Solution Architect

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Exciting opportunity for a Solution Architect to work in a fast paced digital environment.

Work plan:

*Develop an overarching reference architecture which considers all of the necessary components and services required to achieve the implementation of the enterprise architecture.

*Investigate and introduce new technologies which will be required to implement the requirements of the reference architecture, including leading the rapid development of prototypes, and work within both infrastructure architects and technical leads to ensure that they are embedded into the framework of the IT Systems.

*Working with specific project teams, develop specific solution architectures for the scope of the project, taking into consideration user needs, re-use, data management, resilience, performance scalability and security in a service orientated approach.

*Co-ordinate and work across projects to manage the interfaces between platforms and products in the architecture, and ensure that APIs and interfaces are specified and developed in a manner to allow seemless integration.

*Develop and maintain the appropriate documentation required to describe the solution architecture at both an enterprise and solution level, and use different views to describe the architecture to individuals at all levels.

*Act as the technical design authority in project delivery, working with technical leads to ensure that the requirements of the solution architecture are implemented in full, and that dependencies are managed.

*Undertake information gathering and scene setting meetings with other government departments, evaluate technical proposals from external suppliers, and make implementation recommendations to senior stakeholders.

*Supporting members of development teams in breaking down complex problems and identifying steps towards solutions.

*Participate in the architecture community to refine and develop the IT and data roadmaps and strategies.

Essential skills and experience:

* Service Design - Able to translate business architecture and business process modelling (BPM) into effective solution architectures and designs.

Able to design and develop solution architectures considering user needs, re-use, data management and non functional requirements in a micro service based approach to service orientated architecture.

Able to specify micro-services in an API first manner, and to describe the functionality and data requirements for each service.

Practitioner in the investigation, selection and use of tools and techniques for use in implementing solution architectures

Able to articulate standards and principles in relation to service design and solution architectures

* Service Integration- Able to advise on the coordination of solutions between multiple development teams and products, ensuring knowledge is shared between them and integration points known and understood.

Able to define the integration of new digital solutions with legacy systems, including both internal and external services, in an API driven manner.

* Data - Demonstrable knowledge and experience of database technologies (relational and NoSQL), distributed processing, data modelling, multiple data formats and standards.

Able to understand open data concepts and the value of making data open and the increasing demands that will create.

* Research & Development - Able to specify and organise prototyping and proof of concepts.

Pro-actively seeks new skills in alternative technologies e.g. via online courses, formal training, hands-on exploration etc.

Able to perform 'horizon scanning' and identify opportunities in the use of emerging technology and its potential application within the organisation.

Participate in and proactively share insight gained with the wider IT and Architecture Community.

* Standards -Knowledge of the government's open source standards and an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of using open source technologies.

Experience in the design of systems that comply to national and public sector standards. Where appropriate, EU and international standards may also have to be considered (e.g. GSBPM, GSIM, CSPA, TOGAF, GDS Service Standard).

* Security & Risk - Able to identify and minimise risks in IT architectures and data management through the application of standards and policies.

* Vendor Engagement - Able to assess legal, licensing and cost consequences of technology choices (e.g. community edition vs enterprise editions) and possible implications caused by increased usage.

Able to identity key areas of vendor support models, for example training, maintenance and security and able to assess the impact of these on the organisation.

* Assurance - Able to assure a suitably fit for purpose architectural design via architectural assessments, with the ability to challenge peers and third party architectural approaches based on previous experience and knowledge.

LA International Computer Consultants Ltd is an HMG Approved Consultancy and operates as an IT & Engineering Consultancy or as an Employment Business & Agency, depending upon the precise nature of the work, for security cleared jobs or non-clearance vacancies, we welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people with diverse experience and backgrounds. Award Winning LA International Computer Consultants Ltd (Recruiter Awards for Excellence - Best IT, Best Public Sector & Gold Awards) and the most prestigious award that any business can receive The Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2015.