuring seamless integration and optimized functionality.
- Developed and documented integration strategies in collaboration with senior architects.
- Leveraged advanced technologies such as Dell Boomi and APIs to orchestrate a seamless data flow between applications, ensuring standardized data models and secure information exchange.
- Worked closely with SharePoint and Microsoft teams to architect solutions for document management and migration from legacy file data stores.
- Defined and executed Microsoft teams' data migration strategies, ensuring efficient collaboration and productivity.
- Prepared and presented strategic option papers for implementing PeopleSoft HR solutions. I provided detailed ROM costs for implementation, data modeling, data migration, and training.
Technologies: HubSpot, APIs, Single Sign-on (SSO), PeopleXD, Salesforce, Dell Boomi, Enboarder, Angular, AWS Lambda, Saba L&D, Microsoft Teams, Presentations, Communication, TOGAF, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Service-oriented Architecture (SOA), AWS IoT, Application Architecture, Enterprise Business Architecture, Data Architecture, Cloud Migration, Microsoft Azure, IT Strategy, Integration, Governance
Architect – Enterprise and Solution Architect
2019 - 2020
NHS Business Services Authority
- Orchestrated an end-to-end solution design for migrating 3,500 users from Windows 7, legacy SharePoint 2010, and file shares to a modern Office 365 environment.
- Designed the architecture aligning with NHS data compliance and governance standards, ensuring a secure and efficient user experience.
- Worked closely with NHS SIAM teams, business leads, and stakeholders to identify existing desktop applications, active directory configurations, and file share usage.
- Facilitated discussions to establish a comprehensive business strategy and target operating model for end-user computing and Office 365 technologies.
- Architected and implemented core infrastructure services enabling modern management of end-user computing, utilizing System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), Microsoft Intune, and Always On.
- Delivered architectural artifacts for Windows as a Service (WaaS) and Office 365 collaboration tools, adhering to NHS architecture principles and NCSC guidelines.
- Defined a meticulous migration strategy to transition from Windows 7 to WaaS seamlessly.
- Collaborated with technical architects to define low-level designs for Windows 10, SharePoint Online, Microsoft Teams, and OneDrive, ensuring alignment with NHS compliance and data governance standards.
Technologies: Office 365, Wellness as a Service (WaaS), System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), Presentations, Communication, Application Architecture, ITIL, Governance, Azure, Architecture, Cloud Migration
Architect – Solution and Data Architect
2017 - 2019
Arm
- Led the comprehensive delivery of ERP solutions, working closely with DevOps teams and multiple 3rd parties.
- Facilitated seamless migration of applications and data to cloud-based ERP platforms, ensuring a streamlined transition for finance-to-pay (F2P) and procure-to-pay (P2P) processes.
- Collaborated with enterprise architects to define and implement integration strategies. I developed architectural artifacts for seamless data integration between Microsoft Project Online, Jira, SAP HR, and finance systems.
- Designed and implemented a centralized Azure SQL Data Warehouse and a Microsoft Power BI reporting solution, providing real-time insights to stakeholders.
- Implemented Agile and Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) methodologies to ensure streamlined deliveries. I collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams, blending technical prowess with excellent communication and presentation skills.
Technologies: Azure, Google Cloud, SharePoint 365, SAP, Microsoft Power BI, Azure SQL, Salesforce, Azure Synapse, Snowflake, DevOps, XML, JSON, Dynamics CRM 365, Single Sign-on (SSO), MuleSoft, ProSymmetry ERP, Microsoft, Jira, ServiceNow, Presentations, Communication, Architectural Design, Data Modeling, Service-oriented Architecture (SOA), SQL, ETL, Application Architecture, Azure PaaS, Data Architecture, Cloud Migration, Microsoft Azure, IT Service Management (ITSM), TOGAF, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Integration, SharePoint
Project History
Charitable Initiatives with Technological Excellence
As an enterprise, solution, and data architecture consultant at Teenage Cancer Trust, I drove transformative digital initiatives to support the organization's technology and business purposes. I leveraged my expertise in strategic planning, architecture design, and seamless integration, leading comprehensive projects aimed at migrating legacy systems to cutting-edge Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions and ensuring streamlined operations and enhanced support for charitable endeavors.
