Solution Architect

Job Summary:  Aligned to and supports the Product owner (Business) and the Product engineering manager (IT) of a Product-line. Works under the administrative direction of the Product management and technical direction and guidance from the Principal architect of that division to guide assigned product-line from current IT state to future goal state which aligns with long term business and technology strategies for division.

Responsible for on-going technical integrity of all applications and systems within the Product-line in partnership with engineering manager. Considered top level technical expert in one or more highly specialized areas of architecture domain - applications and design, data, integration, security, operations, networking and systems management. Conducts architect/design/code reviews and mentor and guide System Architect(s) and Systems Analyst(s) assigned to product line area. Works under the guidance of Principal architect for the division in getting necessary approvals from the Architecture Review Board. Participates in and may be called upon to provide technical and architectural leadership on large and very highly complex projects that are multi-platform, cross product lines, or cross divisions.

Essential Functions:

• Participate in development of business/IT roadmaps and capabilities utilizing thorough understanding of the business.
• Understand, create and maintain all technical details/documents for applications that support the business capabilities that are owned by the product manager.
• Work with the product-line manager to identify, record, and manage technology debt.
• Work with product-line management to create and execute on application strategies that help in maturing identified business capabilities.
• Partner in developing, documenting and communicating annual plans for investing in applications, systems architecture, cost reduction opportunities, and continuous reduction of technology debt.
• Review and analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of existing systems and develop strategies for improving or further leveraging these systems.
• Maintain the integrity of technology solutions in the area in partnership with engineering manager.
• Recommend improvements and/or alternatives; develop, document, communicate and enforce a policy for standardizing systems as necessary.
• Ensure that applications inventory is kept updated with correct information.
• Collaborate with Systems Architect and Tech Leads by participating in Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) or Return on Investment (ROI) for proposed systems to aid in making implementation decisions.
• Review and provide guidance on defining software development project plans, including scoping, scheduling, and implementation.
• Lead the gathering and/or interpretation of business, functional, and non-functional requirements.
• Lead the development, testing, documentation, and implementation of projects/applications according to standards and methodologies.
• Play a leading role in the definition, development, and documentation of software's requirements, objectives, deliverables, and specifications on a project-by-project basis.
• Collaborate with systems architects and analysts in conceptualizing and developing solutions.
• Create, describe, and maintain applicable system architecture and design artifacts.
• Lead the implementation of database and application security standards on all projects.
• Lead and monitor the functional and non-functional testing of delivered solution.
• Lead 'root cause analysis' of defects before solution goes to production.
• Must be on call during scheduled times.
• May be required to work for extended periods at night and on weekends in support of conversion, assisting in operational problems, or testing a new program.
• May be asked to liaise with company's software and hardware suppliers for prompt rectification of any problems or emergencies.
• Commitment to embrace Sammons Financial Group Companies shared values (Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Openness)
• As stated within the Company Attendance and Punctuality policy, regular attendance is required and expected in order to meet the business service levels and workflow demands.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in the field of Computer Science, Information Science, Management Information Systems preferred
• Minimum 12 years' IT architecture and development experience required
• Experience as System Architect on complex multi-subsystem solution delivery teams required
• Knowledge/expert in computer programming languages required
• Effective communications skills (verbal, written, and presentation) and ability to communicate with business partners and other IT staff required
• Skills in using required architecture, design, and development tools required
• Problem solving skills sufficient to identify opportunities, perform research and recommend a proposed solution to problems
• Able to work on multiple tasks and meet established deadlines
• Able to effectively influence the work of other team members without having HR management responsibility for them
• Criminal background check required.