Platform Architect

About the role: The Enabling Platform Architect for Integration owns the definition, governance, and roadmap for the integrations and service technology framework used by Thames Water for all Information Technology systems. They are the expert for the evolution of our integration tooling to include COTS-based and in-house microservice API technologies– with a focus on moving to an as-a-service and asset-less future. This future view will include the business and technology benefits for greater use of microservices architecture(s) to enable agile digital development. They will create a future view and evangelising the benefits driven by the future architecture. The Enabling Platform Architect for Integration is the overall owner of the underlying technologies and relationships that underpin our future, including the technical relationship with suppliers. They will assist in sourcing decisions and the rationalisation of the existing solutions along with working on strategic supplier management to drive down the TCO. The Enabling Platform Architect works across multiple business areas, programmes and projects to ensure the correct solutions are utilised and exploited. Key Accountabilities: Technology Strategy & Roadmap Responsible for defining the Technology Roadmap and Reference Architectures for the future integration Microservices/API Infrastructure for Thames Water. Identify opportunities and drive the reduction of TCO across the existing Infrastructure and Hosting relationships. Define and govern capacity and financial forecasts across for Base Case initiatives to ensure long term financial planning aligns with the technology roadmaps. Governance & Design Authority Inform and influence technical decisions made at governance boards and design authorities. Perform Architecture Impact Assessments, to help size and shape ideas and initiatives at an early stage. Ensure roadmaps provide at least N-1 or specified levels of software/hardware versions. Assure throughout the project delivery lifecycle that individual solutions are fit for purpose in their application of technology and align with the overall strategy. Contribute to the definition of Architecture Principles and Policies. Define Standards and Patterns applicable to the domain. Technical Owner Expert for the evolution of Integration and Services infrastructure and processes. Understand the technical requirements for the Infrastructure and Hosting areas. Manages the architectural relationship with agreed suppliers and provide guidance on the technical direction. Attend Service Reviews. Provide points of view on specific topics. Leadership Demonstrate thought leadership on specific topics and promote knowledge sharing across the architecture community. Collaborate with other Platform Architects to ensure the overall integrity of domain roadmaps. Understand industry best practices and engage. with strategic partners to align capabilities and influence product roadmaps. Mentoring and supporting other members of the CTO organisation and the wider architecture community. To be successful you will have the following skills and experience: Preferred Educated to degree level Demonstrable experience of creating a strategy developing an API or microservices architecture within a large or complex organisation. Experience in building Digital environments. Significant experience as a Technical, Product, Solution Architect or System Design Authority. Strong knowledge of architecture methodologies, principles, and frameworks, ideally TOGAF. Preferred previous experience within the utility industry or large, complex enterprises. Practical experience of defining technology domain roadmaps. Experience in working with 3rd party delivery partners Has excellent interpersonal skills and is fully experienced in dealing with stakeholders. Proficient and effective communicator. Experience of different IT delivery approaches (waterfall, agile, lean…). What’s in it for you? Our competitive salary and package include a competitive bonus (up to 20%), car allowance, private healthcare, an excellent contributory pension and 26 days holiday. There is also a wider benefits scheme which includes an annual pay review, season ticket loans and loyalty awards for continuous service plus discounts at a wide range of retailers via Benefits on Taps. We’re proud to be here for our local community, offering all of our teams two days paid volunteer leave a year, as well as proudly supporting a lot of local events and charities. About us: Thames Water is the UK’s largest water and wastewater company. We make a daily difference to millions of customers by supplying 2.7 billion litres of world-class water to around 10 million homes. As our world changes, the need to take care of our most precious resource is greater than ever, both locally and globally. That’s why, at Thames Water, every one of our actions, big and small, matters every day. Water is essential to daily life, and that means our business is always open. We’re passionate about providing world-class tap water, now and for the future. We’re also turning waste into power, self-generating 20% of the energy we use and, in turn, doing our bit for the planet. We’re reducing plastic waste by celebrating our tap water and rolling out an ambitious water fountain project. We’re using our voice to lobby for change and partnering with WaterAid to provide clean water to the world’s poorest communities. Together, we’re building a better future for our customers, our region and our planet. Thames Water is a unique, rewarding and diverse place to work. If you join our team, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and unparalleled benefits. We’re also proud to be an equal opportunity employer, Stonewall Diversity Champion and Disability Confident Leader, welcoming individuals from all walks of life and leading the way with award-winning mental health and well-being strategy. This job was originally posted as www.totaljobs.com/job/89940232