Main activities • Working with users and other Architects, particularly on larger projects, to define the requirements of an application and specify an optimum design for subsequent development. • Interfacing with end-users and all levels of management to translate business requirements into appropriate IT-related specifications (functional specifications). • Selecting suitable software packages, analysing systems and data. • Performing analytical assignments as required by IT management, particularly in areas of difficulty, critical need. • Assisting in staff supervision and training and providing assistance and guidance to programming staff during the development and testing of applications. • Achieving necessary design and systems security standards. • Assigning and reviewing the work of more junior members in the department.

Key skills • Advanced skills and considerable experience in one or more of the major programming languages, and in the evaluation of equipment and software options. • Good understanding of the current IT systems environment and development paths. • Project planning and specification skills, together with problem-solving and analysis. The latter is usually based on specific industry knowledge.

Internal contacts User Groups at a senior level, Network Architects, Business Analysts, Project Managers, Analyst Programmers.

External contacts Suppliers of Hardware and Software.

Typical experience 8+ years experience in software development, with at least 5 years in systems specification and design, coupled with tertiary qualifications in computer science or a related discipline.

Other comments Alternative Title: Senior Systems Architect. Has been a member of a project delivery team that has successfully delivered a major business solution (applications systems) into production.