Solution Architect

The Solution Architect, with guidance from the CBS Data Office Lead and Operations Lead, will take ownership and drive the design of processes and systems that will be used to support data management efforts across the global firm, with limited direction and will execute on deep knowledge and skills within project and program lifecycles.

The role is critical in supporting the incremental development and adoption of data management capabilities to be leveraged across the firm. The role will lead efforts in assembling the necessary groups/teams/documentation to drive solutions that will achieve the objectives of areas of fo within the CBS Data Office.  

The group is presently short staffed with only 4 on-shore resources and 2 off-shore.  The responsibilities of the group at present demand a larger team and the demand for additional scope is ever-present.  Recent changes within the team have required a shift in responsibilities to support overall leadership needs, creating a gap in supporting ongoing solution architecture demands.

Scope of the Position: 

This individual will drive system and project architecture for the CBS Data Office and will be responsible for:

• Evaluate, design and provide options on data architecture both owned by CBS Data Office as well as those owned outside of the function but working with as part of a CBS DO initiative
• Collect and maintain project data specific to scope, schedule, cost, resources, quality and risk.
• Analyze requirements, option with cost and time implications as required to generate project documentation or reports for the CBS Data Office Leadership team.
• Coordinate team meetings internal, extended or stakeholder meetings, presentations, and project reviews under the direction of the CBS Leadership as required.
• The Solutions Architect will be responsible for monitoring, taking feedback, and adjusting the entire life of each project assigned and must be familiar with project requirements, stakeholder demand, output objectives and agreed upon scope to effectively coordinate the activities of the project. The successful candidate understands broadly how the program’s objectives link to the firm’s vision, highlighting concerns and offering options and recommendations. Will collaborate with other team members and stakeholders as necessary on solutions and project direction.
• Additionally, under direct supervision of CBS DO leadership the Solution Architect may be asked to lead teams, projects, as needed.

Knowledge required for disciplines:  

The Solution Architect is expected to be fully knowledgeable of and able to apply these skills with or without direct supervision:

• Applies data architecture leadership and guidance using tools, techniques and terminology — Is able to demonstrate understanding and lead the application of each in driving successful project execution
• Data management expertise – has real world experience and/or detailed knowledge of data management concepts that include Data Governance, Data Quality Management, Master Data Management, Metadata Management and how they interrelate
• Documents changes to project scope, schedule, quality and cost — Documents changes to the project scope, schedule, quality and costs to keep the project plan accurate, updated, reflective of authorized project changes as defined in the change management plan. Presents options with recommendations as needed.
• Documents and identifies project risks, assumptions, issues and decisions — Documents project risks, assumptions, issues and decisions, and as applicable, with or without the direction of a CBS DO leadership.
• Monitors project work — Measures performance using appropriate tools and techniques in order to monitor the progress of the project, identifies and quantifies any variances to the approved plan, and as applicable, works with stakeholders and IT project manager to identify and communicate corrective actions
• Establishes project deliverables — Records detailed customer requirements, constraints, and assumptions with stakeholders in order to establish the project deliverables, using requirement-gathering techniques (e.g., planning sessions, brainstorming, focus groups) and the project charter under supervision of a more senior project manager
• Executes project plan — Executes the tasks as defined in the project plan in order to achieve the project goals with or without supervision of CBS Data Office leadership as appropriate.
• Facilitates meetings in Teams or other as appropriate — Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to guide participants toward a meeting’s objectives; modifies behavior according to tasks and individuals present 
• Experience in end to end data architecture across various systems.

Knowledge required beyond the job: 

• Experience with CBS functions and related systems at EY, especially Markets, Risk, Finance, and Mercury
• Leadership capability to professionally challenge and collaborate as necessary with key stakeholders across EY
• 3+ years of leadership experience related to the establishment of data management capabilities
• Knowledge of industry standard Enterprise Architecture Frameworks / lifecycle development methodologies (e.g. Zachman, TOGAF, DODAF) recommended but not required.
• Strategic skills to propose long-term visions and the ability to translate them into actionable roadmaps that are broadly accepted.
• Ability to translate business needs into EA requirements and estimate the financial and architectural impact of EA alternatives.
• Data and Information Architecture, Solution Architecture, Software and Infrastructure Engineering, Business process modeling, Enterprise information management
• Strong analytical skills, good knowledge of business process and capability design and strong team leadership.
• Strong relationship building skills and executive presence
• Excellent decision-making skills, leverages management for support in the absence of complete facts
• Flexibility to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities, ambiguity and rapid change
• Good management skills, using judgment and tact.
• Ability to rapidly comprehend the changes to key business processes and the impact on the overall architecture.
• Ability to understand and integrate cultural differences and motives and to lead virtual cross-cultural, cross-border teams
• English language skills - excellent written and verbal communication
• An overall understanding of the business objectives of service lines and Core Business Services departments
• Ability to work and team with a multitude of different people - including business customers, IT project managers and IT engineers - to balance demands
• Broad understanding of all Enterprise Architecture dimensions and how they fit together
• An understanding of the strategic impact of modifying and enabling key business processes, including the impact on application, information and technology architecture.
• Ability to understand the long-term ("big picture") and short-term (“detailed”) perspectives of situations
• Ability to present complex information in a way that is equally understood by both, business leaders and technical experts
• Ability to understand future state architectural concepts and to translate them into transitional architectures that are broadly accepted

Key Considerations

5-10 years in complex projects as an engineering 10+ years in complex projects with division or company-wide architecture accountability role / leadership.

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.