Solution Architect

All Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries employees may apply. Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We strive to hire a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Employment equity will be considered therefore applicants who identify as women, Indigenous people, members of racialized groups, and persons with a disability are encouraged to apply.

If you require an accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know how we can meet your needs.

Job Purpose

Reporting to a Manager, the Solution Architect is responsible for architecture, design, and delivery of tactical and strategic business solutions, and ensures that business requirements are met end-to-end.

Drawing from the principles, processes, and models of Enterprise Architecture, the role is to design and implement application systems and networked software architectures that support core organizational functions and assure solution/system availability based on business’ defined needs.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop holistic solution architecture and design for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) systems with the goal of reducing MBLL’s technology footprint and promoting system “re-use”.
• Develop conceptual and detailed application architectures and designs by identifying the technologies required and the interfaces and linkages between the solution components.
• Design the integrated system framework for the solution by identifying shared services and shared solutions to ensure strategic re-use of solution, components, and services.
• Design solutions that comply with architectural standards, and with legislative and regulatory requirements regarding data protection and privacy.
• Identify where greater investment may improve opportunities for harvesting solutions for future re-use.
• Produce Solution Architecture documents that describes the complete business solution for solution delivery including developing models for a system or application and all integration points.
• Support consulting services by providing solution and associated cost estimates.
• Select solutions from the palette of baseline technologies within the Enterprise Architecture (EA).
• Incorporate solution architecture into conceptual, logical, and physical designs while ensuring alignment with enterprise technology guidelines (i.e. design patterns, roadmaps, EA domain model, target state architectures).
• Collaborate with the project and operational team members, including business analysts, to understand / translate business requirements and non-functional requirements to solution options for a project or initiative.
• Act as a technical liaison and coordinator in projects or initiatives between external vendors and internal technical resources such as technical architects, developers, testers, and ITS Operations.
• Provide functional supervision to design teams.
• Conduct research on emerging technologies in support of systems development efforts, and recommend technologies that will increase cost effectiveness and systems flexibility.
• Ensure that architectural standards are met and resolve concerns where the architectural standards are inadequate.
• Work with a team of technology staff to develop Proof of Concepts/Value using new technologies that can potentially benefit MBLL.
• Ensure compliance with policies for systems component reuse, presentation layer look and feel, security, audit, records management, and archival requirements.
• Research potential solution options in alignment with enterprise architecture target state architectures and guidelines, evaluate the options and provide the recommendation that serves identified business need.
• Actively participate on development and evaluations for any technology procurement processes on projects, such as Request for Proposal’s (RFP’s).
• Keep up-to-date with industry regulations, standards, trends, best practices, and emerging technologies by attending conferences/seminars, regularly reviewing industry publications, books, internet resources, etc.
• Assist in the development of business cases and cost/benefit analysis for IT spending and initiatives.
• Arrange and organize project-level technical reviews.
• Provide oversight to contracted architect resources including ensuring artifacts produced are at par with MBLL standards.
• Ensure solution design are in compliance with security architecture and risks are mitigated.
• Identify the area of technology risk within a solution where prototyping or a proof of concept might be required.
• Participate in the development of Requests-for-Proposals by reviewing the technical requirements components of the RFP.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Primary Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized degree or diploma program in an IT related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience.
• A minimum of ten years Information Technology related experience.
• A minimum of five years advanced level domain experience (e.g. networks, applications, information security, management, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of software evaluation principles and practices.
• Good knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws.

