Our Client in the retail industry is seeking a Systems Architect to joing their dynamic team.
 
Purpose of the Role

The System Architect is responsible for planning, high level design and oversight of the construction of the Companies  software package (system).  This is both a technical role and a strategic role impacting the long term success of the Company.

The System Architect is responsible for:

• Planning the future direction in regard to functionality, development platforms, appearance, operating platforms, and throughput of the system.
• Defining the overall structure of the system (taking into consideration the frameworks  the company  already has in place).
• Producing, or coordinating the production of the major deliverables and activities within the System Design team.
• Effective and efficient functioning of the System Design Process.
• Protection of the strategic vision of the product, to ensure that all development work is performed in a way that improves the value of the overall software package.

The System Architect is held accountable for the outputs of the System Design Team, for sustaining a team capable of producing these outputs, for giving effective leadership to that team.  The System Design Team comprises System Designers.

The System Architect works as a member of the Companies Management Team, liaising with managers from the following areas, who have similar accountabilities and authority for their respective teams:

• Sales and Marketing (General Manager - Global Sales and Marketing).
• Service Delivery (Head of Service Delivery).
• Project Management (Project Office Manager).
• Software Development (Software Development Manager).
• Software Support (Manager Global Support).
• Human Resources and Office Management (Human Resources Manager).
• Finance (Finance Manager).

Capabilities Knowledge and Skill

Personal Qualities

• Be trustworthy and reliable.
• Able to maintain high energy and a strong positive attitude.
• Be highly motivated and have a confident approach when dealing with people.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others.
• Able to make decisions that will not be unacceptable to colleagues at the Management Team level.
• Disciplined and well-structured approach to work. 
• Able to plan and carry out (manage) plans through to the point of realisation 18 months into the future.
• Excellent personal presentation, commensurate with the Companies Corporate Dress Code and with high professional standards.
• Flexible in accepting work assignments and capable of following directions.
• The ability to work responsibly without direct supervision.
• Able to travel interstate and internationally.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Information Technology, Business or related commercial field.
• 10 years plus experience in a system architecture position, 5 years at a management level.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• The ability to interact with people at all levels e.g. business owners, project managers, line managers, designers, programmers, end users, etc.
• Strong ability to create plans and schedules, to manage tasks on the schedule through to completion, and consistently deliver outputs within the quality standard on time.
• The ability to switch between abstract higher level views and specific detailed views.
• Able to add value to the work of the architects by providing effective team leadership.
• Able to coach and mentor architects.
• Able to handle multiple tasks and balance the workload based on priority of assignments.
• Able to learn the Companies software applications and their underlying architecture to the level required to provide advice about the system and its operations.
• Strong understanding of commercial software processes and principles.
• Strong understanding of the retail industry.
• Strong understanding of information technology and its use in retail.
• Experience developing both store-level and Head Office retail management systems is an advantage.
• The ability to communicate clearly in English over the telephone, in writing, and in person is essential. 
• The ability to handle all communication, whether verbal or in writing, in a professional manner.
• Relevant commercial experience in managing a System Design Team with a combined resource pool of at least 5 architects.
• Detailed technical knowledge of the software development environment, tools, libraries and programming languages.
• Detailed technical knowledge of the Microsoft Windows platform and Microsoft Office applications.