Solution Architect

The objective of this role is to support the ongoing development of the Data and Digitalisation (D&D) strategy for SP Energy Networks (SPEN) that ensures the role's assigned applications, their architecture and data deliver the processes to support the business' strategic goals.

SPEN has a complex application estate covering IT and OT which requires continuous evolution to deliver the digital services that support the business operation. Examples of the types of application deployed include Regulatory, Customer Service, ERP Plant Management, GIS, Field Work Management, Operational Management System and Business Intelligence.

The role holder will establish and maintain roadmaps for assigned applications and clearly communicated these to internal and external stakeholders for Joint Venture and HVDC Projects.

Specific focus will be given to the introduction of new digital technologies within assigned domains that bring innovative technology and strategic benefit to the SPENs IT estate.

Additionally, the role holder will work closely with colleagues across ScottishPower's IT teams, the wider Group IT Architecture team and the global networks business to ensure assigned applications architecture is defined as part of the wider Iberdrola architecture model.

The role holder will assess assigned IT projects from an architecture and design perspective to ensure alignment with D&D Strategy and best value solutions and economies of scale are being gained from IT investments. The Architect will lead in defining business specific application architectures which includes evaluation, selection and integration of necessary standards, models and technical components that support the defined functional and non-functional requirements.

The role holder will support the alignment of applications and standards where possible across Iberdrola Networks businesses.

The role holder will also support delivery of SPEN's Innovation activities covering idea identification, business case production, management and delivery of approved innovation projects.

Accountability Statements

• Support and development of solutions for Joint Venture and HVDC projects.
• Support the development and maintenance of D&D Strategy and action plan in relation to assigned applications.
• For assigned applications maintain application architecture models, standards and roadmaps contributing to the wider architecture model. Responsibility in SPEN for understanding the business goals and using these as inputs (plus technology awareness) to the ongoing maintenance and development of SPEN applications architecture and associated standards and roadmaps.
• Promotes innovation and application of emerging technologies within the context of a business-driven solution.
• Keep abreast of industry and technology change including networking with industry and IT peers to ensure SPEN's application adopt best practice and provide best value IT solutions.
• Understand regulatory requirements for D&D
• Business applications architecture design - working closely with the wider group in a highly collaborative manner, to ensure that solutions being developed for business projects comply with group standards
• This role will include providing advice and guidance to project teams and the creation of the required application architecture documents.
• Project Governance - apply governance to assigned projects to ensure they comply with the agreed and defined application architectures, approved roadmaps and associated technical standards.
• Integrated Annual Systems Planning - support SPENs activities to contribute to the annual systems planning activity across the Group.
• Technology Evangelism - ensuring that technology standards and emerging changes are understood across SPEN.

Project Scale:

Responsible for solutions design, application integration and ongoing strategy development for assigned IT applications within the business. Ensuring the assigned applications annual programme delivers the benefits detailed in the Digital Strategy.

Supports the maintaining and publishing the ongoing Data and Digitalisation strategy.

Responsible for ensuring cyber security is appropriately delivered in assigned projects.

Complexity & Creativity: Supports the Architecture and Strategy Lead in collaborating across the international companies within the Iberdrola Group to deliver strategic solutions which requires interfaces with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Works as a part time member of the tribes agreeing the solutions design and integration requirements for assigned projects.

Judgement & decisions: Gather relevant information and make recommendations on best solution to effectively satisfy business and department needs in line with timescales, budgetary costs and desired outcomes., Ability to organise and plan application architecture activities to support business timescales.

• Communicate application architecture requirements to all stakeholders.
• Prepare application architecture design reports and requirement plans to include in wider project delivery plans and business cases.
• Influencing stakeholders at both business and technical levels.
• Achieving effective working relationships with colleagues in Iberdrola.
• Working with suppliers to ensure that SPEN gets the right level of service from them at the lowest cost for that level of service.
• Translating business requirements into simple, effective application designs that, once delivered contribute towards a simpler, more cost-effective IT architecture within the Group.
• Recognising the possibilities afforded by being part of the Iberdrola Group and capitalising on the resources available to deliver more effectively.
• Makes recommendations that balance commercial and technical requirements, whilst achieving compliance with Group standards

Internal and External Relationships

• Role holder will be part of the SPEN Business Transformation
• Role holder will engage with Joint Venture projects.
• Must be a team player with good inter-personal and communicative skills.
• Support SPEN IT projects solution design needs and work as part of the delivery team when needed.
• ScottishPower and Iberdrola stakeholders, particularly in IOC and Regulator.
• Iberdrola's Architecture & Technology team in Spain and UK
• Business managers across SPEN
• Managers and technical staff from 3rd party suppliers
• Consultants from 3rd party technology companies
• SPEN COE and members of their teams
• Consultants from 3rd party technology companies
• Outsourced application partners and suppliers

An effective communicator

• The role holder will have 3+ years' experience in software development lifecycles covering business applications design, development and implementation specific to the Utilities industry.
• Experience of packaged and bespoke applications developed
• Business understanding of the Energy and Utility market to be able to provide solutions to complex business problems for areas of responsibility where analysis of situations requires an in-depth knowledge of organisational objectives.
• Experience of translating complex technical issues into language that delivers effective end results.
• Influencing of colleagues, both in Spain and the UK will be an important aspect of the job and the role holder must be able to demonstrate an inter-personal style that strikes a good balance between being collaborative and direct/determined.
• As application architectures and technologies develop and evolve in ever reducing periods of time, the role holder will be required to update his/her knowledge and must therefore demonstrate a strong, in-built desire to acquire and retain knowledge about information technology. This will include in-depth knowledge of different application development technologies and frameworks, when to apply them and associated strengths and weaknesses.
• Networking with peers and business IT suppliers will be essential to this job to ensure that technology decisions are based on a range of information sources.
• IT projects delivery experience related to application design and development projects, will be required as the role holder will be expected to manage a range of activities, which would effectively be a small programme of work, to do with research activities, proof of concept exercises, specific projects, etc.
• Supplier and contract management experience is desirable for this post.
• Working within an UK wide and international team, oral and/or written skills in Spanish would be desirable.
• Coupled with this, a flexible attitude to work and a desire to work with Iberdrola colleagues in Spain is also required., Experience of application design, development and modern application architecture is key from identifying customer requirements, evaluation of required IT solutions and selecting the correct application and technology solution design. Ability to feed application technology selections into architecture model for use across similar business IT needs.
• IT experience gained from working in a number of application-based roles.
• Record of academic achievement, including some form of recognised qualification from further education, such as a degree or diploma.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Numerate and able to deal with finances for the purposes of managing budgets or contracts with suppliers.
• Willingness to travel internationally on business.
• Driving licence.
• Must be a proven team player to work, promote and consolidate efficient team working relationships.