Solution Architect supports the Canada Life DAP portfolio. This role is responsible for leading the design of robust, scalable and mission critical customer facing applications. The Solutions Architect works in a complex environment with a mix of legacy and modern systems and infrastructure.
Essential Functions:
- Accountable to ensure high quality delivery of leading-edge solutions that meet time and cost requirements that align with business unit (BU) and enterprise architecture principles and design standards
- Proactively identify areas and opportunities to use technology to enhance customer experience and/or organizational efficiency
- Research and recommend opportunities to leverage technology and keep up with the industry to support the strategy
- Directs application technology research and sponsors line of business (LOB) initiatives (early-stage development/prototype) in support of BU strategy
- Support development of business strategies, including technology roadmaps and proposals to achieve business plans
- Provides leadership in managing IT risk (e.g.: security, disaster recovery, technology solution quality, etc.) and control requirements
- Drive a high-performance culture for practitioner Solution Architects and influence this culture within IT
- Ensure leaders, employees and vendors work together to drive performance and that high expectations are achieved within the values of the organization
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor Computer Science / Software Engineering or equivalent degree
- 10+ years of demonstrated experience in IT environments with a preference for significant complexity, highly regulated, and/or financial services
- 5+ progressive leadership experience related to both projects and teams
- Experience with developing and maintaining Cloud adoption and governance framework
- Experience with latest techniques in Cloud computing e.g. Container Orchestration, Serverless, Infrastructure as Code
- Experience with driving DevSecOps automation and building Cloud native applications
- Experience with Agile delivery methodologies and maintaining Architecture runways
- Experience with migrating applications which are performant, resilient, scalable and safe to Cloud
- Enthusiasm for hands-on work to support innovative prototypes and oversee development teams
- Knowledge of emerging technology trends and best practices for improving operational efficiency
REGISTRATIONS / LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS: NA
SKILLS/CHARACTERISTICS:
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across multiple geographies and business functions
- Demonstrate customer centric approach to problem solving, striving for service excellence and outward focus
- Operational risk expertise related to working in complex shared environments
- Led or supported business process changes related to technology
- Experience motivating highly skilled groups of individuals toward teamwork and a common purpose; integrating efforts across units; monitoring and assessing results
- Relationship-building across multiple geographies, business functions, and degrees of technical knowledge
- Deep understanding of financial services industry, preferably with insurance experience, a strong asset
- Strong communication skills with technology and business teams
- Ability to challenge; understanding how to impact and influence