Solution Architect (MAKE)

Job Description / Capsule

The Solution Architect is accountable for determining and architecting solutions that enable business capabilities, delivering in alignment with AstraZeneca’s IT strategy, roadmap, principles and standards. They work with other Architects in the Manufacturing domain and experience in this domain is essential.

The Solution Architect will ensure that AZ technical solutions are delivered to AZ defined reference architectureand technology standards.  The role will ensure that the common architecture decisions are implemented consistently across the business and IT. The role will provide Information Technology architectural expertise and technical direction to system development and integration projects. The Architect will work on architectures for Information Services/Information Technology solutions and will specialise in at least one architecture domain.

The Solution Architect will be a member of the IGNITE Architecture team supporting the Operations BTG, and will be responsible for enhancing and accelerating projects while ensuring the logical and physical architecture for a project aligns with the standards and reference architectures defined by enterprise architecture.

You will utilize knowledge of defined reference architectures, technology trends, and implementation experience in order to translate a business need into a solution design that represents an end-to-end technical solution.

Typical Accountabilities

This role is accountable for the solution architecture and design across AstraZeneca’s Operations Manufacturing (MAKE) domain with a focus on Data & Analytics, Digital and IIOT capabilities. You will ideally be experienced in manufacturing technologies and be capable bridging the gap between IT and OT in a secure, future-looking manner.

You will be the responsible architect on projects within areas including but not limited to: Autonomous Factory, Digital Transformation and key strategic global programmes supporting manufacturing of our product portfolio. You will be required to analyse, conceptualise, design and govern across AstraZeneca’s strategic IT landscape in order to support business projects.

The role will be accountable to provide solution design support in the below focused domains of architecture.

Business

Data

Application

Infrastructure

• Designs architectures, solution blueprints for projects or solutions that address business/application/data/infrastructure requirements
• Works with Business Analysis and Solution Engineering functions and supports functional & technical requirements management, including driving software selection processes
• Ensures that solution architectures and designs are appropriately robust and address business, application, information and infrastructure architectural requirements
• Accountable for architecting and designing comprehensive solutions that meet business requirements and are aligned to AstraZeneca’s Enterprise Architecture, in support of a given portfolio.
• The Solution Architect will partner with project managers, business analysts, and solution engineers to create solutions that are aligned to AstraZeneca architecture standards and principles, leverage common solutions and services, and meet the financial targets (cost and benefits).
• Within the solution development lifecycle the role will be accountable for solution evaluation and selection, buy vs. build decisions, and early-phase project estimates which contribute to the business case.
• Provides technical & IT expertise support to project teams and conducts AZ architectural reviews throughout project lifecycle
• Ensures compliance with existing EA guidelines and standards (e.g. AZ Architecture Engagement Process (ISPMM) and EA Software Standards)
• Contribures to project and service teams in the development, implementation and maintenance of standard architectural components
• Works with third party suppliers as required and contributes to the creation of local or functional design documents
• Works with third party suppliers to verify technical development and delivery are in adherence with the Architecture Roadmap, Blueprint and Information Services Strategy
• Documents all architecture analysis and design work
• Develops strong knowledge and expertise in at least one architecture domain
• Contributes to the development of the Architecture Capability within Information Services, by documenting and sharing knowledge and best practices with peer Architects

Education, Qualifications, and Experience

Essential

• Relevant technical degree or equivalent
• Proven development/design experience in at least one technical domain.
• Manufacturing platforms and domain related technologies such as: MES, Historian, OEE solutions, IIoT, Edge technology, cloud, zero-trust, OT, Relational Databases and Big Data technologies, AI/ML, data streaming, data modelling, real-time inference
• Demonstrable experience in IT/OT strategy development and execution, preferably in a senior role.
• Good understanding of IT/OT architectures, systems, standards and technologies including ISA95, IEC62443, cloud computing, networking, cybersecurity, and industrial automation.
• Experience of developing innovative solutions,  blueprints, and standards for solution design.
• Experience implementing and maintaining business solution architectures under any formal framework for their domain of architecture.
• Experience of developing and managing relationships with 3rd party suppliers

Desirable

• Demonstrated initiative, strong customer orientation, and cross-cultural working
• Experience in developing/maturing an architectural practice

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.