Solution Architect

Job Description/Posting
Solution Architect 
Scarborough, ON (Hybrid)

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Solution Architect to support our Information Services (IS) department. This is a full-time opportunity and will report to the Manager, Enterprise Business Solutions. The selected candidate will, in partnership with other Architects, define and maintain the solution architecture blueprint focused on efficiency. This role will lead research in COTS solutions and emerging technologies and promote developmental initiatives to introduce new tools and technology to our application landscape.

What We’ll Bring:

Company & Culture

• A hybrid work environment
• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• A focus on respect for people and continuous improvement
• Summer Hours – condensed work week during the summer

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including bonus
• Extended health care and dental benefits effective immediately
• Company pension plan with additional employer contributions
• Associate vehicle discount program
• Reimbursement programs (tuition & fitness)
• Paid holiday shutdown and competitive paid time off benefits
• Sabbatical leave program

What You’ll Be Doing:

Leadership, Models, and Artifacts

• Lead the creation and evolution of the application architecture function, selection, and adoption of frameworks and methodologies
• Document IS Application Architecture using multiple architectural models or views that show how the current and future needs of the organization will be met in an efficient, sustainable, and adaptable manner across the application portfolio
• Formulate plans to discontinue the use of obsolete or low-value architecture components
• Lead and facilitate the creation of governing principles to guide solution design decisions
• Collaborate with local and regional IS teams to deliver enterprise solutions that are scalable, adaptable, and in synchronization with evolving business needs
• Act as liaison with technology partners and vendors on Application Architecture issues
• Work with the IS leadership to recommend and provide input to its strategy, architecture, and supporting standards
• Assist with the automation of software deployments using configuration management technology

Software Lifecycle and Process Improvements

• Promote shared infrastructure and applications to reduce costs and improve information flows
• Ensure projects do not duplicate functionality or diverge from established architecture guidelines
• Guide application design and provide technical leadership to ensure alignment with business objectives and application lifecycle
• Collaborate with other IS stakeholders to create and document standards and patterns that can be leveraged for future reuse and actively seek opportunities to leverage industry solutions for new business offerings and services

Technical Excellence

• Review existing and emerging technologies and market trends to determine their potential impact on the enterprise’s strategy and architecture; develop strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and business functions
• Ensure technical integrity and consistency of the solution at every stage of its lifecycle
• Foster dissemination and maturity of Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)/Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) processes and deliverables
• Analyze current business and IS solutions and environments to detect deficiencies, recommend improvements, and continuously improve IS processes

Best Practices, Collaboration, and Sharing

• Compile business needs, process information, and technical requirements to produce optimal, high-level analysis and conceptual design for projects and new solutions
• Direct or indirectly develop policies, standards, and guidelines that direct the selection, development, implementation, and use of Information Technology within the enterprise
• Steer and guide the creation and maintenance of the software design (application architecture) strategy and direction
• Work with third-party vendors to develop and/or integrate their applications into our solutions; ensure that applications are in accordance with product standards and guidelines
• Provide education, coaching, and guidelines to IS practice on the use of enterprise architecture tools, technology, and standards
• Provide guidance and expertise on system options, risk, impact, and costs vs. benefits analysis
• Champion the proper use of tools, processes, and standards by conducting education, application review, and design sessions to reinforce skills and knowledge baseline
• Influence and communicate effectively with non-technical audiences

What You’ll Bring:

• University Degree in computer science or related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in application design and architecture, including solid hands-on experience in conceptualization, modeling, and design
• 5+ years of experience in application development, including on-prem and cloud development, using Java/J2EE, SaaS, PaaS solutions running on multiple databases and integration across varying types of systems e.g., SAP, MuleSoft, Salesforce, Adobe AEM
• Strong understanding of ITIL and BPM practices using tools like ServiceNow
• Experience in an environment running multiple platforms, i.e., Unix, Windows, and AWS
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to present information to technical and non-technical audiences
• Understanding of IS management practices and technology issues, including SDLC, infrastructure, application design, development tools, support, project, and process management
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, good judgment, and effective decision-making; exhibit strong process improvement orientation and have the experience to lead discussions and achieve positive results among interdisciplinary groups
• Experience in SAP and Content Management Systems design and/or implementation is an asset