We are looking for an experienced Solution Architect to join us on a 12-month fixed term contract. The role is to work in our Wealth management area and to understand and challenge business requirements and then objectively translate these into clearly defined I.T solutions drawing from a wide knowledge of technology, architecture and COTS packages that balance the needs of project, business and IT strategy, organisational fit, compliance and ongoing business change.
We do support Hybrid working but would like to see you in our Hitchin offices weekly (happy to discuss).
Key Accountabilities
• Work with the business to scope and shape business ideas and translate them into written IT solution outlines that include the technical solution outline, rough costs and resourcing.
• Work with business analysts, the business and IT teams to define full solution designs for projects that are at sufficient level of detail to give to solution delivery teams for build.
• For complex projects and/or projects involving multiple delivery teams, provide a technical lead role for the project.
• For projects involving third party applications, development or hosting, provide IT solutions assurance and technical co-ordination with the third-party supplier.
• Incorporate standards, compliance and strategy in all design work as specified by the solution architecture lead.
• Comply with the LV architecture governance framework.
• Provide solutions architecture steer, co-ordination and QA for programmes of work. This may involve co-ordinating and QA’ing different solutions architects / designers work across the project streams and defining common architecture and principles for the programme.
• Support the work of the IT Programme and Project Managers in developing and maintaining a high quality pipeline of design work for solution development.
Skills & Experience
• Experience of working within a Financial Services Organisation with preference given where there is experience of insurance and/or Life business.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in a number the following:
Digital architecture for web, mobile applications and API’s
Microservice Architecture
Cloud architecture including Microsoft Azure Accreditation
Security architecture
Business Intelligence and Data Science
DevOps and agile working, along with off-shore partner experience.
Application development
Systems integration
Service orientated architecture (SOA e.g, Oracle SOA suite)
Package selection and RFP support
3rd Party SaaS / Managed Service Platforms
• Proven experience of working in an architect role within projects, providing solution design, project support and delivery of project architecture to drive out cost effective solutions.
• Effective skills in communication, negotiation and persuasion.
• Ability to work under pressure and within demanding timescales
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with other technical disciplines
• Awareness of effective use of architecture frameworks, techniques and methods.
• High level of business acumen and commercial awareness (e.g., building benefit cases)
Desirable:
• Experience of Architecture frameworks e.g, TOGAF, Zachman etc.
• ITIL qualified
• Project Management experience
• Software architecture and development experience
• Security consultant experience
• Infrastructure technical experience
• Business-specific qualifications (e.g. CII accreditation)
Rewards & Benefits
This role is a Band C in the LV= Structure.
At LV= Life and Pensions, you’ll go above and beyond to do the right thing for our customers. We’ll reward your hard work with an attractive, competitive salary and benefits package, which includes:
• 30 days' holiday, with the option to buy up to 2 additional days
• Competitive pension scheme - LV= Life and Pensions will double-match the amount you pay, up to 14% (subject to National Minimum Wage requirements)
• An annual bonus scheme based on company and personal performance
• Single-cover private medical insurance (with the option for you to upgrade to family cover)
• Flexible benefits, including a cycle to work scheme, personal accident insurance, critical illness cover and dental insurance
• Up to 20% discount on our life products for you and your immediate family
• A group life assurance policy with 4 x your basic pay to go to your dependents (you’ll have the option to increase to 8 x cover)
• Group Income Protection (if you become a member of the Pension scheme and reach 5 years of service)
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for support when you need it
• A virtual GP service
• Shared parental leave.