An experienced Solutions Architect to work on a number of IT projects in our Transmission portfolio.
Solutions Architect Role Description
Main Purpose of Job
Perform the leadership, facilitation, analysis and design tasks required to develop the solution architecture for IT projects. Focus across more than one project at a time, while providing solution architecture on individual solutions. Create high level solution models and solution architectures, including solution patterns/blueprints, to guide solution decisions for the enterprise for assigned projects aligned to business requirements. Be the design authority on projects ensuring adherence to architecture and design standards and the target Architecture.
Key Accountabilities
- Supports the development of the project planning including ensuring the phases are appropriate. For example, breaking out the solution into different work packages etc.
- Supports the budget development process for a solution to maximise the business case
- Delivers high-level solution models and solution architectures in line with business requirements, organisation and industry standards
- Ensures compliance of all high-level solution models and solution architectures to the Target Architecture, roadmaps, architecture principles and standards
- Ensures that solution architectures maintain integrity within the context of the relevant programme architecture
- Assesses the impact of business change requests on the existing architecture and supports the prioritisation of these changes
- Provides direction and guidance on projects ensuring adherence to Architecture and Design standards and the Target Architecture
- Works with the project stakeholders to understand the business requirements so that recommended solution options provide the best fit against requirements and budget
- Supports the Business Analysts to determine high-level functional requirements, maximising the use of standard or out-of-the-box features and capability
- Supports the Business Analysts to determine high level non-functional requirements
- Creates solution options and solution architectures, ensuring any deviations to the standards are handled through the Architecture Governance process
- Be accountable for the viability of proposed solutions and provides direction, advice and guidance on the appropriate approach to the solution throughout the project
- Performs the design authority role on projects ensuring that the detailed designs and solutions delivered align to the solution architecture, managing and resolving any design issues as they arise
- Uses commercial awareness to ensure that all investments made maximise the value of our IT investment
- Maintains an up-to-date understanding of the main technology base, and a general understanding of the other technology bases which together form the overall technical direction
- Identifies the commercial impacts of decisions involving architecture and engage the appropriate people in coming to a sound commercial outcome
- Works with external suppliers to ensure that the appropriate technology direction is set with respect to systems, data and technical infrastructure
- Works and effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders in developing a solution that meets the needs of the business
- Sets up and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders by effectively managing expectations and inspiring confidence in delivery
- Develops, coaches, motivates, energises and inspires fellow team members
Education, Experience, Knowledge, Functional and Technical Skills and Communication and Personal Attributes
Education
Bachelor's degree in computer science, system analysis or a related study, or equivalent experience.
Experience
Minimum of five years/relevant or equivalent of hands-on design and implementation experience in IT, with knowledge in a minimum of two of the following technical disciplines:
- Application development
- Network design
- Middleware
- Servers and storage
- Database management
- Operations
Business Knowledge
- Ability to understand the long-term ("big picture") and short-term perspectives of situations
- Ability to translate business needs into solution architecture requirements
- Knowledge of key aspects of the business
- Understanding of the enterprise's political climate and how to respond to the political challenges
Functional and Technical Skills
- Exposure to multiple, diverse technologies and processing environments
- Ability to estimate the financial impact of Enterprise Solution Architecture and individual solution architecture alternatives
- Ability to define multiple solution options to business problems
- Ability to quickly comprehend the functions and capabilities of new technologies
- Knowledge of all aspects of enterprise architecture
- Basic knowledge of business process re-engineering principles and processes
- Basic knowledge of information principles and policies
- Basic knowledge of financial models and budgeting
- Strong understanding of network and data center architecture, as well as application development methodologies
- Ability to quickly comprehend the functions and capabilities of new technologies
- Understanding of SOA, object-oriented analysis and design, or client/server systems
Communication and Personal Attributes
- Excellent interpersonal skills in areas such as teamwork, facilitation and negotiation
- Strong leadership skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent planning and organisational skills
Problem Solving, Analysis and Reasoning
- Excellent analytical and technical skills
