Senior IT Solutions Architect

Interstate Hotels & Resorts

Job overview

The Senior IT Solution Architect (SA) develops solutions linking technology, data and applications to current and future business needs, using recognized IT architectural practices and has in-depth knowledge surrounding data center technologies.

Using this experience, the SA will advise Business Solution & Innovation (BSI) team members on issues related to solution design and deployment including complexity trade-offs and technical and business process impact.

What you will be doing

• Architect and develop solutions and services based on current hands-on knowledge of the technologies supporting IHR business processes
• Present IHR vision, strategy and both internally to project teams and externally to supplier partners
• Provide expert technical support during the development of emerging solutions and services
• Be the subject matter expert to deliver technical assistance for the use of emerging technology in the creation of new solutions
• Develop and maintain technical and business expertise of emerging technology directions and trends, and provide briefings as appropriate to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Understand and document technical requirements
• Analyze technical options available within the existing technology environment and recommend appropriate solutions to meet business requirements
• Distinguish between current capability and new capability and document requirements for new capability as required
• Provides infrastructure integration/solution architecture designs as a framework for detailed design phases, and as foundation guide for project cost and resource estimation, and implementation planning
• Provides advanced technical support and advice to others
• Liaises and negotiates with team members and counterparts in supplier organizations for the integration of solutions
• Accountable for the technical integrity of the solution, cost effectiveness and supportability that meets IHR requirements
• Defining solution architecture for IHR including:
  • Developing long term technology roadmap
  • Proposing changes in process, policy and standards as they relate to the architecture and design principles
  • Researching and maintaining knowledge in emerging technologies and solutions to solve business problems
• Translating business, information and technical requirements into an architectural blueprint that outlines solutions to achieve business objectives
• Developing enterprise level solutions that integrate across applications, systems and platforms
• Assisting in identifying, analyzing, mitigating and responding to project and operational risks
• Working with application and infrastructure teams to produce optimal, high level, conceptual designs
• Partnering with business analysts and software developers in requirement gathering and reviews

Requirements

• 7+ years of infrastructure architecture experience with significant depth around designing, implementing, and managing critical cross-functional integration projects at large Service Provider, Hosting and Telecommunication companies
• Experience in a technical lead role, TOGAF or similar certification preferred
• Significant (e.g. 3 years plus) experience in infrastructure architecture and design of complex distributed systems environments, including failover techniques, disaster recovery and business continuity solutions
• Strong practical Unix, Linux or Windows systems administration skills at some career stage
• Application software development and/or Systems programming or OS internal level skills would be an advantage
• Familiarity with operations and systems management concepts, processes and standards (e.g. solid understanding of ITIL, CMMI, or COBIT fundamentals
• Recent experience with design, implementation and support of IaaS, PaaS and/or SaaS highly desired
• Engagement experience should include IT strategy initiatives, middleware implementations, and leveraging overall technical architecture knowledge across multiple industries
• Excellent technical architecture and technical support documentation skills
• Experienced and credible advisor with strong customer-facing and relationship-building skills, coupled with the ability to collaborate across functional areas, departments, and business units
• Ability to see "the big picture" and present ideas in user-friendly language
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral, are required
• Demonstrated strong listening skills and tactful conflict management skills
• Demonstrated experience and deep understanding of industry capabilities and trends within area of focus
• Ability to uncover business challenges and develop a custom solution to solve those challenges
• Demonstrated experience in evangelizing new product / solution technologies
• Ability to conduct research into emerging technologies and trends, standards, and products as required
• Ability to learn new technologies
• Demonstrated ability to provide impactful knowledge exchange within peer communities through mentoring, workshops, demonstrations and formal training settings
• Demonstrated technical community leadership in capturing, developing, and sharing IP with the community at large as well as specific individuals to raise competencies
• Demonstrated critical thinking and advanced troubleshooting skills and qualities
• Ability to effectively organize, prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Must be effective in working both independently and in a team setting
• Demonstrated attention to detail and follow through
• Able to work independently and take initiative

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is required, practical experience in lieu of education is acceptable.

Interstate Hotels & Resorts is an EEO/AA/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans employer