Solutions Architect

The Solutions Architect analyses, designs and develops roadmaps and implementation plans based on a current versus future state solutions architecture. He/She leads and facilitates the solutions architecture governance processes based on the enterprise architecture governance structure and manages exceptions to architectural standards at a solutions level. He assesses near-term needs to establish business priorities, analyses and develop solutions architectural requirements, and ensures alignment of architectural requirements with the IT strategy. He analyses the current architecture to identify weaknesses and identifies opportunities for improvement, and performs ongoing architecture quality review activities. He works in a dynamic and evolving business environment. He is familiar with enterprise architecture methodologies and frameworks, architecture modelling tools, as well as product development methodologies. He is knowledgeable about digital product development of industrial Internet of Things, applications and web services. He is also familiar with international telecommunications standards and protocols. The Solutions Architect is recognized as the most experienced and knowledgeable resources within the field in the organization. He collaborates with other departments on architecting solutions design, and integrating diverse needs and perspectives to develop fresh ideas and solutions. He possesses strong leadership and communication abilities, is creative and innovative in nature, and is able to influence key stakeholders.

Skills and Competencies

Technical Skills & Competencies

Agile Software Development
Proficiency Level
"Lead Agile software development processes and ensure end-to-end management of processes for seamless development, deployment and delivery of software applications "
5
Applications Integration
Proficiency Level
"Establish a business case for application integration and introduce new middleware tools and methodologies to enable both intra- and inter-enterprise application integration"
5
Business Agility
Proficiency Level
"Lead the implementation of operational initiatives to enhance business agility "
4
Business Environment Analysis
Proficiency Level
"Monitor the influence of external and internal factors on the critical business functions, report findings and recommend responses to management"
4
Business Innovation
Proficiency Level
"Prioritise business innovation opportunities and design digital architectures and processes to facilitate the creation of an innovative business environment"
5

Generic Skills & Competencies

Decision Making
Proficiency Level
Make decision in a volatile and ambiguous setting using a structured process and limited sources of available information to achieve intended goals.
Advanced
Interpersonal Skills
Proficiency Level
Detect and decipher emotions of others to manage interpersonal relationships in social situations.
Intermediate
Problem Solving
Proficiency Level
Identify less perceivable problems and use problem solving tools and techniques to solve the problems.
Intermediate
Leadership
Proficiency Level
Lead by example at organisational level. Inspire, motivate and guide others to adopt a point of view, make changes or take action. Cultivate an open, cooperative and collaborative learning culture for the organization.
Advanced
Resource Management
Proficiency Level
Deepen insights into the planning, allocation and deployment of resources to anticipate needs. Plan the allocation and deployment of resources efficiently and effectively.
Intermediate

Critical Work Functions and Key Tasks

Formulate the organisation’s architecture strategy, roadmap, standards, policies and procedures, and governance

• Lead and coordinate the domain technical and business discussions 
• Participate in ecosystem strategy development, environment analyses and opportunity identification 
• Analyse, design and develop roadmaps and implementation plans based on a current versus future state 
• Design standard configurations and patterns 
• Lead and facilitate the solutions architecture governance process based on the enterprise architecture governance structure 
• Manage exceptions to architectural standards at a solutions level 
• Review and approve recommendations to solutions architectural standards

Formulate the organisation’s architecture strategy, roadmap, standards, policies and procedures, and governance

• Analyse and develop solutions architectural requirements 
• Align architectural requirements with IT strategy 
• Assess near-term needs to establish business priorities 
• Ensure compatibility with existing solutions, infrastructure, services and strategic requirements 
• Coordinate architecture implementation and modification activities 
• Assist in post-implementation and continuous improvement efforts to enhance performance and provide increased functionality 
• Ensure conceptual completeness of the technical solution

Manage quality and continuous improvement of architecture

• Analyse the current architecture to identify weaknesses and develop opportunities for improvement 
• Identify and propose variances to the architecture to accommodate project needs
• Perform ongoing architecture quality review activities 

Research emerging technologies

• Consults with clients and IT teams on solutions architecture
• Analyses cost versus benefits, risks, impact and technology priorities 
• Provide recommendations on emerging technology to senior management 
• Develop communication plans for solutions architecture 
• Lead the research and evaluation of emerging technology, industry and market trends to assist in project development 
• Identify organisational requirements for resources

Drive implementation of solutions architecture

• Formulate the solutions viewpoint in which business, information and technology viewpoints are synthesised into solutions 
• Design and lead the implementation of the solution architecture 
• Define repeatable rules for the implementation of solutions in repeatable or reusable ways 

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