Senior Applications Architect (32512)

Must Have:

• Strong application/data/ information architect
• Microsoft Azure: Expert in Azure architecture, including security, networking, identity, data services, and monitoring.
• Enterprise Integration: Skilled in API development, ESB, microservices architecture, and middleware technologies.

Nice to have:

• Prior OPS experience - Architecture exp

Job Summary:
The Senior I&IT Application Architect will be a key strategic leader in designing and implementing the Ontario Public Sector's (OPS) next-generation application integration and architecture solutions. This senior role requires a visionary architect who can guide the integration of critical applications, with a focus on permit systems and compliance frameworks, leveraging the Microsoft Azure cloud platform to optimize and future-proof our infrastructure. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience with OPS enterprise architecture, a talent for cross-departmental collaboration, and a commitment to delivering resilient, scalable, and secure architectures aligned with the province's long-term goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Architecture & Integration Framework Design

• Develop and maintain enterprise-wide architecture blueprints for integrating multiple critical OPS applications.
• Ensure scalability, modularity, and compliance with evolving OPS and government standards.
• Define and implement architecture best practices, ensuring alignment with OPS enterprise architecture guidelines.

Cloud Infrastructure Management (Microsoft Azure)

• Serve as the lead architect for cloud infrastructure solutions on Microsoft Azure.
• Design and optimize resource allocation, security, and performance strategies in Azure environments.
• Ensure compliance with OPS cloud security policies and public sector regulatory requirements.

Lead System Integration Efforts

• Oversee complex integration projects, including legacy-to-cloud transitions, permit systems, and inter-agency data sharing.
• Ensure high availability, interoperability, and seamless functionality across all integrated systems.
• Lead the adoption of microservices, APIs, and middleware to support enterprise system modernization.

Enterprise Standardization & Best Practices

• Establish and enforce enterprise architecture best practices, design review standards, and governance policies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance OPS system performance and integration strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with IT teams, project managers, and business stakeholders across OPS to align architectural solutions with strategic objectives.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to development teams, ensuring adherence to architectural principles.

Risk Assessment & Compliance Oversight

• Conduct regular risk assessments and compliance audits related to privacy, security, and data integrity.
• Ensure all solutions meet Ontario public sector regulatory requirements and ITIL framework standards.

Performance Optimization & Future-Readiness

• Monitor system performance and scalability, making recommendations for enhancements.
• Ensure the architecture is adaptable to future technological advancements and evolving OPS needs.

Experience and Skill Set Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field. Master's degree or certifications (e.g., TOGAF, Azure Solutions Architect) are strongly preferred.

Experience: (40%)

• 10+ years of progressive experience in IT architecture and system integration.
• Demonstrated experience with OPS enterprise architecture standards, particularly within the Ontario public sector.
• Strong track record in designing, implementing, and optimizing Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure in large-scale, complex environments.
• Proven ability to integrate complex permit and application systems while managing cross-functional dependencies.

Technical Skills: (35%)

• Microsoft Azure: Expert in Azure architecture, including security, networking, identity, data services, and monitoring.
• Enterprise Integration: Skilled in API development, ESB, microservices architecture, and middleware technologies.
• Familiarity with ITIL processes, specifically incident, change, and release management, and the PMO Stage Gate process in OPS.
• Knowledgeable in cloud-based security practices and compliance protocols relevant to OPS.
• Leadership & Collaboration Skills: (20%)
• Strong leadership abilities, with experience mentoring technical teams and influencing stakeholders across various levels.
• Exceptional communication skills, with an ability to bridge technical and business perspectives and align project outcomes with organizational goals.

Public Sector experience: (5%)

Key Deliverables

Comprehensive Architecture Blueprint

• Detailed documentation outlining the integration framework for OPS applications, emphasizing scalability, modularity, and compliance with OPS standards.

Azure Cloud Infrastructure Solution Designs

• Technical documentation of Azure-based infrastructure, including architecture diagrams, resource allocation strategies, security protocols, and disaster recovery plans.

System Integration Plans and Roadmaps

• Roadmaps and plans detailing the integration of legacy systems, permit systems, and inter-agency data-sharing strategies.
• Clearly defined milestones and performance metrics for successful implementation.

Enterprise Architecture & Best Practices Documentation

• Standardized OPS architecture guidelines, including design review protocols, governance policies, and continuous improvement strategies.

Risk Assessment & Compliance Reports

• Regular reports addressing privacy, security, and data integrity risks, with recommended action plans.

Performance & Scalability Reports

• Continuous performance monitoring reports, including recommendations for optimizations to ensure the architecture remains future-ready.