Senior Solution Architect - Cloud Architecture

Reporting to the Manager, Architecture and Analysis, the Senior Solution Architect is responsible for architecture, design, and delivery of large, complex, strategic, and enterprise-level solutions that meet Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries’ (MBLL) business plans objectives.

The Senior Solution Architect provides technical leadership across the organization, from strategic decision making down to the project planning level including providing guidance and advice to Solution Architects.

The Information Technology Services Division of Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries is looking for Senior Solution Architect with experience in Hyperconverge infra, automation platforms, Cloud service offering IaaS & PaaS-based architectures as well as experience in working with at least one of the major Cloud public providers (Azure, AWS, etc.).

Job Responsibilities

• Develop complex and enterprise-wide holistic solution architectures and design for MBLL systems with the goal of reducing MBLL’s technology footprint and promoting system “re-use”.
• Design the integrated system framework for the solution by identifying shared services and shared solutions to ensure strategic re-use of solution, components, and services for complex and highly-integrated solutions.
• Design and implement long-term strategic goals and short-term tactical plans for managing and maintaining corporate systems and software.
• Design and implementation of secure, scalable cloud and hybrid-cloud architectures aligned with MBLL’s technology roadmap and business objectives.
• Drive cloud adoption strategies including migration planning, optimization of cloud-native and SaaS solutions and integration with on-premises systems.
• Ensure that proposed and existing systems architectures developed by Solution Architects are aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Provide architectural expertise, direction, and assistance to Solution Architects, Systems Analysts, and software development teams.
• Provide input through collaboration with Enterprise Architects in setting MBLL technology standards and baseline technologies.
• Act as a technical liaison and coordinator in projects or initiatives between external vendors and internal technical resources such as technical architects, developers, testers, and ITS Operations.
• Provide guidance to junior members of the architecture team.
• Conduct research and evaluations of emerging cloud technologies, automation tools and best practices to enhance performance, security and cost efficiency.
• Drive cloud adoption strategies including migration planning, optimization of cloud-native and SaaS solutions and integration with on-premises systems.
• Lead activities within a small team of technology staff to develop Proof of Concepts/Value using new technologies which can potentially benefit MBLL.
• Define and maintain cloud architecture standards, frameworks, and governance processes to ensure compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure the solution design developed by Solution Architects is meeting architectural standards, complies with policies for systems component reuse, presents a layer look and feel, security, audit, records management and archival requirements.
• Work closely with Enterprise Architecture (EA) team to maintain the MBLL Technology Roadmap.
• Review new and existing systems design projects and procurement or outsourcing plans for compliance with standards and architectural plans.
• Assist in leading the intake of all requests for IT consulting services, new systems, and major upgrades.
• Participate in developing business cases and cost/benefit analysis for IT spending and initiatives.
• Work closely with the Manager, Architecture and Analysis in planning, development, and implementation of architecture policies and procedures, and ensure that they are adhered to within and outside the department.
• Actively participate on development and evaluations for any technology procurement processes on projects, such as Request for Proposal’s (RFP’s).
• Monitor vendor and contracted resources’ performance and in coordination with Manager, Architecture and Planning and Procurement, impose penalties and fines where appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized degree or diploma program in an IT related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience.
• A minimum of twelve years Information Technology related experience.
• Minimum 7 years of experience specializing in cloud solution architecture and implementation across IaaS, PaaS and SaaS platforms.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and deploying cloud infrastructure across public, private and hybrid environments.
• Strong knowledge of cloud security protocols, compliance frameworks and automation tools including infrastructure-as-code.
• Experience with cloud migration strategies, DevOps practices (CI/CD) and containerization technologies (e.g., Kubernetes, Docker).
• Experience leading small teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated political acumen.
• Currency with, and demonstrated conceptual understanding of, leading edge technology options.
• Proven project planning and management experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills, meeting facilitation, and influencing.
• Experience in building trust and creating excellent working relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Experience tracking industry and regulatory standards relevant to business (e.g. LGCA, Gaming Standards Association, Gaming Labs International, Payment Card Industry).
• Lifelong learning, in developing innovative ways of acquiring and transferring knowledge in complex circumstances.
• The core competencies for this position include achieving quality results, adaptability/managing change, communication, customer service, decision making and problem solving, integrity and building trust, teamwork and cooperation and valuing diversity. These competencies are deemed important for the success of the position and organization.

Secondary Qualifications

• Experience in, or knowledge of, gaming, retail, wholesaling, or construction industries is an asset.
• Industry credentials in Architecture Frameworks are considered an asset.
• Advanced cloud certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert) are considered an asset.

Testing may form part of the screening/selection process. Employment Equity will be a factor in the recruitment process. Circumstances may arise where the bulletin may need to be withdrawn or the number of positions may need to be increased.

We thank all interested applicants, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

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