Software Architect

Job title: Software Architect Location: Potters Bar or Isle of Man Job type: Permanent Who we are Canada Life UK looks after the retirement, investment and protection needs of individuals, families and companies. We help to build better futures for our customers, our intermediaries and our employees by operating as a modern, agile and welcoming organisation. Part of our parent company Great-West Lifeco, Canada Life UK has operated in the United Kingdom since 1903. We have hundreds of respected and supported employees committed to doing the right thing for our customers and colleagues. Canada Life UK is transforming to create a more customer-focused business by providing our customers with expertise on financial and tax planning, offering home finance and annuities propositions, and providing collective fund solutions to third party customers. What we’re building We now need a Software Architect to support the transformation and the future growth of the business within the IT function, so it can simplify our IT architecture by removing our legacy systems and investing in modernised, lower-cost technology systems, and deliver a digital platform that provides a single view of our customers. Job summary The Software Architect will be responsible for making software design choices, coordinate and oversee technical standards, including software coding standards, tools and platforms. Has accountability to ensure the overall Canada Life owned system design is achieving the necessary level of flexibility and robustness driven by the degree of business demand for low cost, low risk and rapid change, and that all software delivered will meet internal standards with minimum technical debt. Introduces and maintains efficiencies through the use of automation technologies in build, test and release and implements appropriate tooling within Software Delivery to enable delivery of business outcomes. Works with Head of Software Development, Development, QA and Release Managers to create and implement a Software Delivery Strategy. What you’ll do Provides Leadership – to provide consultation and influence stakeholders Directs overall vision of QA offering Works with Software Delivery peers to implement the use of best practice tools Works collaboratively with Software Delivery Leadership team to implement and maintain a Software Delivery Strategy. Establishes and maintains a vision and roadmap for the technology enablement for integration that is commercially focused and delivers value for cost. Provides partnership services to the Development, QA and Release Managers to drive implementation and maintenance of a Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment working environments. Ensures development standards are in place for any Canada Life owned codebases, whether internal or outsourced. Includes coding standards, unit testing, security, application patterns, etc Ensures all internally built solution design is fit for purpose. Identification, implementation and upkeep of IT Software Delivery tools; in the arena of solution build and deploy, code management, testing, etc Works with Software Delivery Leadership team to ensure appropriate risk management controls are in place and audit requirements are met Acts as gatekeeper to the Technical Design authority for Software Delivery. Who you are IT technical expertise – SDLC. Software Development critical experience to have is around the ability to provide Continuous Delivery of software application/product. Implicit in this is first hand know how of how to orchestrate and deliver on the following capabilities Version Control Deployment Automation Continuous Software Integration (across multi-site) Trunk Based Development Test Automation Shift left on Security Leverage loosely coupled architecture Proactive notifications and build monitoring Expert level Lead Developer, leading the effort of a team of developers Familiarity with a range of development technologies, deign patterns and tooling, ideally with emphasis on: Azure, ASP.net Core, Web API, C# (Win-Forms, Asp.Net), T-SQL, SSRS, SSIS, HTML, XML. Fully capable in the area of software design Strong experience working within an agile development methodology as well as experience working within a waterfall delivery methodology. Knowledge of software development best practice Proven and demonstrable development capability Ability to build effective relationships with project managers, business analysts, QA, business users and other stakeholders Ability to work positively and effectively within team of mixed abilities and experience. Flexibility with technology and adaptability within changing environments. Demonstration of ‘continuous learning’ and self-improvement within the IS function. Evidenced analysis, problem solving and decision making skills. Ability to work positively and effectively within team of mixed abilities and experience. Flexibility with technology and adaptability within changing environments. Excellent time and self-management through effective planning & prioritisation of tasks. Excellent knowledge of business operations and domains is expected, the job holder is likely to be advanced in areas of operations, investments finance or all. Passionate about the end to end Software Delivery process and a general knowledge of IT industry and current trends Qualifications Degree level IT or technical/scientific subject. Or alternatively demonstrable experience working at this level Technical qualifications advantageous eg Azure, ASP.net Core, Web API, C# (Win-Forms, Asp.Net), T-SQL, SSRS, SSIS, HTML, XML What you’ll like about working here As a Canada Life UK colleague, you’ll receive a competitive salary and comprehensive reward package including income protection, private medical insurance and life assurance, along with a generous pension and bonus scheme. You’ll also receive the support you need with your personal and professional development. Our focus is to have an engaged, committed and motivated work force, operating in a high performing and collaborative culture. We want to create an organisation that offers opportunities for all our people to develop their skills and talent, and build rewarding careers with us. Diversity and inclusion Canada Life is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our role as an employer of choice is to provide the right environment for talented people to do their best work, by respecting, understanding and valuing individual differences. This job was originally posted as www.totaljobs.com/job/89891948