• Direct Placement
  • Toronto

SRA Staffing

RA Staffing is sourcing a Full-Time Application Architect with LifeCO experience. The client, a financial services firm located in midtown Toronto, has a solid history of continued customer success and increased technology innovation in finance, Investment, and Insurance. The role has an expected growth path for the manager within 1-3 years of 4-5 Architects. 

Our client is currently hybrid with an expectation of 2 days in the office (preferred is Wed/Thursday) in midtown Toronto – (not on the main TTC LINE)

Job Title: Application Architect

Job Summary:

The Application Architect is responsible for designing application architectures that align with organizational Enterprise Architecture principles and standards. This includes the design and implementation of application models and services within the overall computing infrastructure, ensuring that the requirements for these services are well-defined to identify the techniques and technologies required. The Application Architect will also collaborate with cross-functional teams to create efficient, effective solutions that meet business needs.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Technical Leadership: Serve as the technical SME for enterprise applications, providing guidance on solution design and development to enhance efficiency or reduce the total cost of technology operations.

  • Collaboration: Work closely with the Application Architecture, Enterprise Architecture, and Business Analysis teams to design comprehensive solutions addressing business needs.

  • Architectural Standards: Contribute to the development and propagation of architectural standards for application services and components to reduce redundancy and increase re-use.

  • Governance: Implement and advocate for Enterprise Architecture Governance using TOGAF principles to ensure alignment across IT systems.

  • Technical Assessments: Conduct feasibility studies, analyze system design artifacts, and review UML designs and business requirement documents.

  • Business Alignment: Ensure application architectures are flexible and meet business strategies by maintaining an understanding of business processes and infrastructure capabilities.

  • Project Involvement: Assess proposals and designs for architectural compliance throughout the delivery process. Lead performance assessments and architecture compliance reviews.

  • Innovation: Identify and evaluate new technologies with potential to impact business or technology environments, recommending cost-saving or value-enhancing solutions.

  • Process Improvement: Provide innovative solutions to business leaders for application changes and enhancements to support efficiency and organizational goals.

Required Qualifications:

  • Education & Experience:

    • University degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.

    • Proven experience in the life insurance industry and financial services (e.g., Policy Administration, New Business/Underwriting, Claims, Billing, Compensation).

    • Strong understanding of life insurance data models and business processes.

  • Technical Skills:

    • Proven ability to design high-quality application architectures consistent with enterprise standards.

    • Familiarity with TOGAF and enterprise architecture frameworks.

    • Expertise in .NET and Java technologies.

    • Experience with service-oriented architectures (ESB, REST API, SOAP, XML, web services, integration design patterns, and governance).

    • Proficiency in web technologies (HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, AngularJS).

    • Knowledge of software development methodologies (Agile, SDLC, RUP, Extreme Programming, Waterfall).

    • Understanding of IT security, confidentiality, and privacy practices and regulations.

  • Communication & Leadership:

    • Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey complex technical concepts to various audiences.

    • Ability to present and defend solution designs to stakeholders, including senior management.

    • Leadership skills to inspire and influence technical and business teams.

  • Analytical & Organizational Skills:

    • Superior analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.

    • Effective time management with the ability to manage changing priorities and meet tight deadlines.

    • Strong organizational skills to facilitate technical reviews and design sessions.

Additional Attributes:

  • Ability to map technology solutions to business problems and vice-versa.

  • Demonstrated ability to provide creative and pragmatic solutions that meet stakeholder requirements.

  • Proven track record of process improvement initiatives.