Job Description

The Solutions Architect is responsible for the creation, maintenance and management of IT architecture models. They are also required to interpret, use and apply information contained within the IT architecture to inform a range of business improvement activities, particularly those involved in the design, development, enhancement and maintenance of IT support systems. The Solutions Architect will ensure that the overall IT architecture is developed and maintained in a coherent manner and that appropriate considerations are made for its security and quality. The primary role of the Solutions Architect is to ensure that the respective business, application, data and technology perspectives are in line with the company's technology and governance strategies, policies and standards.

Responsibilities

Defines the principles, guidelines, standards and solution patterns to ensure solution decisions are aligned with the enterprise's future-state architecture vision. (20%)

Designs, develops, and leads the implementation of a solutions architecture across a group of specific business applications or technologies based on enterprise business strategy, business capabilities and business requirements. (20%)

Documents all solution architecture design and analysis work. (10%)

Leads code reviews and provides consulting support to developers to ensure projects are aligned with the overall enterprise architecture. (10%)

Performs project planning, system analysis, software design and coding, testing, documentation, implementation and research activities as necessary for software engineering projects. (10%)

Facilitates the evaluation and selection of software product standards and services, as well as the design of standard and custom software configurations. (10%)

Designs and directs the governance activities associated with ensuring solutions architecture assurance and compliance. (5%)

Monitors the current-state solution portfolio to identify deficiencies through aging of the technologies used by the applications, or misalignment with business requirements. (5%)

Understands technology trends and the practical application of existing, new, and emerging technologies to enable new and evolving business and operating models. (5%)

Conducts and/or actively participates in meetings related to priority IT projects. (5%)

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science or related technical field or equivalent work experience. (Typically, four years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.)

Minimum of six years of experience in at least two IT solution development disciplines, including technical architecture, network management, application development, middleware, database management or operations.

Understanding of agile methods and processes, and capability of supporting agile project teams by providing advice and guidance on opportunities, impact and risks, taking account of technical and architectural debt.

Advanced knowledge of programming, integration and application security models; and proficiency with a variety of software development tools.

Expert knowledge of object design methodologies, architecture methodologies, security practices and integration techniques.

Advanced knowledge of relational database technology, structured analysis concepts, and software design patterns.

Effective project management skills and ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.

Knowledge of information technology terms, equipment, systems, functions and major vendors.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

Effective analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Effective interpersonal skills and customer relationship skills.

General understanding of IT operating and capital investment budgets.

Understanding of company's existing IT environment and of applicable company policies, practices, and procedures.