A COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) Application Architect in the M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) space is a specialized senior role focused on evaluating, integrating, and consolidating third-party software applications during corporate mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures. They bridge the gap between business goals and technical execution, ensuring that combined or newly acquired application portfolios are efficient, secure, and aligned with the enterprise architecture.
Below is a detailed job description based on industry standards and M&A-specific requirements.
Core Responsibilities:
M&A Due Diligence & Assessment
• Conduct thorough assessments of target company application portfolios to understand technical, functional, and architectural characteristics.
• Evaluate application redundancy, technical debt, security risks, and licensing compliance to inform acquisition or divestiture decisions.
• Identify integration challenges (e.g., API capabilities, database structures) between disparate systems.
2. Integration & Rationalization Strategy
• Define the target-state application architecture and create roadmaps for merging, migrating, or decommissioning COTS applications (e.g., ERPs, CRM, HCM).
• Develop integration patterns for data exchange and system connectivity (API-based, file-based).
• Support Application Portfolio Management (APM) to rationalize applications, minimizing business disruption and maximizing synergy targets.
Execution & Implementation
• Act as a technical leader in the Integration Management Office (IMO) or Separation Management Office (SMO).
• Oversee vendor selection and manage technical relationships with software vendors.
• Coordinate Day 0/Day 1 readiness, ensuring critical applications are operational and secure.
• Manage Technical Service Agreements (TSAs) during transition periods.
4. Governance & Standards
• Ensure that all integrated applications conform to enterprise architectural standards, security policies, and data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR).
• Facilitate Architecture Risk Assessments and sign-off for M&A projects.
Key Qualifications:
• Experience: 7-10+ years in IT, with 3+ years specifically in Application Architecture or Solution Architecture. Proven experience in M&A, IT due diligence, or large-scale application integration.
• COTS Expertise: Deep knowledge of major enterprise COTS products (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Workday, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics).
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of API design (REST/SOAP), database technologies, authentication protocols (SAML/OAuth), and cloud infrastructure (AWS/Azure).
• Soft Skills: Strong, influential leadership to guide stakeholders through complex, high-pressure, and ambiguous environments.
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