Senior Techonology Architect

Assurant, Inc. helps people protect what matters most to them. We provide specialty protection products and related services to safeguard against risks. With a strong commitment to service, sophisticated technology and an array of flexible tools, we build solutions to meet customers’ needs.

Sr. technology Architect provides leadership and technical guidance in the pursuit of solutions to gain competitive advantage. Conducts/leads research on new and emerging technologies for practical application to business problems and strategic initiatives. Provides technology consultative services to senior management. Reviews current technology architecture and seeks ways to leverage, improve and/or extend corporate technology investments. Works with Technology Services management in establishing technical directions and strategies. Ensures that cross-platform architectural components properly “fit” within the enterprise and maximum benefit can be gained. Develops documentation on recommended solutions that would include relevant research, cost analysis data, risk information, implementation strategies and industry positions. May often lead an ad-hoc multi-discipline team of non-direct report technical staff in order to develop solutions and conduct proof of concept exercises. Will interact with business unit management, applications systems management, technology management, vendors and industry experts in order to collect requirements, understand options, and determine solutions.

* Defines architectural strategies and plans for Assurant’s information technology. * Assemble and lead a team of intermediate & senior level technical resources in pursuit of technology solutions. * Advises and defines the architecture approach for projects that guides project activities toward desired Architecture model. * Develops architectural diagrams that document project plans, production systems, etc. * Acts as centralized viewpoint in looking at the “big picture” and bridging across the various technology platforms to ensure continuity of direction, leveraging of company assets, best practices, and overall integration. * Will seek out new technologies that meet specified cost/benefit criteria and take appropriate action to introduce into Assurant. This may include proof of concept activities, cost/benefit documentation, staff training, configuration recommendations, contract and service level requirements, etc. * Identifies, analyzes, and communicates architecture and integrations options and makes recommendations to management. Documents best practices. * Conducts industry research in order to develop solutions to resolve business needs. Drafts “white-papers” and communicates findings to management. * Meets regularly with key business unit personnel, Technology Services members, industry experts, clients, and Applications Development to collect requirements and/or research solutions. * In conjunction with departmental leaders, develops and maintains inventory of technology standards. * Responsible for the inventory of applications (application portfolio) and associated information. * Develop and maintain a strong understanding of Assurant Businesses. * May lead project efforts with temporarily assigned team of non-direct report staff members.

**Basic Qualification:** - Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology or a related field. - 10 years of experience in multiple information technology disciplines such as Host/Server technology, communications (voice/data), PCs, databases, applications, middleware, web technologies, data security, operating systems, etc. - 5 years of experience in leading IT and business teams. **Other Requirements** - Knowledge of systems technology developments and trends. - Broad knowledge in technology products. - Experience with multiple, diverse technical configurations, technologies, and processing environments. - Knowledge of all components of holistic enterprise architecture. - Experience with common system integration and services frameworks such as SOA. - Ability to handle multiple tasks; Problem solving; Creative thinking, developing and acting on ideas. - Ability to balance the long-term and short-term implications of individual decisions. - Ability to translate business needs into enterprise architecture requirements. - Ability to comprehend rapidly the functions and capabilities of new technologies. - Experience developing cost benefit analysis around technology decisions. - Demonstrated ability to organize and lead ad-hoc teams consisting of a variety of IT and business contributors. - Proven ability to foster collaboration and lead diverse groups towards common goals. - Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills in order to communicate to peers, management, and business unit staff.