Senior Solution Architect

Exciting new permanent, full time opportunities for Senior Solution Architects. Our Crown Corporation client based in Winnipeg, Manitoba is hiring about 7-people for their architecture team. We are looking for individuals of varying years experience in architecture that come from a background in software / application.

Reporting to the Manager, Architecture and Analysis, the Solution Architects and Senior Solution Architects will be responsible for architecture, design, and delivery of large, complex, strategic, and enterprise-level solutions that meet our client's business plan objectives.

The Senior Solution Architects will provide technical leadership across the organization, from strategic decision making down to the project planning level including providing guidance and advice to Solution Architects.

Job responsibilities fall under the following categories: solution design and architecture; planning, research and architecture standards; quality and risk management; communication and consultation; and functional supervision.

** This is a Hybrid role requiring the Architect to work onsite 1-day per week. ** Relocation package is included for people outside of the city. 

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop complex and enterprise-wide holistic solution architectures and design for client's systems with the goal of reducing client's technology footprint and promoting system “re-use”.
• Design the integrated system framework for the solution by identifying shared services and shared solutions to ensure strategic re-use of solution, components, and services for complex and highly-integrated solutions.
• Design and implement long-term strategic goals and short-term tactical plans for managing and maintaining corporate systems and software.
• Ensure that proposed and existing systems architectures developed by Solution Architects are aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Provide architectural expertise, direction, and assistance to Solution Architects, Systems Analysts, and software development teams.
• Provide input through collaboration with Enterprise Architects in setting their technology standards and baseline technologies.
• Act as a technical liaison and coordinator in projects or initiatives between external vendors and internal technical resources such as technical architects, developers, testers, and ITS Operations.
• Provide guidance to junior members of the architecture team.
• Conduct research on emerging technologies in support of systems development efforts and recommend technologies that will increase cost effectiveness and systems flexibility.
• Lead a small team of technology staff to develop Proof of Concepts/Value using new technologies which can potentially benefit them.
• Ensure the solution design developed by Solution Architects is meeting architectural standards, complies with policies for systems component reuse, presents a layer look and feel, security, audit, records management and archival requirements.
• Work closely with Enterprise Architecture (EA) team to maintain the Technology Roadmap.
• Review new and existing systems design projects and procurement or outsourcing plans for compliance with standards and architectural plans.
• Assist in leading the intake of all requests for IT consulting services, new systems, and major upgrades.
• Participate in developing business cases and cost/benefit analysis for IT spending and initiatives.
• Work closely with the Manager, Architecture and Analysis in planning, development, and implementation of architecture policies and procedures, and ensure that they are adhered to within and outside the department.
• Actively participate on development and evaluations for any technology procurement processes on projects, such as Request for Proposal’s (RFP’s).
• Monitor vendor and contracted resources’ performance and in coordination with Manager, Architecture and Planning and Procurement, impose penalties and fines where appropriate.
• Arrange and organize portfolio, program, and project-level technical reviews.
• Lead prototyping, proof of concept and/or proof of value activities and provide recommendation based on results.
• Work with business stakeholders, Solution Architects and Cyber Security teams to ensure solution designs are in compliance with security architecture and risks are mitigated.
• Assist the Manager, Architecture and Analysis in conducting periodic process review to ensure continued process improvement of service delivery: solution architecture, consulting services, and technology innovation.
• Provide oversight to contracted architect resources including ensuring artifacts produced are at par with their standards.
• Provide technical advice and recommendation to business stakeholders, ITS senior management, and Executive Management Committee.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure effective communication and sharing of information, knowledge, and expertise within and outside the division.
• Establish communication plans and strategies.
• Present information to the Executive Management Committee and other committees when required.
• Represent at various meetings, events, and committees.
• Provide functional supervision as required on shift. May assign tasks, monitor progress, and review results.
• May provide staff or contract workers with orientation.
• Provide feedback on staff performance as necessary.
• Act as a communication conduit between staff and management.
• Ensure all policies, compliance, regulations, policies, and procedures are understood and adhered to by allocated staff or contract workers.
• Complete reports, paperwork, logs, and correspondence as required.
• Carry out all duties and responsibilities of a supervisor of workers, as outlined under provincial safety and health legislation.
• Participate in the Information Technology Service’s overall annual budget development process.
• Provide input into the development of annual ITS business plans/budgets which support the strategic plan.
• Participate on or chair committees and project teams/programs as required.
• Attend and facilitate meetings as required.
• Complete required courses and training.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Completion of a recognized degree or diploma program in an IT related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience.
• A minimum of twelve years Information Technology related experience.
• A minimum of seven years senior level domain experience (e.g. networks, applications, information security, management, etc.)
• Experience leading small teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated political acumen.
• Currency with, and demonstrated conceptual understanding of, leading edge technology options.
• Proven project planning and management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of IT industry best practices, technologies, architectures, and emerging technologies across all IT domains (networking, servers, storage, application platforms, applications, software development tools and techniques, databases, internet, etc.) 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills, meeting facilitation, and influencing.
• Experience in building trust and creating excellent working relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Lifelong learning, in developing innovative ways of acquiring and transferring knowledge in complex circumstances.
• Contact with others involves exchanging information, resolving conflicts, advising, counselling, obtaining cooperation, initiating programs, and negotiating. Communication requires courtesy, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Internal contact involves all ITS employees, and regular contact with other divisions.

• Discretionary Time: Up to 10-paid discretionary leave days per year. Employees can carry forward discretionary leave days each year for a total of up to 50-days.
• Hybrid Work Model: 1-day onsite per week minimum.
• Maternity & Parental Leave: Top-up of E.I maternity leave benefits to 93% of employee's basic earnings for 17 weeks. 
• Fitness Allowance Reimbursement: Up to $250 per year that can be used to cover gym memberships, fitness equipment, and more.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is made up of employees from across the organization who are passionate about bringing diversity and inclusion to life.
• The Together Project: Caring is part of their corporate culture - they care for each other, their partners, and their community The Together Project represents the charitable efforts of the corporation and its employees working together to enrich the lives of Manitobans. Employee charitable activities are eligible for reward benefits.
• Vacation: Accrue up to 10-paid vacation days per year during the first 2-years of employment.
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Guaranteed lifelong monthly payment at retirement provides great security for employee’s long-term strategy.
• Customized Health Insurance / Wellness Plan: Choose from a variety of options to best fit your needs. Includes coverage for prescription drugs, vision, dental, ambulance, extended health options and more for you and your eligible dependents.
• Health Spending Account: Depending on the option you choose, you may receive up to $1,750 towards eligible medical or dental expenses.
• And more.