Technical Architect

Gather and analyze technological needs, propose targeted improvements in technologies and processes; design, implement and optimize the architecture relating to a technological domain and/or a number of related technological domains, and align this architecture with the enterprise architecture to maintain the availability, performance, integrity, security and quality of the IT landscape at a high level, in order to offer optimal support to the technologies/systems and consequently to the business processes of the customer, its subsidiaries and customers.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Design and implementation of architectural guidelines and standards within an existing architectural framework:

- Ensures performance, high availability and disaster recovery of deliverables

- selects technology based on functional requirements and in compliance with technology standards

- implements best practices, in line with the IT roadmap and strategic vision

- enhances business cases based on technological architectural expertise

- monitors the landscape relating to the technological domain of his/her expertise

- enriches the architectural technology roadmap on the basis of its technological expertise:strategic, tactical in terms of quality and cost-effectiveness

- specifies the technical aspects of specifications for IT purchases and for the technical evaluation of bids

- proactively formulates proposals for technological improvements to optimize the maintainability, stability and performance of the IT landscape

- validates proposed solution concepts

Communication and consultation: create a basis and overcome the distance between technical technical, functional and project stakeholders:

- provides input, based on its own expertise, on the scope, timetable and budget, and communicates these to the Architecture Board for validation where appropriate

- reviews project definitions and statutes with project managers

- attends various consultation forums (management, experts, architects, etc.);

- communicates existing needs, opportunities for improvement, etc.

- communicates enterprise architecture vision and standards

Knowledge management: monitor trends and developments in the business sector in order to pursue a coherent, high-performance IT architecture in line with IT strategy and the evolution of the area of expertise:

- examine the applicability of new technologies (including conceptual demonstrations) conceptual demonstrations)

- participates in the development of knowledge management

- encourages active knowledge sharing

- represents the organization at various IT architecture forums

- monitors market developments

- makes an active contribution to the changes required to further professionalize professionalization and quality improvement of service provision

CRITERIA

Area of responsibility

- Design, documentation and implementation of architectural standards and guidelines within an existing architectural framework

- Provision of framework contract and project expertise

- Implementation of standard methods and guidelines for developments/configurations

- Creation of a basis and establishment of a rapprochement between technical, functional and project stakeholders, functional and project stakeholders

- Active monitoring of trends and developments in the field of expertise Possible consequences of erroneous decisions and/or poorly implemented activities:

- (in)direct repercussions on the performance, operation and financial costs of applications and general business processes, resulting in additional financial costs

- (In)direct repercussions on project execution (costs, deadlines, feasibility, etc.)

- (In)direct impact on the operation and maintenance of the application within the allocated technology domains, and related financial costs

Knowledge and complexity

- Master's level or equivalent through experience

- 5-10 years' relevant professional experience

- Integration period of a few months

- Knowledge of project methods

- Knowledge of management processes

- Knowledge of databases, security, infrastructure within assigned technology domains

- In-depth knowledge of five-year forward planning

- Knowledge of modeling methods

- In-depth knowledge of several technologies (such as IP, SAP, networks or automation)

- Knowledge of the organization's internal (working) structure and procedures

- Knowledge of standard and company-specific software

- Expert knowledge of Active Directory, Exchange, Azure, SMTP, PKI, certificates

Problem solving

- Able to provide input (e.g. propose optimizations) based on technological expertise and up-to-date knowledge of market developments.

- Ability to convert functional requirements into technical solutions.

- Ability to convince stakeholders.

- Demonstrate autonomy in carrying out own tasks.

- Respect corporate architecture, project governance rules and procedures, HR policies and financial procedures.

- Call on superior in case of conflicts and escalations, and to obtain information to which the Technical Architect does not have access.

Communication

Internal contacts

- Daily to weekly contacts with manager regarding general operations, audits, status, progress and content of projects.

- Daily to weekly contacts with the Project Manager regarding project status, progress and content.

- Targeted contacts with other business areas, project managers, Business Area Leads regarding the formulation of recommendations, the elaboration and evaluation of RFPs for new projects, and the review of audit results.

- Targeted contacts with other architects concerning harmonization of standards and/or internal changes, knowledge sharing, etc.

- Contacts, where necessary, with various partners (e.g. Teamleads, Business Area Leads, etc.) to clarify escalations, discuss technology audits, make recommendations on requested items, and prepare various meetings concerning budgets, etc.

External contacts

- Targeted contacts with technical partners, suppliers, external firms, etc. concerning deliveries/evolutions, provision of services, RFP development and evaluation, RFI development

RFI, recommendations on items requested, projects reviewed, etc.

Languages

Knowledge of French or Dutch, and English (spoken and written)