Infrastructure Architect

Being a traditional bank just isn't our thing. We are big believers in innovating the banking experience because we believe Canadians deserve better options, and we challenge ourselves and our teams to creatively transform what's possible in banking. Our team is made up of inquisitive and agile minds that find smarter ways of doing things. If you're not afraid of taking on big challenges and redefining the future, you belong with us. You'll get to work with people who will encourage you to reach new heights. We like to keep things fun, ask questions and learn together.

We are a big (and growing) family. Overall we serve more than 370,000 people across Canada through Equitable Bank, Canada's Challenger Bank, and have been around for more than 50 years. Equitable Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary, Concentra Bank, supports credit unions across Canada that serve more than 5 million members. Together we have over $100 billion in combined assets under management and administration, with a clear mandate to drive change in Canadian banking to enrich people's lives. Our EQ Bank platform ) has been named the top Schedule I Bank in Canada on the Forbes World's Best Banks 2023, 2022, and 2021 lists.

Job Summary:

The Infrastructure Architect is a key player in the broader domain of Enterprise Architecture, with a specialized focus on the essential technology components underpinning the organization's infrastructure. In this role, the architect is responsible for shaping and evolving the IT infrastructure in line with the broader enterprise architecture framework. This position entails aligning technology solutions with the organization's business goals and IT strategies, while ensuring optimal performance, scalability, compliance, security, and resilience of the infrastructure.

Working in tandem with the Network Manager, Associate Director of Shared Services, VP of Infrastructure & Operations (I&O), Infrastructure Architecture colleagues and the broader Enterprise Architecture group, the Infrastructure Architect plays a pivotal role in evaluating business objectives. This involves conducting thorough assessments, defining technical strategies, developing architecture plans, and crafting proposals. Additionally, the role encompasses providing expert consulting services to various IT departments, ensuring cohesive and efficient IT operations across the organization.

• General Responsibilities
• Technology Evaluation: Assess emerging infrastructure technologies and architectural alternatives for alignment with the organization's infrastructure or future business needs.
• Analytical and Technical Analysis: Perform analytical, technical, and cost analyses for the planning, design and infrastructure.
• Design Principles Application: Maintain a balance between cost-effective resource utilization and system availability, supportability, and integrity.
• Collaborative Solutions Design: Work with the Associate Director of Shared Services to engage stakeholders for solution assessments and design, enhancing technology infrastructure.
• Compliance with Standards: Ensure software and cloud architecture designs adhere to security and regulatory standards, including OSFI guidelines.
• IT Architecture Evaluation: Regularly review the IT architecture to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Technology Research and Testing: Explore and evaluate new software and cloud technologies, solutions, and vendors.
• Vendor Relationship Management: Develop strong vendor relationships to gain access to external expertise and innovative technologies.
• IT Enterprise Architecture Strategy: Aid in the development and upkeep of the IT enterprise architecture strategy and roadmap.

• Technology Standards Enforcement: Set and maintain technology standards, best practices, and architectural principles.
• Infrastructure Standards Implementation: Ensure infrastructure standards for hardware, software, networks, and technology components are met.
• Policies and Guidelines: Define and enforce infrastructure design, deployment, and maintenance policies.
• Risk Mitigation Strategy Development: Develop strategies to mitigate risks and collaborate with stakeholders for effective risk management.

• Technical Standards Establishment: Collaborate with the Associate Director of Shared Services to set technical standards for Technology Infrastructure.
• Ongoing System Maintenance: Adhere to internal and external technical standards for system maintenance and design projects.
• Networking Infrastructure Understanding: Work with IT colleagues to understand current and evolving networking infrastructure capabilities.
• Departmental Contributions: Participate in departmental initiatives and programs as required.
• Infrastructure Architect Forum Facilitation: Lead the Infrastructure Architect Forum, facilitating discussions on architecture, solutions, and tactical issues, and contribute to idea exchange.
• Trusted Advisor and Mentor: Serve as a trusted technical advisor and mentor, guiding customers, and cross-functional teams throughout project lifecycles.

• Educational Background: Preferably a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• Professional Experience: At least ten years in IT, with a minimum of five years in a senior IT technical lead role.
• Solution Design and Implementation: Proven expertise in designing and implementing enterprise-grade solutions with comprehensive documentation and strategic plans.
• Database Systems: Proficiency in at least one relational database system for OLTP.
• Technology Stack Familiarity: Knowledge of JBoss, Apache, Tomcat, VMware, Pivotal Cloud Foundry, Docker, Kubernetes, Azure, and related technologies.
• UNIX Knowledge: Deep understanding of UNIX, LINUX, RedHat, and AIX.
• DevOps and Containerization: Demonstrated experience in maintaining DevOps pipelines and supporting Docker or Kubernetes environments.
• Database Design: Experience in relational database technologies and database schema design for transactional and data warehousing environments.
• Large Database Technologies: Familiarity with VLDB and multidimensional database design for data warehousing and business intelligence.
• Networking Expertise: Exceptional skills in routing hardware, software, protocols, and networking technologies.
• Security Frameworks and Technologies: Solid understanding of security frameworks and familiarity with various security technologies.

• Security and Compliance: Background in security certifications and familiarity with IT audit standards like CoBIT and PCI DSS.
• Software Architecture Frameworks: Knowledge in frameworks like TOGAF, BIAN, and NIST is preferred.
• Agile Methodology: Familiarity with core Agile events and practices.
• Diagramming Tools: Proficiency with tools like Lucidchart, , Visio, and knowledge of EAS tools such as Abacus, Ardoq, or Enterprise Architect.
• Architecture Languages: Knowledge of Archimate, UML, BPMN, TOGAF, BIAN, and BIST.

Competitive discretionary bonus

???? Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits

Employee Share Purchase Plan

Maternity/Parental top-up while you care for your little one

Generous vacation policy, personal days and even a moving day

Virtual events to connect with your fellow colleagues

Annual professional development allowance and a comprehensive Career Development program

A fulfilling opportunity to join one of the top FinTechs and help create a new kind of banking experience

The incumbent will be working hybrid and in office time will be spent working from Equitable Bank's additional office space located at 351 King Street East, Toronto, ON.

Equitable Bank is deeply committed to inclusion. Our organization is stronger and our employees thrive when we honour and celebrate everyone's diverse experiences and perspectives. In tandem with that commitment, we support and encourage our staff to grow not just in their career path, but personally as well.

We commit to providing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment for all applicants. Please let us know of any accommodations needed so that you can bring your best self to the application process and beyond. All candidates considered for hire must successfully pass a criminal background check and credit check to qualify for hire. While we appreciate your interest in applying, an Equitable recruiter will only contact leading candidates whose skills and qualifications closely match the requirements of the position.