Guidewire Solutions Architect

UFG is currently hiring for a Guidewire Solutions Architect toprovide strategic, technical, and potentially program leadership in the design of complex, cross-functional technology solutions that support UFG’s enterprise objectives. Operating at a higher level of influence and accountability, this role leads solution design efforts across multiple domains or programs and ensures alignment with enterprise architecture, regulatory expectations, and business strategy.

In addition to deep expertise in architecture frameworks and design patterns, the Senior Solution Architect plays a key role in technology planning, standards development, and guiding junior architects or technical leads. This position is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and partner directly with senior business and IT stakeholders to drive value-driven solution outcomes at scale.

• Partners with and guide key stakeholders including product owners, project managers/leads, vendor management, business analysts, technology leads, end users, and others, to create solutions which are aligned with architecture principles, leverage common solutions and services, and meet the financial goals for the business.
• Within the solution development lifecycle, be accountable for solution evaluation and selection, drive buy vs. build decisions and create early-phase project estimates which contribute to the business case.
• Provide needed direction and consulting to delivery teams during the detailed design, build, test, and deploy phases.
• Ensure technology, application, and data architecture are aligned with UFG's business priorities and overall enterprise architecture
• Guide technology investment decisions based on analysis and evaluation to drive targeted business outcomes.
• Guide team in industry trend research and the applicability of industry research to UFG’s application and technology portfolio.
• Facilitates the evaluation of software products and services being reviewed for implementation and ensures it follows UFG guidelines and standards
• Keep current in new technologies and technical aptitude including trends in the cloud and provide relative information and/or training to others (like Managers, Solutions Architects, Business Leads).
• Define and implement agile/lean architectural processes and practices.
• Create architectural documentation (diagrams, interface definitions, data models).
• Assist in the creation of, or create business cases with well-defined deliverables, goals, and expectations.
• Have a positive demeanor and excellent communication skills to effectively share their knowledge.
• Mentor other solution architects and other technologists across UFG.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or equivalent combination of education and relevant enterprise-level experience.
• Master’s Degree is preferred.

Certifications/Designations:

While no certifications are specifically required for this position, the employee is expected to remain up to date with changes in technology and enterprise-caliber organizations, particularly as they are relevant to the insurance industry. Some certifications that might be useful include:

• TOGAF architecture framework
• AWS, Azure, or Google cloud architecture certifications
• SAFe® for Architects
• Certified Dev Ops Architect (various vendors)
• Relevant vendor certifications with Guidewire, Duck Creek, and other vendors that UFG works with

• A combination of 10+ years of experience in software development and Solutions Architect roles:
  • 5+ years of experience in software development lifecycle including design, development and testing of software applications preferred.
  • 7+ years of experience as a Solutions Architect or Technical Lead in large scale projects spanning multiple enterprise systems.
• Experience in designing scalable architectures with emphasis on digital transformation and user experience.
• Expert level knowledge of cloud platforms, languages, platforms, APIs, databases, security practices, and system integration.

• General Office Environment.
• Up to 5% travel may be required…