For our client, a company that provides the IT foundation for the needs of the Belgian railroad sector, we are currently looking for a domain/solution architect:
As a Domain Architect, you are accountable for the Business Domain OPC. You collaborate on the corporate Capability map (what) and connect it to the (how) aspects, including people, processes, data, and systems, to bring them to fruition. You work closely with Portfolio Management to create roadmaps based on business needs and future architecture goals. For projects, you ensure proper guidance within the established Reference Architecture, IT Vision, and Strategy.
Job Description & Responsibilities:
* The role focuses on the OPC domain, requiring in-depth knowledge of IT processes and frameworks, such as IT4IT, ITIL, Information Security Management Systems, Identity and Access Management, and enhancing end-user experience (e.g., New Way of Working in our facilities).
* You are responsible for creating and maintaining Business & Data Architectures, collaborating closely with the Business to understand and model underlying Business Value.
* You also participate in vendor and solution selection (buy decisions), working alongside Solution- and Technical Architects.
* Your role includes building a robust, consistent, and efficient IT and process architecture for the IT4IT Business, with the following responsibilities:
* Develop, document, and maintain a Digital Roadmap in collaboration with Business (primarily IT4IT) stakeholders, Delivery organizations, and Portfolio management.
* Assess business process, IT, and technology requirements (functional and non-functional), and suggest IT4IT landscape improvements and rationalization.
* Contribute to the Business Capability map linked to Business Processes and Technologies (digital solutions), aligning with SNCB’s Value Streams and Goals.
* Ensure proposed solutions align with other projects and the defined IT Vision and Strategy.
* Conduct detailed investigations of the current state and document findings in the Architecture Repository (ADOIT).
* Perform quality checks on the repository, resolving inconsistencies and inaccuracies by gathering the necessary information.
* Monitor the application and technology lifecycle, proposing actions to maintain a healthy IT landscape (e.g., assigning TIME values to Business Applications).
Education and Training:
* A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, data science, information systems, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
Experience:
* At least 3 years of experience in IT, in a closely related domain (such as Domain Architect, Enterprise Architect, Business/Technical Analyst).
* Strategy and Management consulting experience is highly valued for working with Senior Management and CxOs from both IT and business sides.
* A strong background in hands-on technology and/or application architecture/engineering is beneficial.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
* Fluent in Dutch or French and English.
* Proficient in various analysis techniques (e.g., use cases, scenario building).
* Expertise in methodologies and notations like ArchiMate® 3.1, BPMN, and UML.
* Ability to balance long-term vision with tactical needs.
* Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage both business and C-level stakeholders.
* Excellent presentation skills.
* Methodical, thorough, and detail-oriented approach.
* Diplomatic, patient, and proactive, with strong problem-solving abilities.
* Capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously, stress-resistant.
* Excellent stakeholder management skills, including gathering information and liaising with internal and external contacts.
As a Solution Architect, you will manage the complexity of modern platform solutions, breaking them down into simpler, understandable components for both engineers and business stakeholders. You’ll facilitate architectural processes, identify desired qualities and constraints, discuss risks and trade-offs, and guide business stakeholders to make informed decisions.
Responsibilities:
* Ensure the architecture of assigned products is solid, well-understood, and evolves in a way that supports the business case and aligns with existing guidelines.
* Facilitate architectural debates and ensure that decisions are made consciously, with clear understanding of trade-offs and risks.
* Act as a key partner between enterprise/domain architecture and solution designers/tech leads.
* Ensure the approved solution is implemented correctly by validating the design and monitoring its implementation.
* Share knowledge with colleagues.
* Evaluate project constraints, suggest alternatives, mitigate risks, and re-engineer solutions if necessary.
* Update stakeholders on any architectural issues.
Qualifications:
* Master’s degree in Informatics, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
* At least 5 years of relevant experience as a solution architect.
* Familiarity with the principles, opportunities, and challenges of modern architectural paradigms, and the ability to apply them effectively.
* Broad technical knowledge, enabling efficient collaboration with experts and the ability to assess the impact of technological choices on architectural design. This includes, but is not limited to:
* Cloud solutions
* Docker and Kubernetes
* Database systems (relational, document, key/value, graph, search, data warehouse, etc.) and data engineering frameworks
* Messaging and eventing systems
* Connectivity and networking concepts
* Communication protocols and technologies (HTTP, WS, REST, OAuth, OIDC, SAML, GraphQL, etc.)
* Familiarity with the challenges of creating secure software and how to manage them.
* Proven experience with common software engineering practices (SDLC, DevOps) and architecture modeling practices & languages (UML, EER, Swagger, Archimate, etc.).
* Eagerness to learn, share knowledge, embrace change, and learn from past experiences. You’re comfortable facilitating discussions using a whiteboard.
* Team-oriented with a willingness to receive and provide feedback.
* Affinity for product design and engineering high-quality digital products.
* Ability to handle the pressure and flexibility required in a dynamic company environment.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.