Functional Architect

Our work touches the lives of millions of people. We are dedicated to helping our clients deliver an excellent experience to the members of their pension schemes. This is an exciting opportunity to join Technology and Administration Solutions (TAS) GB,as the Business Analyst Lead within the Business Solutions function in TAS Technology.
You will be part of a global team of functional Architects responsible for ensuring that we successfully design and develop new technology solutions that align with the business needs as well as the architecture strategy for the product, as well fill in thecommunication gap between technical and non-technical experts involved in an IT project
You will be joining a large team with diverse skills and experience, the job requires a motivated individual who is experienced in taking responsibility, who can independently deliver results on both a generic product level as well as client specific projects.
This role can be based in one of our TAS locations, Redhill, Welwyn or Leeds.WTW offers a hybrid working environment with time in the office and at home.
**The Role**:

- Responsible for definition and communication of the generic functional architectural principles for the development of all aspects of the product.
- Responsible for the analysis of desired processes and outcomes to advice on the right combination of IT systems and components to achieve those goals.
- Works closely with the Lead Business Analysts to ensure that requirements are gathered in line with the generic functional architectural principles.
- Works closely with the Lead System Analysts to ensure that solutions are designed in line with the generic functional architecture principles including definition of the process to review solutions.
- Have a deep understand of the TAS vision and objectives so it can be aligned with the functional architectural principles.
- Inputs into the Product Roadmap ensuring that benefits to the business are at the forefront of considerations.
- Helps team self-manage towards development and innovation, guided by the stakeholders’ expectation.
- Contributes to team innovation activities, requested prototyping or research and development activities.
- Helps team understand and embody the Product vision and business needs for a successful, low-defect, on-time product release.
- Work in a collaborative manner within a high-pressure environment to develop key relationships
- Builds and support a culture of trust and transparency where collaboration is fostered within the Scrum teams and with the Program and Product Managers to work towards a common business goal.
- Supports team members across geographical locations.
- Identify key improvements continually to help drive efficiencies.
- Fosters a culture where risks and issues are managed at the lowest responsible level by communicating and collaborating with team members.
- Supports building a Community of Practice to enhance continual learning.
- Helps team members serve as a champion of quality for their scrum team and helps support the BA Community of Practice, knowledge sharing sessions, lunch & learn, brown bag sessions, and other learning sessions

**The Requirements**
A strong demonstratable architect capability is required alongside a track record in delivering successful projects. The role requires you to provide technical leadership to other technology teams (specifically Systems Analysis and Software Engineering Resources)across multiple locations with a firm grasp and experience of offshore development processes (including knowledge management and transfer) to ensure successful delivery of projects. You will be required to ensure use your technical background and experienceto ensure support and guidance is provided to analysts and other functional architects.
- Demonstrable experience of successfully undertaking a functional Architect lead role ideally within the pensions industry.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- The ability to adapt language to make sense for various stakeholders; examples are sponsors, developers and Quality Assurance staff.
- Flexible and “can do” approach.
- Sense of accountability, owning one’s work and taking pride in it; commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
- Strong organisational abilities and flexibility to work in a performance driven environment managing multiple project priorities.
- The ability to lead, coach, mentor and influence others
- In-depth knowledge of a variety of software development approaches and methodologies including Agile and Waterfall, with a preference for Agile
- Excellence in requirements capture, analysis techniques and process improvement approaches
- Able to influence and drive projects to meet key milestones and overcome challenges
- A desire to remain technically capable and an expert in current analysis techniques
- Experienced leader in all aspects of Governance and Controls within Technology operations
- Demonstrable experience in managing and leading a Global team of analyst professionals.
- Able to communicate with a variety of stakeholders at all levels in the organization, including CxO level colleagues and Governance bodies
- Understanding and experience of IT Quality Management
- Knowledge of Integrated Risk Management and Business Continuity Planning
- Strong financial and commercial experience across global matrix organisations

**Equal Opportunity Employer