IT Lead Application Architect at Penn Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Co

Description

Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company 

Position  IT Lead Application Architect 

Department  Information Technology 

Reports to  Director – Information Technology 

Position Description: The Lead Application Architect’s role is to lead and perform activities related to PLM applications, databases, software integration programs and third-party solutions to meet the business requirements of the organization. The Architect is also responsible for developing and maintaining a data and application architecture blueprint for the company. The individual assists with testing to ensure interoperability of solutions developed by PLM teams, commercial off-the-shelf software deployed in the organization, and third-parties providers. This position will oversee and lead the development staff to the application architecture. Proven communication skills, problem solving skills, and knowledge of integration best practices are critical to successful performance.  

• Collaborate with IT Department Head, IT Director and development team to design technology solutions in support of business strategy and project goals and objectives 
• Design, maintain, and evolve the application, data, and integration architecture, standards, and processes; effectively communicate technical standards to peers 
• Design, build, and maintain PLM databases to support the architecture 
• Collaborate with Security to maintain data security classification for data storage 
• Orchestrate and optimize the footprint of systems for performance and maintainability, working and collaborating with PLM infrastructure/operations, CISO, and vendors 
• Collaborate with Regulatory and all IT teams to build data retention solution into all systems according to established policy 
• Maintain data dictionaries for the architecture within scope of responsibility 
• Maintain all related documentation in RootSource in an organized manner for collaborating and sharing with the team and in conformance with audit and best practices 
• Lead integration testing phase of software and applications under development in order to identify and remedy potential problem areas 
• Work with development and operations/infrastructure teams on code review and migration to support change control, agile/automated development and delivery, and segregation of duties  
• Work with infrastructure and operations and security analyst on system and server design 
• Collaborate with IT Director and Department Head to establish and meet deadlines for related tasks and deliverables; accountable to both the IT Director and IT Department Head for delivery of work product  
• Work as part of a team with PLM and third-party providers to integrate solutions 
• Build relationships with vendors of application software deployed in the organization’s IT environment to learn about and provide feedback on their technical integration capabilities 
• Perform hands-on development for proof of concepts and as required to fulfill project delivery 
• Maintain application inventory (vendors, versions, maturity, lifecycle, etc.) 
• Participate in vendor management for technology strategy of third-party vendors 
• Research general and insurance-specific technology to fulfill projects and to identify opportunities for innovation; develop prototypes and solidify designs for finished product 
• Lead and mentor junior members of the team 

Skills: 

• Bachelors’ degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, MIS, or related discipline 
• 8+ years direct experience in enterprise-level applications 
• Experience in linking cross-functional applications between business units and systems 
• Experience with business and technical requirements analysis, business process modeling/mapping, methodology development, and data mapping 
• Extensive experience with core insurance applications 
• Experience in data management, data architecture, data warehousing, business intelligence, and predictive analytics 
• Direct, hands-on experience with automated integration tools and metadata management 
• Proficient in traditional, conversant in emerging database design & management techniques 
• Experience with: C#, .Net Core, asp.net core, Azure DevOps, Workato (low code tools), Azure Functions/Logic/Flow; Windows (IIS/Service), Azure SaaS Stack (Websites/etc.), SQL Server, Dynamics 365, SharePoint 365 
• Competency with XML constructs and schemas 
• Confidence and experience with API protocols and schemas such as Rest, Soap, GraphQL, Websocket etc. 
• Knowledge of network protocols and standards 
• Substantial exposure to project-based work structures, project lifecycle models, etc. 
• Strong knowledge of system and software QA best practices and methodologies 
• Strong understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives, end-user needs, and requirements with ability to design a practical implementation approach  
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment 
• A strong mindset towards practical uses of technology for innovation 
• Team player; ability to communicate with all skill levels 
• Goal oriented and passionate work attitude 

Standards of Performance: 

• % Targets/Deadlines Achieved 
• # End User Satisfaction 
• % Compliance to Audit & Security Standards 
• $ Technology Maintenance Spend ($ and human resources) 
• % Development Standards Adhered 
• # Ideas Generated for IT-enabled business innovation  
• # Break/Fix Incidents to due data quality 
• % Business Hours Uptime (per Component) >= 99%  
• # Audit Findings Re-opened 
• % Educational Requirements Met 

Physical Requirements: 

1. Ability to hear 
2. Ability to speak clearly 
3. Ability to write 
4. Ability to walk, stand and sit for extended periods of time 
5. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other components 
6. Travel is required as needed for the purpose of communication and collaboration with the end user and technical peers 
7. Occasional evening and weekend work to meet deadlines and/or address operational issues