Job Description. General Details. Grade/Salary: 7. Date Prepared: 10/11/16

Transcription

1 Job Description General Details Job title: Faculty/School/Service: Normal Workbase: Tenure: Hours/FT: Solution Architect (DS17/04) Digital Services Stoke-on-Trent Campus Permanent 1.0 FT Grade/Salary: 7 Date Prepared: 10/11/16 Job Purpose Responsible for the design and communication of high-level architecture structures to enable and guide the design and development of integrated business solutions that meet the University's current and future business needs. Manages changes to applications support service, process, organisation, and operating models providing comprehensive guidance on the development of, and modifications to, applications' solution components to ensure that they take account of relevant architectures, strategies, policies, standards and practices (including security) and that existing and planned solution components remain compatible. Responsible for supporting the use and operation of applications within an assigned portfolio, including individual application functionality, configuration and operation, and its associated technical operating environment (including, but not limited to file systems, databases, interfaces, integrations and OS, and delivery platform). Takes the technical lead on both new project applications delivery projects and the prioritisation, coordination and/or supervision of reactive support, problem management, planned maintenance, and small changes. Acts as a senior subject matter expert in one or more technical specialisms, which may include specific University technologies, applications and systems or other industry expertise. Relationships Reporting to: Applications Manager Responsible for: SFIAplus Alignment Core Skills: Solution architecture Level 5; Systems design Level 5; Applications support Level 4 Supplemented by: Problem management Level 5 1

2 SFIAplus Core Level Definition Level 5 : nsure, advise Autonomy Works under broad direction. Work is often self-initiated. Is fully responsible for meeting allocated technical and/or project/supervisory objectives. stablishes milestones and has a significant role in the assignment of tasks and/or responsibilities. Influence Influences organisation, customers, suppliers, partners and peers on the contribution of own specialism. Builds appropriate and effective business relationships. Makes decisions which impact the success of assigned work, i.e. results, deadlines and budget. Has significant influence over the allocation and management of resources appropriate to given assignments. Complexity Performs an extensive range and variety of complex technical and/or professional work activities. Undertakes work which requires the application of fundamental principles in a wide and often unpredictable range of contexts. Understands the relationship between own specialism and wider customer/organisational requirements. Business Skills Advises on the available standards, methods, tools and applications relevant to own specialism and can make appropriate choices from alternatives. Analyses, designs, plans, executes and evaluates work to time, cost and quality targets. Assesses and evaluates risk. Communicates effectively, both formally and informally. Demonstrates leadership. Facilitates collaboration between stakeholders who have diverse objectives. Takes all requirements into account when making proposals. Takes initiative to keep skills up to date. Mentors colleagues. Maintains an awareness of developments in the industry. Analyses requirements and advises on scope and options for continuous operational improvement. Demonstrates creativity, innovation and ethical thinking in applying solutions for the benefit of the customer/stakeholder. Main Activities Uses appropriate methods and tools, including logical models of components and interfaces, to contribute to development and documentation of systems architectures. Within a business change programme, assists in the preparation of technical plans and co-operates with business assurance and project staff to ensure that appropriate technical resources are allocated. Produces detailed component specifications from systems architectures, taking a holistic view of the intended uses of the architectures. Develops product short-lists and evaluation criteria then uses them in product selection. Translates component specifications into detailed designs for implementation using selected products. Provides advice on technical aspects of system development and integration, including the operational and maintenance aspects of systems under development, and proposed system recovery procedures. nsures that relevant technical strategies, policies, standards and practices are applied correctly. nsures that appropriate architecture work products are established and maintained. Advises on appropriate technical assurance criteria, and the conduct of quality reviews of technical products. nsures the adequacy and effective use of quality control procedures. Monitors technical progress, informing project management of major technical issues and making recommendations on their resolution. Advises on the impact of technical exceptions (including requests for changes, deviations from specifications, etc), and ensures that there is proper technical assessment of all exceptions. Provides advice on avoidance, containment and recovery actions. Contributes to formal reviews and evaluations when projects and programmes end. Documents and socialises the lessons learned from the architecture development. Receives and logs requests for support from help desk, other service delivery staff and/or users. Prioritises requests in accordance with agreed criteria and the needs of the organisation. Within a broad area of competence, investigates issues and other requests for support and determines appropriate actions to take. 2

