Senior Solution Architect- APIs & Middleware

The Senior Solution Architect (SSA) will be responsible for defining the end to end architecture for large complex systems in the assigned solution portfolio. The SSA will take the requirements and develop well-formulated models of the components of the solution, augmenting the models as necessary to fit all of the circumstances and define intersection points with other solution areas. This position is responsible for the logical and physical architecture of applications and infrastructure within the most complex areas of a technology segmented solution portfolio. The SSA will research, analyze and recommend new technology, architectures, frameworks and products for complex solutions as well as design and develop architectural prototypes. This role will also identify emerging trends and thought leadership in software development and introduce these to benefit the application/project as well as the enterprise. The successful candidate must have multiple years of actual end to end implementation experience of said architectures.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITY:

Works in conjunction with Enterprise Architects to ensure alignment of actions with company/business area goals and strategies.Understands, advocates, and augments the principles of information technology strategies as defined within the Enterprise Architecture.

Translates business and IT requirements into architecture specifications and models.

Takes ownership of a particular solution/technology segment serving multiple cross-functional processes. Acts as visionary and strategist for solution/technology segment. Develops and executes a solution strategy and business plan that supports solution maturity

Shapes, designs, and plans specific services within solution/technology segment creating associated design patterns and promotion of reuse. Establishes and communicates the value proposition of the end to end solution to Business and IT senior leadership.

Surveys market landscape for solution insights, direction, vendors, and methods. Identifies and qualifies solution improvement opportunities both in solution/technology segment and across the overall solution architecture

Develops and maintains vendor relationships within solution space

Develops, implements and manages the use of formalized solution methodologies, deliverable/documentation standards and complex design patterns and technical standards

Architectural polices, processes, standards, frameworks and models are created, socialized and implemented.

Documents architecture and solution decisions as well as white papers that provide further insight and thought in the solution space

Interfaces and coordinates tasks with internal and external technical resources. Drives cross functional alignment with other Architects at solution space intersection points. Collaborates with Project Managers and technical teams to provision estimates, develop overall implementation plans, and serve as lead as required for implementation, customization and integration efforts

Provides architecture consulting and manages compliance throughout all aspects of project life cycle, from initial kickoff through requirements analysis, design and implementation phases for projects within solution space. Oversees design decisions and provides architectural guidance to team members who implement improvement projects in the solution space

Responsibilities:

• Develops/maintains an understanding of AGCO's business processes and the application systems/infrastructure that supports them
• Understands the specific business needs and direction of more than one solution/technology area and defines the resulting IT implications
• Responsible for translating requirements into architecture specifications and models.
• Analyzes existing architecture to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, obsolescence and technology support gaps. Refines, and expands the model as necessary
• Influences business partners to align with the I/T strategy
• Responsible for the overall architecture integrity and maintains the vision of the offering from an architectural perspective.
• Acts as an "agent of change", representing the need for the implementation of the architecture. Through the development cycle, the architect continuously fosters the sharing of customer, architecture, and technical information between organizations.
• Supports vendor product RFP and selection processes
• Prepares and presents high level activity and progress reports and presents to Senior Leadership
• Mentors and guides more junior Architects and technical resources

FUNCTIONAL KNOWLEDGE:

• Specific knowledge in more than one of the following functional domain areas:

- Internet and cloud architecture

- Application and software development

- Middleware platforms such as SAP PI/ActiveMQ or other Brokers

- API design and implementation

- Restful services, SOAP services, JMS and other protocols.

- API Gateways and management platforms

- Mobile Applications or web based application experience

• Able to lead the design of a detailed solution architecture as well as facilitate development of component and technology architectures
• Understands how to leverage Business, Application, Data and Integration Architectures in development of solution architectures.
• Understands how to link solution architectures to business/enterprise strategy
• Knowledge of techniques to undertake the detailed definition of the architecture including strategies, as-is assessments, program assessments, sustainability analysis, targets, roadmaps and briefings, and defining measures of success.
• Expert knowledge and demonstrated experience in opportunity and business case development, business process design, transition planning, system development lifecycles, program/project management and fielding of business applications in a large scale enterprise with complex organizational and IT structures
• Significant knowledge/experience in the development of enterprise architectural frameworks and methodologies with experience developing architecture principles and standards as well as using architecture modeling tools.
• Able to validate, refine, and expand the complex solution architecture models: verify assumptions, bring in subject matter experts, etc. in order to improve the model and to further define it, adding as necessary new ideas to make the result more flexible and more tightly linked to current and expected requirements.
• Experience working with technology vendors and offshore development teams in the delivery of enterprise solutions

• Ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders, key clients, and other stakeholders, particularly on related architecture topics
• Ability to develop and lead a high performing team.
• Able to synthesize complex topics into meaningful information and prepare materials appropriate for senior level communications
• Able to facilitate decision making at very senior level within the organization
• Flexibility, adaptability and ability to deal continuously with ambiguous situations
• Expert in advanced writing, verbal and other presentation skills.
• Able to sell ideas across the organization
• Able to gain buy in from multiple departments and multiple levels within AGCO in order to support strategic changes and transformation
• Able to establish credibility with peers and senior management in order to garner support for architectural policies and processes as well as support for IT plans and roadmaps.

• Minimum BS or equivalent and 12+ years of related experience
• Ability to manage a multiple demanding tasks or assignments
• Ability to work under loose supervision and without detailed review of work
• Flexibility to travel when required