Application Architect

Operational
For the various projects under progress:
• Map complex business requirements to correct architecture, design and design new or refactor areas where insufficient infrastructure exists in the projects
• Participate, contribute, and provide opinion on changes, enhancements and design being done to the projects
• Provide technical and data leadership to the application development group, including being able to advise on the future direction of systems

Leadership
• Partner with business stakeholders to provide IT solutions to business initiatives
• Evaluate and recommend solutions, alternative frameworks, products / solutions available to current and future releases of product
• Technically evaluate existing architecture / design of big software systems and providing alternative solutions and recommend appropriate path for a product / project

Experience required ( sector knowledge, specific work/projects, product knowledge)
Strong knowledge of Banking Systems and Banking Practices	X
Experienced in interfacing to cross-organisational business and IT functions	X
A good working understanding of all aspects of the software development life-cycle	X
Experienced in producing high quality, well-structured solution documentation	X
Good track record of being an SME for Banking Systems	X
Experience within IT Development and/or operational practice	X
Experience of using structured methodologies	X
Commercial experience – establishing business cases and / or developing commercial propositions	X
Exposure of implementing and supporting IT changes following a full Project lifecycle.	X
Design / Proposal Writing experience	X
Coding / Development / Testing / Implementation experience	X
Experienced in creating high quality (well structured) MS Excel spreadsheets.		X
Experienced in creating high quality (both from a grammatical and presentational perspective) MS Word documents.	X
Exposure to MS Visio and other MS Office products.	X
Ability to utilise Microsoft Project to produce project plans.		X
Experience of working with external suppliers	X
Experience of indirectly managing, coaching or mentoring other employees	X
Flexibility to work from Vendors’ Locations	X

The person most suited to this role will:

• Have strong interpersonal skills.
• Be analytical and clear in thinking and documentation.
• Have the necessary technical skills to deliver a Business as Usual or new development solution
• Work well under pressure.
• Be self-confident and decisive.
• Display leadership characteristics.
• Be passionate about the quality of service delivery and improvement.
• Build excellent relationships with customers and gain their trust

• Have good communication skills both oral and written
• Work well with a team and with external suppliers
• Manage their time effectively

Understand how best to utilise technology to deliver business solutions

Architectural skills:

• Should be strong in design patterns, and industry best practices with experience of applying them to solve software design problems.
• The ability to analyze the various quality dimensions of an application including performance, reliability and resilience, security and design and implement improvements to meet them.
• Should have very up-to-date knowledge of technologies, technology trends, and third party solutions for software problems.
• Should have excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work on complex projects with globally distributed teams and tight timelines.
Essential Qualifications
Experience, education and any certifications as necessary for successful job performance

Required:
• 10+ years of IT experience of which 3+ years should be in a senior architect role.
• Hands-on working experience in architecting/building large scale mission-critical systems
Desired Qualifications
Experience, education and any certifications as necessary for successful job performance
• B. S. or beyond in computer science or a related field
• Experience in financial services

Success Factors
Personal characteristics contributing to an individual's ability to excel in the position
• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Ability to work with and motivate diverse, globally distributed teams