Innovation and Efficiency in Global Digital Transformation
As the lead architect at Onclusive, I orchestrated a significant transformation in the order-to-cash (O2C) domain, leading a team of architects, data scientists, and DevOps experts. My role involved defining and delivering integration strategies, aligning to TOGAF and ITIL solutions, architecting data reference models, and ensuring seamless migration of legacy applications to a centralized cloud platform-as-a-service (PaaS) ERP and CRM. Through innovative solutions and strategic planning, I facilitated a robust, secure, and flexible architecture aligned with business data governance and future scalability.
Comprehensive Transformation in Law Enforcement
As an architect at Thames Valley Police, I led a multidisciplinary team in executing transformative initiatives, explicitly focusing on the hire-to-retire (H2R), procure-to-pay (P2P), and finance-to-pay (F2P) domains. My role involved collaborating with multiple 3rd parties, alignment to TOGAF and ITIL requirements, defining robust data integration strategies, and architecting solutions that align with stringent security, business compliance, data governance, and GDPR standards. Through innovative technologies and strategic planning, I facilitated a seamless transition from legacy systems to a modern hybrid cloud-based ecosystem, enhancing operational efficiency and data security.
Digital Transformation at Azets
In my role as an architect at Azets, I spearheaded a series of transformative initiatives, focusing on order-to-cash (O2C), hire-to-retire (H2R), and finance-to-pay (F2P) domains. My responsibilities involved collaborating with multiple stakeholders, ensuring data governance, security, and compliance, and architecting innovative solutions to align with the company's strategic objectives. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies and robust integration strategies, I played a pivotal role in migrating legacy systems to cloud-based solutions, fostering operational excellence and streamlined business processes.
Healthcare Transformation through Innovative IT Solutions
As a dedicated enterprise and solution architect at NHS Business Services Authority, I led the digital evolution and seamless transition from legacy systems to cutting-edge Office 365 solutions. My role involved collaborating with multifaceted teams and stakeholders to ensure data compliance, data governance, and GDPR adherence while implementing robust and secure IT solutions.
Digital Transformation at Scale
As a solution and data architect at Arm, I spearheaded the end-to-end delivery of ERP solutions, collaborating with DevOps teams and multiple 3rd-party partners. I focused on translating intricate business requirements into scalable, secure, and innovative solutions, ensuring seamless migration to cloud-based ERP platforms and enabling robust data integration across various applications.
Skills
Tools
Dynamics 365 Business Central, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft Power Apps, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), Jira, Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Human Resources
Paradigms
Service-oriented Architecture (SOA), Application Architecture, ETL, ITIL, DevOps, Event-driven Architecture
Platforms
Azure, Windows, SharePoint, Salesforce, SharePoint 365, Azure SQL Data Warehouse, Azure PaaS, Azure IaaS, HubSpot, PeopleXD, Enboarder, AWS Lambda, AWS IoT, Azure Synapse, MuleSoft, Dedicated SQL Pool (formerly SQL DW), Microsoft, Adobe Commerce
Storage
Azure Cloud Services, JSON, Azure SQL, Dell Boomi, Google Cloud, Graph Databases
Frameworks
TOGAF, Angular
Languages
XML, Snowflake, SQL, Cypher
Other
Enterprise Architecture, Solution Architecture, IT Strategy, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Digital Strategy, Presentations, Communication, Architectural Design, Integration, Governance, Architecture, Dynamics CRM 365, Data Architecture, Single Sign-on (SSO), APIs, Cloud Migration, Microsoft Azure, IT Service Management (ITSM), Business Architecture, Enterprise Business Architecture, Office 365, Care CRM, Data Modeling, PeopleSoft, TranMan, Oracle Duty Management, Saba L&D, Wellness as a Service (WaaS), SAP, ProSymmetry ERP, ServiceNow, Azure Data Factory (ADF), AI Architecture, Target Operating Models, Capability Modelling, Enterprise Roadmapping, Large Language Models (LLMs), Azure AI Document Intelligence, Retrieval-augmented Generation (RAG), Knowledge Graphs, Confidence scoring, Canonical Data Models, Workflow Automation, ISO 27001, Enterprise domain modelling
Collaboration That Works
How to Work with Toptal
Toptal matches you directly with global industry experts from our network in hours—not weeks or months.
1
Share your needs
Discuss your requirements and refine your scope in a call with a Toptal domain expert.
2
Choose your talent
Get a short list of expertly matched talent within 24 hours to review, interview, and choose from.
3
Start your risk-free talent trial
Work with your chosen talent on a trial basis for up to two weeks. Pay only if you decide to hire them.
Top talent is in high demand.
Start hiring