At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and oversee innovative solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Company: Join CNA Hardy, a leader in commercial insurance with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a strong emphasis on collaboration and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of technology in the insurance industry.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in technical delivery and expertise in system architecture methodologies.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
The Solutions Architect works closely with an Enterprise Architect, Development Managers, and the Transformation delivery team (PMs, BA). They collaborate to ensure ongoing alignment of technical and business outcomes. They also work with the US-based Architecture team, as needed, to ensure architectural outcomes are within required standards and guardrails. The SA owns the creation, maintenance, and communication of the Solution Design for one or more projects or products, along with technical oversight through implementation by one or more development teams. The SA is comfortable working in both Agile and in Waterfall delivery models.
Key Responsibilities
- Builds and continually refines the Solution Design and epics in collaboration with stakeholders for application architecture, with data or infrastructure architectural elements as needed.
- Supports development teams in overcoming hurdles, implementing new designs, and best practices.
- Provides expert knowledge to and participates in the prioritisation of deliverables.
- Guides and negotiates with developers/engineers, business analysts, business relationship directors, project managers & transformation team to ensure architectural alignment.
- Engages with other architects as needed for support and guidance, working with them and enterprise architects to ensure technical standards, procedures, and methodologies are adhered to and/or provide feedback where changes are needed.
- Actively engages in all project and BAU planning ceremonies, collaborating, coaching and guiding stakeholders to ensure ongoing alignment with the architectural vision.
- Influences and creates ongoing maintenance requirements for maintaining and stabilizing delivery of application changes and pipelines, including upgrades of technology, frameworks, and infrastructure.
- Presents architectural overview at project and change triage meetings, socializing and enabling delivery teams to successfully complete associated changes.
- Negotiates scope adjustments as needed and accepts them as they are completed.
- Ensures technical guardrails are enforced via designs.
- May perform additional duties as assigned.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Expert knowledge of design and implementation of enterprise workflow systems, distributed architecture, intranet/internet architecture, and communication architectures.
- Senior level knowledge of the system development life cycle, along with system and application program development technological alternatives and architecture methodologies for multi-platform environments.
- Solid understanding of coding principles and practices, and experience managing code quality through pull requests and other processes.
- Extensive experience at the highest technical level of all phases of system architecture design using state‑of‑the‑art architecture, object‑oriented component analysis and development, and proficiency in web‑based systems architecture, service‑based architecture and enterprise application architecture.
- Strong knowledge of contemporary technology and business trends that allows architecture to solve problems in a creative and cost‑effective manner.
- Expert understanding of Agile (desirable would be knowledge of SAFe), SDLC, Waterfall delivery, and testing practices with experience incrementally building and shepherding the agile mindset, values, principles, and practices across teams.
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills. Able to communicate, collaborate and consult effectively with vendors, clients, peers, and IT management and staff.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving and negotiation/conflict resolution skills. Able to balance technical excellence with business results.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to coach, influence, guide and mentor teams, peers, clients and leadership in cross‑functional teams.
- Extensive experience developing strategic system architecture plans and decomposing architectural initiatives into deliverables.
- Extensive experience with information processing fundamentals, understanding of current and emerging best practices.
- Proven experience identifying, analyzing and resolving system problems.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree (preferred) in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline; or equivalent work experience.
- Typically, a minimum of 10 years work experience in technical delivery, including experience with system architecture methodologies, concepts and frameworks such as TOGAF.
- Typically a minimum of five years work experience with architecture in some of the following technology platforms: ASP.Net, Python, tiered architectures, cloud architecture.
- Experience with insurance or finance‑based products.
- Applicable certifications preferred – TOGAF.
- Preferred experience with use of Jira, Confluence, and LucidSpark.
The Company
CNA Hardy is a leading specialist commercial insurance provider for clients within the Lloyd’s and company markets. We offer a highly specialised and comprehensive portfolio of innovative and market‑leading products. Coverage is available to businesses of all sizes for domestic, international and global exposures.
Solutions Architect employer: CNA Hardy
CNA Hardy is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Solutions Architect role. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, employees are encouraged to engage in continuous learning and development while working alongside industry experts in a dynamic environment. Located in a vibrant area, the company offers competitive benefits and a supportive atmosphere that values both technical excellence and business outcomes, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Solutions Architect role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous projects and architectural designs. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your Agile and Waterfall methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, as well as your approach to overcoming technical hurdles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Solutions Architect role. Highlight your experience with enterprise workflow systems and your understanding of both Agile and Waterfall methodologies. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical knowledge! Mention your experience with system architecture design, coding principles, and any relevant technologies like ASP.Net or Python. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their expertise clearly.
Communicate Clearly:Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure your written application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can effectively communicate complex ideas!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at CNA Hardy
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of enterprise workflow systems and distributed architecture. Be ready to discuss your experience with various architectural methodologies, especially Agile and Waterfall, as well as how you've applied them in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Highlight your analytical and negotiation skills, especially in situations where you had to guide teams through technical hurdles or scope adjustments.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since the role requires excellent communication skills, practice articulating complex technical concepts in simple terms. Be prepared to present your architectural designs and engage in discussions about best practices with stakeholders.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company’s Products
Research CNA Hardy's portfolio and understand their market position. Being knowledgeable about their insurance products will help you align your solutions with their business goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
