OSS Architect

Job Title: OSS Architect

Location: Markham, ON (Hybrid)

Estimated Duration: 12 Months

Our client is head quartered in the East Coast of Canada.  They are one of Canada’s leading broadband service providers. They offer voice and data communication services through its unique Fiber, Wireless and
Satellite networks.  We are seeking a Senior OSS Architect & Transformation Lead to guide their multi-year OSS modernization initiative. This SME role (with specialization in Ticketing System Integration) blends hands-on technical delivery, strategic vendor leadership, and executive level communication.  Initial contract length of 12 months with excellent opportunity to extend.  The role is 100% remote WFH.  

The role:
We are seeking an experienced OSS Architect and Transformation Lead to drive the modernization of the client's legacy OSS environment. The current OSS landscape is highly manual, fragmented, and built on outdated tools. This role will lead the design and implementation of a modern, automated OSS ecosystem that supports scalability, operational efficiency, and future technology evolution.
The ideal candidate will be both strategic and hands-on, capable of leading vendor evaluations, defining architecture standards, engaging with operations and IT teams, and transforming how the organization manages assets, inventory, incidents, and ticketing.
This is a senior leadership-level role, fully remote, with a minimum one-year contract and strong potential for extension.

Key Objectives
•    Lead the end-to-end OSS transformation from concept through execution.
•    Modernize manual systems into an integrated, cloud-based, and automated OSS.
•    Establish scalable, future-proof frameworks aligned with 2025+ technologies.
•    Bridge the gap between technical design and business outcomes.

Core Responsibilities
1. Architecture & Roadmap
•    Assess the existing OSS environment and define the target-state architecture.
•    Develop a multi-year roadmap for phased modernization and automation.
•    Determine which legacy systems to retain, replace, or integrate.
•    Align OSS design with broader enterprise and network strategies (5G, fiber, transport, cloud).
2. System Design & Implementation
•    Lead the design and rollout of foundational OSS modules:
o    Asset Management
o    Inventory Management
o    Incident Management
o    Ticketing System Integration & Workflows
•    Define and optimize use cases and functional requirements for each module.
•    Oversee data migration and ensure integrity, reliability, and minimal operational disruption.
3. Vendor & RFP Leadership
•    Manage and evaluate RFP responses from 3–4 shortlisted vendors.
•    Analyze proposals, functionality, and cost models to identify the optimal solution.
•    Collaborate with vendors through pilots, proof-of-concepts, and phased implementations.
•    Serve as the primary technical and business liaison between vendors and internal stakeholders.
4. Operational & Cross-Team Collaboration
•    Partner with NOC, IT, Engineering, and Service Delivery teams as well as Data Science group to define needs and workflows.
•    Gather operational data and ensure OSS solutions align with real-world use.
•    Drive user adoption and integration into day-to-day operations.
•    Provide clear communication across technical and business groups.
5. Cloud, Data, and Automation
•    Define and guide the cloud-based OSS deployment (private cloud).
•    Ensure the architecture supports integration with data science, analytics, and automation.
•    Promote use of AI/ML and predictive analytics for improved efficiency and fault resolution.
•    Value hands-on familiarity with data handling, APIs, and light programming to support integration work.
6. Program Governance & Leadership
•    Act as a transformation leader, not just a technical expert.
•    Maintain project continuity, roadmap ownership, and vision alignment.
•    Communicate progress and results through executive-level reporting and recommendations.
•    Collaborate closely with internal leadership throughout all project phases.

Required Experience & Skills
•    15+ years in OSS architecture, delivery, or transformation within telecom or network operations.
•    Proven track record of building or leading OSS modernization projects.
•    Deep understanding of ticketing, workflow, asset, and inventory management systems.
•    Strong background in vendor management and RFP processes.
•    Experience integrating OSS with cloud-native and data-driven environments.
•    Ability to assess, refine, and optimize an existing OSS scope and plan.
•    Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
•    Analytical mindset capable of balancing technical feasibility with business value.
Nice to Have
•    Familiarity with AI/ML in network operations, automation frameworks, or data orchestration.
•    Background in telecom or large-scale network management systems.
•    Experience with OSS/BSS integration and service orchestration platforms.
•    Relevant certifications (TOGAF, ITIL, TM Forum, etc.) are an asset but not mandatory.
Why This Role Matters
This is not just an architecture role — it’s a transformation leadership opportunity.
You’ll help shape how a growing telecom organization evolves, competes, and operates over the next decade.
You’ll have the autonomy to influence vendor direction, technology selection, and long-term architectural vision — all while building the foundation for automation, data intelligence, and future innovation.