Solution Architect in Winnipeg

Reporting to a Manager, the Solution Architect is responsible for architecture, design, and delivery of tactical and strategic business solutions, ensuring that business requirements are met end-to-end.

Drawing from the principles, processes, and models of Enterprise Architecture, the role is to design and implement application systems and networked software architectures that support core organizational functions and assure solution/system availability based on business' defined needs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop holistic solution architecture and design for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) systems with the goal of reducing MBLL’s technology footprint and promoting system re-use.
• Develop conceptual and detailed application architectures and designs by identifying the technologies required and the interfaces and linkages between the solution components.
• 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.
• Design solutions that comply with architectural standards, and with legislative and regulatory requirements regarding data protection and privacy.
• Identify where greater investment may improve opportunities for harvesting solutions for future re-use.
• Produce Solution Architecture documents that describe the complete business solution for solution delivery including developing models for a system or application and all integration points.
• Support consulting services by providing solution and associated cost estimates.
• Select solutions from the palette of baseline technologies within the Enterprise Architecture (EA).
• Incorporate solution architecture into conceptual, logical, and physical designs while ensuring alignment with enterprise technology guidelines.
• Collaborate with project and operational team members, including business analysts, to understand/translate business requirements and non-functional requirements to solution options for a project or initiative.
• Act as a technical liaison and coordinator in projects or initiatives between external vendors and internal technical resources.
• Provide functional supervision to design teams.
• Conduct research on emerging technologies in support of systems development efforts, and recommend technologies that will increase cost effectiveness and systems flexibility.
• Ensure that architectural standards are met and resolve concerns where the architectural standards are inadequate.
• Work with a team of technology staff to develop Proof of Concepts/Value using new technologies that can potentially benefit MBLL.
• Ensure compliance with policies for systems component reuse, presentation layer look and feel, security, audit, records management, and archival requirements.
• Research potential solution options in alignment with enterprise architecture target state architectures and guidelines, evaluate the options and provide recommendations that serve identified business needs.
• Actively participate in development and evaluations for any technology procurement processes on projects, such as Request for Proposals (RFPs).
• Keep up-to-date with industry regulations, standards, trends, best practices, and emerging technologies by attending conferences/seminars, regularly reviewing industry publications, books, internet resources, etc.
• Assist in the development of business cases and cost/benefit analysis for IT spending and initiatives.
• Arrange and organize project-level technical reviews.
• Provide oversight to contracted architect resources including ensuring artifacts produced are at par with MBLL standards.
• Ensure solution designs are in compliance with security architecture and risks are mitigated.
• Identify areas of technology risk within a solution where prototyping or a proof of concept might be required.
• Participate in the development of Requests-for-Proposals by reviewing the technical requirements components of the RFP.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 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 ten years Information Technology related experience.
• A minimum of five years advanced level domain experience (e.g. networks, applications, information security, management, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of software evaluation principles and practices.
• Good knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication and presentation skills.
• The ability to work in a team environment.
• In-depth knowledge of IT industry best practices, technologies, architectures, and emerging technologies across all IT domains.
• Good knowledge in business system analysis (requirements gathering, modeling, etc.).
• Experience in tracking industry and regulatory standards relevant to business.
• 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.
• Continuous upgrading/learning is required to remain current in information technology.
• Lifelong learning, in developing innovative ways of acquiring and transferring knowledge in complex circumstances.

The core competencies for this position include achieving quality results, adaptability/managing change, communication, customer service, decision making and problem solving, integrity and building trust, teamwork and cooperation, and valuing diversity. Leadership competencies include building strategic performance, coaching and developing, influencing and leading.

Industry credentials in Business Analysis and/or Architecture Frameworks are considered an asset. Project Management training is an asset. Bilingual French/English language skills are an asset.