Solution Architect

At Houston Methodist, the Solution Architect position is responsible for the implementation, maintenance and management of Information Technology (IT systems). The Solution Architect is expected to work closely with project teams and Enterprise Architects to ensure that the overall Information Technology (IT) architecture is maintained, and that seamless operational hand-off is achieved. The primary role of the Solution Architect is to ensure that the respective application, data and technology function within acceptable parameters in support of business functions. The Solution Architect will provide technical leadership and consultation across the organization in assigned area(s).

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serves as advisor to teammates and IT leadership on information integration strategies, including the resolution of system issues.

• Communicates the architecture to the stakeholders and collaborates and coordinates with enterprise architects in the formalization and adoption of IT standards and procedures.

• Makes recommendations to IT leadership and influences changes to architectural standards as needed.

• Serves as a role model and mentors peers as needed. Recommends opportunities for improvement of department score for turnover/retention/employee engagement.

• Directs the identification and recommendation of appropriate solutions, upgrades, replacements, or decommissioning options, incorporating business and technology productivity, usability, and total cost of ownership.

• Maintains service operations during service delivery with regards to customer communication and proactive troubleshooting.

• Identifies and address day-to-day continuous improvement and monitoring activities.

• Develops and executes solutions which further reduce the percentage of time spent on reactive work.

• Develops, documents, communicates, and enforces technology standards policies.

• In partnership with IT Leadership and Enterprise Architecture team, establishes an IT Architecture practice and the adoption of an architecture and standards methodology.

• Develops, documents, makes recommendations, and communicates plans for investing in IT infrastructure, including analysis of cost reduction opportunities.

• Creates business cases to make recommendations regarding build versus buy strategies for updates and changes to the development of infrastructure, applications and programs.

• Maintains in-depth knowledge of company's strategic business plans.

• Conducts research on emerging technologies in support of infrastructure development efforts and recommends technologies that will increase cost-effectiveness and infrastructure flexibility.

• Seeks opportunities to identify self-developmental needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan (MDP) on an ongoing basis.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree required. In lieu of bachelor's degree, an additional four years' experience in addition to the minimum experience required below

• Seven years IT experience to include five years in a senior level engineer, analyst or consultant role