Senior Solution Architect

Reporting to the Manager, Architecture and Analysis, the Senior Solution Architect is responsible for architecture, design, and delivery of large, complex, strategic, and enterprise-level solutions that meet Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries’ (MBLL) business plans objectives. The Senior Solution Architect provides technical leadership across the organization, from strategic decision making down to the project planning level including providing guidance and advice to Solution Architects.

Responsibilities

• Develop complex and enterprise-wide holistic solution architectures and designs for MBLL systems with the goal of reducing MBLL’s technology footprint and promoting system re-use.
• 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 for complex and highly-integrated solutions.
• Design and implement long-term strategic goals and short-term tactical plans for managing and maintaining corporate systems and software.
• Ensure that proposed and existing systems architectures developed by Solution Architects are aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Provide architectural expertise, direction, and assistance to Solution Architects, Systems Analysts, and software development teams.
• Provide input through collaboration with Enterprise Architects in setting MBLL technology standards and baseline technologies.
• Act as a technical liaison and coordinator in projects or initiatives between external vendors and internal technical resources such as technical architects, developers, testers, and ITS Operations.
• Provide guidance to junior members of the architecture team.
• Conduct research on emerging technologies in support of systems development efforts and recommend technologies that will increase cost effectiveness and systems flexibility.
• Lead a small team of technology staff to develop Proof of Concepts/Value using new technologies which can potentially benefit MBLL.
• Ensure the solution design developed by Solution Architects is meeting architectural standards, complies with policies for systems component reuse, presents a layer look and feel, security, audit, records management and archival requirements.
• Work closely with Enterprise Architecture (EA) team to maintain the MBLL Technology Roadmap.
• Review new and existing systems design projects and procurement or outsourcing plans for compliance with standards and architectural plans.
• Assist in leading the intake of all requests for IT consulting services, new systems, and major upgrades.
• Participate in developing business cases and cost/benefit analysis for IT spending and initiatives.
• Work closely with the Manager, Architecture and Analysis in planning, development, and implementation of architecture policies and procedures, and ensure that they are adhered to within and outside the department.
• Actively participate on development and evaluations for any technology procurement processes on projects, such as Request for Proposal’s (RFP’s).
• Monitor vendor and contracted resources’ performance and in coordination with Manager, Architecture and Planning and Procurement, impose penalties and fines where appropriate.
• Arrange and organize portfolio, program, and project-level technical reviews.
• Lead prototyping, proof of concept and/or proof of value activities and provide recommendation based on results.
• Work with business stakeholders, Solution Architects and Cyber Security teams to ensure solution designs are in compliance with security architecture and risks are mitigated.
• Assist the Manager, Architecture and Analysis in conducting periodic process review to ensure continued process improvement of service delivery: solution architecture, consulting services, and technology innovation.
• Provide oversight to contracted architect resources including ensuring artifacts produced are at par with MBLL standards.
• Provide technical advice and recommendation to business stakeholders, ITS senior management, and Executive Management Committee.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure effective communication and sharing of information, knowledge, and expertise within and outside the division.
• Establish communication plans and strategies.
• Present information to the Executive Management Committee and other committees when required.
• Represent MBLL at various meetings, events, and committees.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• 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 twelve years Information Technology related experience.
• A minimum of seven years senior level domain experience (e.g. networks, applications, information security, management, etc.)
• Experience leading small teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated political acumen.
• Currency with, and demonstrated conceptual understanding of, leading edge technology options.
• Proven project planning and management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of IT industry best practices, technologies, architectures, and emerging technologies across all IT domains (networking, servers, storage, application platforms, applications, software development tools and techniques, databases, internet, etc.).
• 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.
• Experience tracking industry and regulatory standards relevant to business (e.g. LGCA, Gaming Standards Association, Gaming Labs International, Payment Card Industry).
• 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. These competencies are deemed important for the success of the position and organization.

Additional Qualifications

• Professional credentials in architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman) are considered an asset.
• Experience in, or knowledge of, supply chain, wholesale, retail, gaming or entertainment industries is considered an asset.

Testing may form part of the screening/selection process. Employment Equity will be a factor in the recruitment process. Circumstances may arise where the bulletin may need to be withdrawn or the number of positions may need to be increased.