Senior Solution Architect

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Senior Solution Architect3-6 MonthsLondonMarket RatesEducation sector experience very advantageousThe purpose of the Lead Solutions Architect role is to lead on the architecture, design and development of integrated solutions that meet current and future business needs. In addition to technology components, the solution architect will work with business analysts on proposed changes to service, process, organisation, and operating models. The role holder will provide comprehensive leadership and guidance on the development of solution components to ensure that they take account of relevant architectures, strategies, policies, standards and practices, and that existing and planned solution components remain compatible. The role holder will help to develop and apply standardised and consistent approaches to ensure all deliverables are aligned with the company's strategic objectives.This role will provide leadership for the architecture of the Digital Language Programme (DLT), a significant programme of work within the client. In addition, the role holder will also act at the enterprise architect level for all client systems, ensuring the DLT programme is correctly aligned with the overall 'To Be' architecture of the organisation.KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & TASKS Lead the solutions architecture for assigned projects and system areas, taking into account and contributing to the agreed enterprise architecture strategy.Elicit and understand underlying customer and business needs, and develop appropriate, long-term technology, people and process solutions which meet those needs.Contribute to and comply with technical standards, strategies, policies and practices when developing solutions.Collaborate with project managers and other staff members to develop budgets and timelines for solutions proposedAssess and evaluate the risks associated with the alternate solutions proposedKeep skills updated and continuously consider wider IT environment, trends, emerging technologies, etc.Be aware of the Education landscape and the trends in it, especially technologyProvide leadership in the sourcing strategy adopted for proposed solutions, including systems, software, vendors, potential partners, in-house teams, outsourcing, etc.Work with all members of the IT Team to ensure one architectural strategy is developed and implemented (where those roles exist)Ensure solutions proposed maximise existing investment whilst seeking to implement appropriate long-term improvements to client systems.JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THE POST Extensive experience of building technology solutions which meet the needs of customers (external and internal) and other internal stakeholders.Experience of enterprise architecture techniques and standards, for example Togaf, Zachman or similar frameworksExperience of working in the Education sector is desirable, preferably within an Exam Board or Awarding bodyExemplary written and verbal communication skillsAbility to present technical solutions to non-technical audiences in an effective mannerAbility to build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external partnersExperience in a variety of requirement gathering techniquesExcellent business process modelling skillsKnowledge and experience of a wide variety of hardware, operating systems, systems software, business applications, especially as they relate to the education sectorAn appetite for challenging existing practices in an effective and supportive mannerAbility to work effectively in a rapidly evolving business environmentFlexible approach to all situationsExperience of working with package solutions, ideally Oracle Siebel