• Strong analytical, organizational, communication and presentation skills.
• The ability to work in a team environment.
• In-depth knowledge of IT industry best practices, technologies, architectures, and emerging technologies across all IT domains (networking, servers, storage, application platforms, applications, software development tools and techniques, databases, internet, etc.)
• Good knowledge in business system analysis (requirements gathering, modeling, etc.).
• Experience in tracking industry and regulatory standards relevant to business (e.g. LGCA, Gaming Standards Association, Gaming Labs International, Payment Card Industry).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills, meeting facilitation, and influencing.
• Experience in building trust and creating excellent working relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Continuous upgrading/learning is required to remain current in information technology.
• Lifelong learning, in developing innovative ways of acquiring and transferring knowledge in complex circumstances.
• The core competencies for this position include achieving quality results, adaptability/managing change, communication, customer service, decision making and problem solving, integrity and building trust, teamwork and cooperation and valuing diversity. Leadership competencies include building strategic performance, coaching and developing, influencing and leading. These competencies are deemed important for the success of the position and organization.

Secondary Qualifications

• Industry credentials in Business Analysis and/or Architecture Frameworks are considered an asset.
• Project Management training is an asset.
• Bilingual French/English language skills are an asset.

***Testing may form part of the screening/selection process. Employment Equity will be a factor in the recruitment process. Circumstances may arise where the bulletin may need to be withdrawn or the number of positions may need to be increased.

We thank all interested applicants, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Benefits

A Great Place to Work! Enjoy fantastic benefits with our Total Rewards package

Work/Life Balance and Wellness

• Discretionary Time: Up to 10 paid discretionary leave days per year, depending on bargaining unit. Employees can carry forward discretionary leave days each year for a total of up to 50 days.
• Hybrid Work Model for Eligible Positions: Remote work capability for eligible positions.
• Flex Time: Flexible shift scheduling and work hours for eligible positions.
• Maternity and Parental Leave: Top-up of E.I. maternity leave benefits to 93% of employee’s basic earnings for 17 weeks.
• Fitness Allowance Reimbursement, depending on bargaining unit: Up to $250 per year that can be used to cover gym memberships, fitness equipment, and more.
• Computer Purchase /Fitness Purchase Program: Interest free loans for employees purchasing computer equipment to increase computer literacy, learning, and professional growth, and/or to purchase fitness equipment.
• Diversity and Inclusion: MBLL promotes a culture of caring and respect through initiatives like our employee driven Joint Diversity Network.
• The Together Project: At Liquor & Lotteries, caring is part of our corporate culture - we care for each other, our partners, and our community The Together Project represents the charitable efforts of the corporation and its employees working together to enrich the lives of Manitobans. Employee charitable activities are eligible for reward benefits.

Vacation

• Accrue up to 10 paid vacation days per year during the first 2 years of employment.
• Accrue 15 paid vacation days per year after 3 years of employment.
• Accrue 20 paid vacation days per year after 5 years of employment.
• Accrue 25 paid vacation days per year after 9 years of employment.
• Accrue 30 paid vacation days per year after 19 years of employment.

Retirement Savings Plan

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Guaranteed lifelong monthly payment at retirement provides great security for employee’s long-term strategy.
• Voluntary Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan

Health Insurance and Benefits

• Customize your Plan: Employees choose from a variety of coverage options to best fit their needs, including coverage for prescription drugs, vision, dental, ambulance, extended health and more.
• Health Spending Account: Employees receive up to $1,850 towards eligible medical or dental expenses depending on options chosen.
• Flex Credit: Depending on the bargaining unit, employess may receive a Flex Credit to be used
  towards the purchase of insurance including Group Life, Dependent Life and Accidental Death and Disablement.

World-wide Travel Health Benefits

Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP): Free professional wellness support for employees and their immediate family member

Training and Development

• Educational Assistance: Tuition reimbursement for eligible employees.
• Training: Variety of courses and programs to support skill and professional development.
• Career progression: Internal job posting system that provides opportunities for a variety of career paths.
• Apprenticeship and skilled trade training: Programs offered in partnership with educational institutions such as RRC Polytech, the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba.

Discounts and Rewards

• Employee Rewards & Recognition Program: Points-based program recognizing employees for earned and nominated achievements such as long-service, going above and beyond and community volunteer work.
• Discounts: Employees receive exclusive discounts from a variety of retailers, entertainment venues and service providers.