The Solution Architect will provide both tactical and strategic services, bridging the Petmate’s business teams and the technology teams that support them. This critical role reports directly to the CIO, supporting the entire TLT (Technology Leadership Team) as a principal in understanding the needs, requirements, and goals of the business teams. Building on a broad expertise in common business processes and business analysis, the Solution Architect translates the needs of the business into prescribed, technical activity through the development of technical specifications, solution designs, project management documentation, business process diagrams, standard solution architecture artifacts, and most importantly, through his/her ability to effectively communicate with the Technology team in technical terms, but also with the business team in business terms.

Tactically, the Solution Architect is tasked with continuous improvement of the existing business processes and departments by identifying opportunities/problems and designing the solutions for them. The Solution Architect’s role in execution is largely facilitation; however, s/he needs to bring practical history allowing him/her to be hands-on in one of the main technology verticals (Applications, Digital, BI, etc.).

Strategically, the Solution Architect will work closely with the Technology PMO to ensure the accurate identification of the problem/opportunity statement and requirements. The Solution Architect designs and develops achievable architectures that solves the identified problems/opportunities and meets all requirements.

The successful candidate will be able to translate business requirements, processes, and outcomes to technical solutions and revised business processes.

This role requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks in a rapidly changing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

The Solution Architect is responsible for the delivery of:

• Business analysis processes, policies, and procedures that ensure the viability, design, and delivery of technology solutions both project-based and support-based.
• Development and delivery of documentation that accurately defines and conveys problems, opportunities, and/or requirements of the business that are to be met with a technology solution.
• Documentation that supports the Solution-Process: Business Process Diagrams, Technical Architecture diagrams, RACI matrices, Project Documentation (charter, readiness, pass/fail, etc.).
• Applications, Data, and Digital focused solutions with secondary focus on Infrastructure, Security, and Client Services.
• Hands-on technical work in at least 1 technical pillar (Applications, Data, Digital, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Client Services) to support the execution of projects.
• Be prepared to effectively provide management with analytical findings and critical information needed to make fact-based decisions.

Work closely with the Technology Team colleagues.

• Enterprise Applications Manager and Digital Lead: Provide analytical services, solution architecture, process rigor, and documentation.
• Infrastructure & Security Manager: Ensure the completion and consistency of solution documentation. Although the core services of the Solution Architect will only apply to a limited part of the Infrastructure team’s responsibilities, the Solution Architect have a role in solution design when applicable.
• Technology PMO: Maintain project alignment to end-goal, ensure execution standards appropriate to the subject matter. Equip the PMO with context and editorial input. Provide business analysis services.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Responsible for the management of staff and team:

• In conjunction with the IT PMO, the Solution Architect may be called on upon to manage project-based teams/committees comprised of full-time staff or outsourced contractors to ensure accurate and precise solution delivery.
• Status reporting
• Notify management regarding any obstacles to the completion of the plan and offer solutions to overcome those obstacles.
• Track completion to plan and adjust as required.

Qualifications:

• 1 year(s) of working with a solution architecture or similar role.
• 2 years of past business analysis experience (may overlap with SA role).
• 2 years with hands-on, technical experience in enterprise applications, clients services, or digital.
• 3 years of working alongside distributed, outsourced teams and contingent workforce.
• 2 years in end-user or client facing role requiring the successful maintenance of strong business relationships.
• Demonstrated experience working in an enterprise environment, satisfying multiple, competing constituencies.
• SA experience must include designing responsive solutions for large support issues as well as for projects & implementations.
• Experience authoring technical and functional specifications and documentation.
• Clear understanding of 2 common business processes (Order to Cash, Procure to Pay, Inventory Management, Lead to Close, etc.).
• Demonstrated history of staying up to date on contemporary technology solutions and capabilities.
• Fundamental understanding of IT’s role in an organization, common IT practices, policies, and procedures.
• Excellent communication skills, team player

Education and/or Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree or compensating career history.

Language Skills:

Must be able to read, right and verbally communicate in English to all levels of the organization.

Computer Skills:

Must be proficient in the use of PowerPoint, Visio (or similar), Excel, and a PM software (SmartSheet is preferred). 

Physical Demands:

Ability to sit for long periods of time in front of a computer screen in an office environment. A moderate tolerance of loud noises if needed to go out into the production facility. 

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.