3 Within own area of competence, provides correct responses to requests for support by means of for example: making system modifications, developing work-arounds or site-specific enhancements, manipulating data, reconfiguring systems, changing operating procedures, training users or operations staff, producing additional documentation, or escalating requests to systems development staff or software suppliers. nsures all work is carried out and documented in accordance with required standards, methods and procedures. Provides advice and guidance to less experienced colleagues where required. Monitors progress of requests for support and ensures users and other interested parties are kept informed. Takes corrective action to avoid or minimise delays. Liaises with systems development staff or software suppliers on the development of system enhancements to overcome known problems or further fulfil user requirements. In accordance with agreed procedures, monitors application systems for which responsible by regular scrutiny of reports from the applications software, systems software or service delivery staff. Notes problems and identifies performance trends. Takes corrective action to improve performance and to avoid problems arising. Specifies and designs large or complex systems, covering for example: objectives, scope, constraints (such as performance, resources etc.), hardware, network and software environments, main system functions and information flows, data load and implementation strategies, phasing of development, requirements not met, and alternatives considered. In consultation with more senior management and taking account of enterprise and solutions architectures agrees appropriate design standards, methods and tools and ensures they are applied effectively. Takes a leading technical role in systems development projects, both within systems design and in interfaces with other stages of development. valuates and undertakes impact analysis on major design options. nsures all work is documented using the appropriate standards, methods and tools, including prototyping tools where appropriate. nsures that designs take full account of specified requirements and constraints, including any potential safety-related aspects, and are appropriate to the target implementation and support environments. Assesses software packages on their ability to meet all or parts of specified requirements and advises colleagues and management on their technical suitability. Leads the assessment and selection of suitable software packages to meet all or parts of specified requirements. Determines and initiates preventative measures, such as identifying and investigating suspect software and other components. nsures that existing problems and known errors in systems and services being brought into operation are understood and managed in the same way as those arising from operational incidents. Support service level management in monitoring the impact of problems on agreed service levels, and co-ordinate and manage any appropriate improvement actions. Keeps relevant staff (including users, suppliers and specialists) informed of the status of systems and services, by producing reports and registers on defect/problem reporting data (e.g. data extracted from the configuration management system/known error database). nsures that agreed actions relating to problem investigation and resolution are taken within the allotted timescales. Motivates, leads and manage all direct line reports and other staff where required allocating responsibilities, work planning and managing performance. Provides general guidance, coaching and support, developing their skills, knowledge and understanding. Carries out regular appraisals, setting objectives, giving feedback and ensuring that targets are met. Special Conditions The role holder will be required to travel between sites from time to time in a cost effective manner, which may be through the use of a car. To be committed to working with the University to further improve the carbon footprint/environmental issues. 3

4 Variation to Job Description Staffordshire University reserves the right to vary the duties and responsibilities of its employees within the general conditions of the Scheme of pay and conditions and employment related matters. Thus it must be appreciated that the duties and responsibilities outlined above may be altered as the changing needs of the service may require. Conditions of Service The post is subject to such terms and conditions of employment as negotiated between the Board of Governors of the University and the recognised trade unions, and/or the employees of the University. In negotiating such terms and conditions the Board of Governors will consider any appropriate advice received from the Universities and Colleges mployers Association (UCA). Application Procedure We encourage you to apply on-line at our website as the system is user friendly and simple to complete. Please note that the University will not consider a Curriculum Vitae attached in support of your application and will not use this document in the shortlisting process. Consequently, we would ask all applicants to ensure that they have provided comprehensive information under each criteria in the Supporting Statements section of the application form and, if necessary, add any relevant additional information in the Additional Information Section. The closing date is midnight on 12 February

5 Person Specification Job Title: Faculty/Service: Solution Architect (DS17/04) Digital Services The qualifications, experience, knowledge skills and personal qualities outlined below provide a summary of what is required to carry out this job effectively. They also form the selection criteria on which a decision to appoint will be made. Please ensure that you provide evidence of how you meet the criteria in your application. No Selection Criteria Description ssential [] or Desirable [D] Assessed by * 1 Analytical Thinking: xperience of understanding a problem or situation by breaking it down systematically into its component parts and identifying the relationships between these parts, selecting the appropriate method/tool to resolve the problem and reflecting critically on the result. 2 Application Development Methods, Techniques and Standards. An understanding of the organised and documented techniques and methods, used in the University to facilitate the development of applications and other digital solutions. 3 Application Development Tools. Knowledge and ability to use Software tools, which automate or assist part of the development process. Possessing skills of Oracle Database SQL and PL-SQL, Transact SQL, Java development, SITS:Vision SRL 4 Application Systems. An understanding of the automated systems portfolio in the University used to support specific business functions or processes. 5 Function or Department Operations. Knowledge of the activities, structure, and position in the organisation of the functions or departments for which digital services are provided. 6 Operational/Service Architecture Knowledge of the digital infrastructure and the digital applications and service processes used within the University. 7 Proof of Concept and prototyping. The ability to perform a proof of concept or prototyping exercise to demonstrate or evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of applying a particular technology, product or toolset to meet a business need. 8 Cloud / Virtualisation. An understanding of the deployment and management of cloud based solutions and/or Virtualised environments 9 Product valuation and Selection. The ability to analytically compare digital products against specified criteria (including costs) to determine the solution which best meets the business need. 10 Project Management. An understanding of the principles, methods, techniques and tools for the effective management of projects from initiation through to implementation. 5

6 11 Interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills: ffective negotiation and influencing skills with demonstrable strong facilitation skills, excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate often complex information into easy to understand messages for a range of audiences. 12 Customer Focus. Self-motivated, well organised and positive approach to work with the ability to manage and prioritise a complex workload and experience of dealing with challenging and demanding customers; whilst understanding the needs of the internal or external customer needs/requirements and regularly checking with the customer when taking actions or making decisions. 13 Team Work: ffective and committed team leader and team player that is able to work successfully with others and to build positive working relationships. Microsoft MCA. Microsoft Certified Architect Apple Certified - covering Support Professional, Technical Coordinator, Systems Administrator and Security and Mobility 14 BCS Certificate in nterprise and Solution Architecture (Intermediate) The Open Group - TOGAF D BCS Chartered IT Professional (CITP) Or equivalent qualification or experience *Key [A] Application form [I] Interview To be assessed against the information provided in the relevant steps of the application form and the evidence required under Section 4, Supporting Statements To be assessed during the interview process including selection tests or presentation, as appropriate 6