SaskEnergy is seeking a solution architect resource with a broad based background of technical experience to be part of the Solutions & Architecture team to provide Information Technology (IT) solutions to business problems. These solutions may include systems, applications, infrastructure or processes, and may involve the enterprise and integration of a wide variety of products, services and technologies.

The Solution Architects must have extensive knowledge of systems, architectures, systems management, networking, network computing and application design techniques, different platform implementations and must be able to identify, evaluate and select the elements of the solution which best meet the business needs of the client organization.

Solution Architects apply extensive knowledge to products, technologies, services and methodologies in response to business needs. The skills required of all Solution Architects are very broad, and come from all of the technical disciplines in which IT Architects are directly involved. Also required are strong personal business, industry and project management skills.

Solution Architects are engaged in enterprise design and/or development for transforming client requirements and process models into plans, process IT solutions which include hardware, software, network and data specifications. Activities include technical planning, build vs. buy assessment, reviews, development of architecture, and modification of specifications for customized application solution components.

In addition to their broad technical background, Solution Architects that engage in enterprise development may focus their design and development efforts in one of the following areas: Traditional (Host based) Development, Client/Server, Object Oriented Solutions, Imaging Solutions, or Rapid Solutions. Some solutions designed may be COTS applications with a focus on platform implementations.

Typical activities in this role include but are not limited to:

1. Leading solution evaluation and assuming a technical leadership role as part of the core team on PDO projects, acting as the representative for Information Systems.
2. Ensuring solutions are in alignment with enterprise strategies and focused on business outcomes.
3. Developing non-functional and technical specifications for solution RFP documents.
4. Ensuring solutions and services are successfully and sustainably delivered into operations.
5. Actively contributing to architecture boards and continued improvement of our practice.
6. Overseeing the activities of technical resources to deliver solutions.
7. Working with project teams to develop the conceptual architecture design; ensuring it contains appropriate level of guidance (business, information, application and technical perspective).
8. Providing assistance and mentorship as required.

Experience:

Mandatory Requirement

– Minimum leading 3 large IT projects, in a Solution Architect role, start to finish as part of a project team.

Vendor interaction and management: Knowledge of procurement standards and procedures; ability to understand the functions and features of products and services and how they can best serve the needs of the organization; ability to understand how external products and services can be integrated into the organizations solutions and technology infrastructure. Minimum 2 examples to be detailed in Appendix C.

Maintaining project documentation related to the gathering of requirements, business modeling, traceability and scenario mapping.

Expert level communicator (ability to communicate and present effectively, create effective tailored content).

Experience working closely with business to solve technical and process problems.

Canadian federal, provincial, municipal government work experience – minimum 2 years preferred.

Government of Saskatchewan / Utilities work – minimum 2 years preferred.

TOGAF 8 or higher

North American job experience is considered an asset for this proposal. Proponents are encouraged to provide specific and qualitative information of other areas where their expertise can add value to our team.

The preference for start date is as soon as possible. The initial term for this role(s) will be up to one (1) year after which SaskEnergy will evaluate its ongoing requirements and potentially extend the term for this resource in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Master Services Agreement. An extension may be conditional to the proponent obtaining and retaining a current (annual) CRC for the resource, subject to inspection by SaskEnergy.