Senior Applications Architect in Toronto

The Senior I&IT Application Architect will be a key strategic leader in designing and implementing the Ontario Public Sector's (OPS) next-generation application integration and architecture solutions. This senior role requires a visionary architect who can guide the integration of critical applications, with a focus on permit systems and compliance frameworks, leveraging the Microsoft Azure cloud platform to optimize and future-proof our infrastructure. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience with OPS enterprise architecture, a talent for cross-departmental collaboration, and a commitment to delivering resilient, scalable, and secure architectures aligned with the province's long-term goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Architecture & Integration Framework Design: Develop and maintain enterprise-wide architecture blueprints for integrating multiple critical OPS applications. Ensure scalability, modularity, and compliance with evolving OPS and government standards. Define and implement architecture best practices, ensuring alignment with OPS enterprise architecture guidelines. Serve as the lead architect for cloud infrastructure solutions on Microsoft Azure. Design and optimize resource allocation, security, and performance strategies in Azure environments. Ensure compliance with OPS cloud security policies and public sector regulatory requirements.
• Lead System Integration Efforts: Oversee complex integration projects, including legacy-to-cloud transitions, permit systems, and inter-agency data sharing. Ensure high availability, interoperability, and seamless functionality across all integrated systems. Lead the adoption of microservices, APIs, and middleware to support enterprise system modernization. Establish and enforce enterprise architecture best practices, design review standards, and governance policies. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance OPS system performance and integration strategies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with IT teams, project managers, and business stakeholders across OPS to align architectural solutions with strategic objectives. Provide technical leadership and mentorship to development teams, ensuring adherence to architectural principles.
• Risk Assessment & Compliance Oversight: Conduct regular risk assessments and compliance audits related to privacy, security, and data integrity. Ensure all solutions meet Ontario public sector regulatory requirements and ITIL framework standards.
• Performance Optimization & Future-Readiness: Monitor system performance and scalability, making recommendations for enhancements. Ensure the architecture is adaptable to future technological advancements and evolving OPS needs.
• Comprehensive Architecture Blueprint: Detailed documentation outlining the integration framework for OPS applications, emphasizing scalability, modularity, and compliance with OPS standards. Technical documentation of Azure-based infrastructure, including architecture diagrams, resource allocation strategies, security protocols, and disaster recovery plans.
• System Integration Plans and Roadmaps: Roadmaps and plans detailing the integration of legacy systems, permit systems, and inter-agency data-sharing strategies. Clearly defined milestones and performance metrics for successful implementation. Standardized OPS architecture guidelines, including design review protocols, governance policies, and continuous improvement strategies.
• Risk Assessment & Compliance Reports: Regular reports addressing privacy, security, and data integrity risks, with recommended action plans.
• Performance & Scalability Reports: Continuous performance monitoring reports, including recommendations for optimizations to ensure the architecture remains future-ready.

Skills Experience and Skill Set Requirements:

• Required Qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field. Master's degree or certifications (e.g., TOGAF, Azure Solutions Architect) are strongly preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in IT architecture and system integration. Demonstrated experience with OPS enterprise architecture standards, particularly within the Ontario public sector. Strong track record in designing, implementing, and optimizing Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure in large-scale, complex environments. Proven ability to integrate complex permit and application systems while managing cross-functional dependencies.
• Technical Skills: Microsoft Azure: Expert in Azure architecture, including security, networking, identity, data services, and monitoring. Enterprise Integration: Skilled in API development, ESB, microservices architecture, and middleware technologies. Familiarity with ITIL processes, specifically incident, change, and release management, and the PMO Stage Gate process in OPS. Knowledgeable in cloud-based security practices and compliance protocols relevant to OPS. Strong leadership abilities, with experience mentoring technical teams and influencing stakeholders across various levels. Exceptional communication skills, with an ability to bridge technical and business perspectives and align project outcomes with organizational goals.

Must Have:

• Demonstrated experience with OPS enterprise architecture standards, particularly within the Ontario public sector.
• Strong track record in designing, implementing, and optimizing Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure in large-scale, complex environments.
• Enterprise Integration: Skilled in API development, ESB, microservices architecture, and middleware technologies.
• Previous OPS experience.