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Job Summary: 

 Solution Architect supports the Canada Life DAP portfolio. This role is responsible for leading the design of robust, scalable and mission critical customer facing applications. The Solutions Architect works in a complex environment with a mix of legacy and modern systems and infrastructure. 

Essential Functions: 

• Accountable to ensure high quality delivery of leading-edge solutions that meet time and cost requirements that align with business unit (BU) and enterprise architecture principles and design standards 
• Proactively identify areas and opportunities to use technology to enhance customer experience and/or organizational efficiency 
• Research and recommend opportunities to leverage technology and keep up with the industry to support the strategy 
• Directs application technology research and sponsors line of business (LOB) initiatives (early-stage development/prototype) in support of BU strategy 
• Support development of business strategies, including technology roadmaps and proposals to achieve business plans 
• Provides leadership in managing IT risk (e.g.: security, disaster recovery, technology solution quality, etc.) and control requirements 
• Drive a high-performance culture for practitioner Solution Architects and influence this culture within IT 
• Ensure leaders, employees and vendors work together to drive performance and that high expectations are achieved within the values of the organization 

Qualifications:

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor Computer Science / Software Engineering or equivalent degree 
• 10+ years of demonstrated experience in IT environments with a preference for significant complexity, highly regulated, and/or financial services 
• 5+ progressive leadership experience related to both projects and teams 
• Experience with developing and maintaining Cloud adoption and governance framework 
• Experience with latest techniques in Cloud computing e.g. Container Orchestration, Serverless, Infrastructure as Code 
• Experience with driving DevSecOps automation and building Cloud native applications 
• Experience with Agile delivery methodologies and maintaining Architecture runways 
• Experience with migrating applications which are performant, resilient, scalable and safe to Cloud 
• Enthusiasm for hands-on work to support innovative prototypes and oversee development teams 
• Knowledge of emerging technology trends and best practices for improving operational efficiency 

REGISTRATIONS/LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: NA

SKILLS/CHARACTERISTICS: 

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across multiple geographies and business functions 
• Demonstrate customer centric approach to problem solving, striving for service excellence and outward focus 
• Operational risk expertise related to working in complex shared environments 
• Led or supported business process changes related to technology 
• Experience motivating highly skilled groups of individuals toward teamwork and a common purpose; integrating efforts across units; monitoring and assessing results 
• Relationship-building across multiple geographies, business functions, and degrees of technical knowledge 
• Deep understanding of financial services industry, preferably with insurance experience, a strong asset 
• Strong communication skills with technology and business teams 
• Ability to challenge; understanding how to impact and influence 

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity.  All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, religion, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.