Senior Applications Architect

Position Overview

The Senior Applications Architect will be responsible for defining, designing and managing application architecture across complex enterprise environments. The role involves establishing the overall structure, logical components, interfaces and relationships between applications, databases, middleware and infrastructure.

The successful candidate will lead application architecture initiatives, develop enterprise architecture deliverables, oversee cross-platform application integration and ensure solutions align with organizational standards, security requirements and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Define application architecture structures, logical components and relationships across enterprise systems.

• Identify reusable components, establish quality metrics, define software layers and determine application interfaces.

• Develop, implement and manage cross-platform applications within large and distributed environments.

• Define interactions between application packages, databases and middleware systems.

• Lead application architecture design and integration initiatives.

• Develop enterprise architecture models, documentation and technical specifications.

• Analyze business requirements and translate them into technical architecture solutions.

• Evaluate solution alternatives, identify risks and provide recommendations to senior stakeholders.

• Support architecture governance processes, checkpoints and approval requirements.

• Facilitate resolution of complex business and IT architecture issues.

• Ensure application architectures comply with applicable security requirements and enterprise standards.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Business Architecture

• Extensive experience as a Business or Applications Architect following the Zachman Framework.

• Proven experience working on large-scale programs involving multiple highly interdependent systems.

• Experience designing secured system-to-system integrations using web services and API-based architectures.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Experience facilitating Joint Application Design (JAD) sessions and translating business needs into technical requirements.

• Experience documenting business processes, business requirements and system requirements.

• Ability to evaluate solution implementation options, assess risks and present recommendations.

• Experience conducting cost-benefit analysis and advising senior decision-makers.

• Experience in requirements management, quality assurance and change management.

Application, Information and Data Architecture

• Extensive experience as an Application, Information or Security Architect across custom-built, COTS and cloud-based solutions.

• Strong understanding of architecture governance processes, including gating and checkpoints.

• Experience guiding projects through enterprise architecture governance and approval processes.

• Experience developing enterprise application and information architecture artefacts.

• Experience designing Microsoft Azure cloud-based applications and advanced workflows using Microsoft Flow and Logic Apps.

• Proven experience in API design, system integration and technical requirements definition.

• Strong knowledge of system analysis, solution design and use-case-driven modelling.

• Experience documenting architecture using Unified Modeling Language (UML).

• Knowledge of conceptual, logical and physical application and information architecture.

• Strong experience in conceptual, logical and physical data modelling, including dimensional models.

• Experience planning and designing complex, multi-platform and multi-tier IT systems.

• Ability to manage complex architecture assignments and deliver results within established timelines and budgets.

• Experience working in multi-client and partner environments.

• Experience addressing complex IT architecture and security-related issues.

Tools and Technologies

• Expert-level experience using PowerDesigner for developing architecture models across all architecture domains.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Experience using Microsoft Visio for architecture diagrams and documentation.

• Familiarity with development tools, CASE tools, information retrieval packages and project management software.

Coordination, Communication and Stakeholder Management

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong stakeholder management, consensus-building and issue-resolution capabilities.

• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

• Ability to coordinate multiple projects with competing priorities.

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Ontario Public Service Experience

• Experience with Ontario Public Service (OPS) enterprise architecture methodologies, processes and applicable GO-ITS standards.

• Experience with Threat Risk Assessments (TRAs), Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) and security systems within the OPS.

• Knowledge of Government of Ontario architecture deliverables, including the Zachman Framework.

• Experience working with Ontario Government architecture approval processes.

• Understanding of Ontario Public Service policies, standards and procedures.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of object-oriented analysis and design techniques.

• Experience developing enterprise architecture deliverables using Ontario Government Enterprise Architecture methodologies and practices.

• Understanding of information management principles, policies and practices.

• Experience designing detailed functional and technical requirements for new and existing business solutions.

• Experience leading multi-tier application infrastructure design, documentation and configuration.

• Experience designing, developing, implementing and maintaining large, complex applications, workflow processes and dynamic forms.

• Awareness of emerging IT trends, technologies and architectural directions.

Must-Have Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Business/Applications Architect following the Zachman Framework.

• Proven experience working on large-scale programs involving multiple highly interdependent systems.

• Extensive experience as an Application, Information or Security Architect across custom-built, COTS and cloud-based solutions.

• Strong understanding of architecture governance processes, including gating and checkpoints, with experience guiding projects through the governance process.

• Proven experience in API design, integration and technical requirements definition.

• Strong experience in conceptual, logical and physical data modelling, including dimensional models.

• Expert-level proficiency in PowerDesigner for architecture modelling.