Solution Architect

To produce a high level design and implementation strategy that can be employed by the enterprise to manage its information and systems resources more effectively. To ensure that the programme of solutions, systems and software development is implemented in a coherent and consistent manner, liaising as necessary with stakeholders to ensure that planned developments are compatible with the companys existing systems, infrastructure and strategic plans, and fully supports the company transformation and change programmes.

Discipline                   Business Services - IT - Development/Programming

Employment Basis    Full Time

Location                     Aldermaston

Salary Range             39,000 - 55,000 dependent on experience

Please note: the successful applicant for this position will be required to go through the process for Developed Vetting Government Security Clearance. This requires all applicants to be British Passport Holders and have been resident in the country for at least 10 years. Please do not apply for this position if you cannot meet this criteria.

Key accountabilities

• This role is accountable to the Enterprise Architecture Group Leader and responsible for a specific Integrated Business Solution, the Application Portfolio and associated IT services which support that line of business
• This post is potentially a senior design and technical management role and will be directly accountable to the IT Design Authority for delivery and management of all application services design
• The post holder will oversee the resourcing of the agreed programme of solutions development, taking full responsibility for the provision of Information Systems resources and advising on requirements for client/user resources
• The post holder will work cross company at a senior level with business transformation and change teams to define a costed and prioritised programme of solutions, systems and software development which supports the organisation?s objectives and strategic plans
• Manage the work of an architecture/design team which may be drawn from multiple departments

Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for ensuring that systems and application architectures balance functional, service quality and systems management requirements as indicated by the business requirement
• Take responsibility for overall systems and application design; lead the development of component specifications and detailed designs from systems architectures
• Establish policy for the selection of systems and application architecture components
• Co-ordinate design activities between the systems architecture, application development and service delivery functions to ensure consistency
• Help to improve systems and application architecture design techniques and to promote the discipline
• Help to develop systems and application architecture strategy in an organisation 
• Maintain a detailed knowledge of current practice and an awareness of current developments within own area(s) of expertise
• Keep up to date on relevant emerging technologies
• Communicate effectively with contacts at all levels
• To ensure the understanding and application of responsibilities with regard to the Company?s Environment, Health, Safety, Security and Quality Standards

Qualifications

• Educated to a good level, a degree education is preferred
• Has achieved proficiency in designing and developing IT solutions

Knowledge

• Expert in operating infrastructure with knowledge of Information and Communications Technology infrastructure (hardware, databases, operating systems, local area networks etc)
• Expert in the application of automated systems used to support specific business functions or processes
• Expert in application development tools and programming languages, including some of the following: Oracle, Access, Visual Basic, .Net, ASP.Net, Delphi, C/C++, SQL Server
• Expert in computing and Information Systems/Information Technology trends and technologies 
• Expert in Software Configuration and Design Methodologies 
• Demonstrates an understanding of strategic issues
• Willing to gain a working knowledge of the Company Quality and Safety Systems

Experience

• Demonstrable and proven project and people management skills 
• The post holder will be expected to quickly develop a good knowledge of the organisation policy framework, management structures and reporting procedures for all aspects of the software development environment and related activities (sales, marketing, procurement, human resources and commercial)

Skills

• Conceptual thinking
• Analytical ability
• Attention to detail 
• Demonstrates good inter-personal skills
• The ability to work with and at all levels
• Communicates persuasively and effectively 
• Can negotiate with and influence others accordingly

Behaviours

• Takes a professional approach to all tasks
• Results focused
• Can work flexibly
• Able to deliver under pressure
• A creative and innovative thinker
• Can lead, inspire and build the trust of the team