JOB PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
Drive, develop, maintain, and coordinate the global architecture strategy for all Company software systems. Responsible for the creation, maintenance and management of the architecture models and their lower level components for all software systems used in every facet of the business. Create an overview of the Company’s global software assets, processes, data, security, and other internal functions that will increase the Company’s sustainability and prepare the Company for future expansion. The Enterprise Architect will provide the governance to ensure that all software systems strictly adhere to the established architecture. This position will report to either the IT Director or an IT General Manager.
PERCENTAGE OF TIME KEY TASKS
50-60% Define, Develop, Document, and Maintain Architecture of Software Systems
Collaborate with organizational stakeholders and internal colleagues to determine business goals and objectives. Recommend and participate in the analysis, evaluation and development of long-term strategic plans to ensure that the architectural objectives are consistent with the enterprise’s long-term business strategies and goals. Coordinate resolution of complex problems and tasks, selling new ideas and concepts. Collaborate with all software development teams to review the objectives and constraints of each solution and determine conformance with the architecture. Identify implementation risks and analyze potential impact on the enterprise and on the achievement of scheduled objectives.
Participate in and manage Architecture Working Groups for the development and maintenance of the architecture. Create architecture models that reflect the Company’s business goals and strategies. Create and maintain a series of architecture diagrams, descriptions, and templates of information that illustrates the three-to-five-year target architecture. Define data storage, metadata management, and use rights for all persistent data in Company software systems, and establish appropriate data governance. Document the gaps that exist between the current state and the three-to-five-year target architecture, and establish plans, including a qualitative assessment of the level of effort, cost, duration, and risk to close those gaps.
20-30% Research Technology and Determine Relevance to Overall Architecture
Analyze the viability of the architecture with expected organizational change. Find ways to improve the Company’s software systems so they can support the company’s future goals. Discover ways to reduce costs in the Company’s software systems. Determine and implement build versus buy strategies. Identify and recommend areas appropriate for further study and participates in any Proof of Concept projects required to thoroughly investigate architectural possibilities and strengthen arguments for their adoption. Provide guidance on all third-party software purchases.
20-30% Architectural Governance
Establish and foster strong relationships with a broad audience of customers, service providers, vendors, technical peers, and senior management. Effectively promotes a collaborative team environment, and communicate to appropriate leaders and stakeholders within the company to get understanding, feedback and approval. Share best practices, lessons learned, and knowledge related to recent, current and upcoming vendor products and solutions. Constantly update the technical system architecture based on changing technologies and business needs. Publish all documentation and revisions, and ensure that the technical community understands and adheres to the overall technical direction. Identify ways to increase employee knowledge and skills to support future growth. Advocate and communicate the strict adherence of all software development to the approved architecture.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
5-7 years' related experience
Bachelor degree in related field
Must have valid driving privileges
Frequent travel (6-20%)
Frequent overnight stays (6-20%)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor degree along with seven or more years related technical experience. Experience with SAP, emerging architecture and development practices, experience or certifications on cloud platforms and toolsets, experience in modeling at the business, information, application and technical layers, and analyzing and documenting both existing solutions and new domains. Innovative thinking skills, and the ability to analyze details and adopt a big-picture view. Analytical, oral, and written communications skills. Strong interpersonal, leadership, and motivational skills
