IT Architect

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Position Summary

The IT Architect is responsible for the design and continuous improvement of the banks’ technical infrastructure. This role is tasked with understanding existing technologies deployed by the bank, and identifying opportunities for improvement through performance, stability, or cost reduction. The Architect will present identified opportunities to both IT and Executive Leadership, as required. The Enterprise Architect is a member of the Banks’ Architecture Review Board and may be called upon to lead critical infrastructure-related projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluates Bank technology and identifies opportunities for improvement

• Evaluates and remains current with emerging technologies that can be used to benefit of the Bank

• Advises IT and Bank Leadership regarding state of the technology industry

• Designs, tests, and evaluates various technical solutions, as needed

• Prepares proposals, briefings, and other information pertaining to current and emerging operational technologies

• Performs Due Diligence reviews of technologies selected for implementation at Simmons Bank

• Engages with hardware, software, and consulting vendors that are providing goods and/or services to the Bank, specifically those involved with major changes/implementations

• Assists in contract negotiations and system architecture design, as needed

• Ensures that all departmental documents and activities are performed in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to this position, including completion of required compliance training.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret Technical and financial reporting and/or legal documents

• Can serve as a technical advisor to senior leadership

• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations and executive sessions within the organization

• Ability to lead and advise teams of technical associates regarding projects or strategic initiatives of the organization

• Must be able to prioritize assignments while working on multiple projects

• Must be able to work independently with little supervision as well as a team member

• Ability to assess existing and emerging technologies and identify opportunities to leverage for the advantage of the organization.

• Advanced understanding of networking, server, cloud, security, and automation technologies

• Understanding of regulatory and compliance considerations (FFIEC, GLBA, data protection, etc.) 

Education and/or Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

• Experience working within a regulated financial institution environment

• 8+years of experience across enterprise architecture, solution architecture, or senior technology leadership roles

Computer Skills 

• Intermediate/Advanced Office Automation experience

• MS Visio and/or other similar tools

• Data and architecture mapping technologies

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations 

• Advanced certifications in networking, system design, cloud design, database design and management, artificial intelligence and/or other relevant certifications, licenses, and registrations.

• Examples: CCNP Enterprise, CCIE Enterprise, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Terraform Associate, or willingness and ability to obtain such certifications within 12 months of employment.

Other Qualifications (including physical requirements)

• Strong understanding of technical security tools and concepts required

• Network, server, and database skills (including system design, performance tuning, and resilient configuration) strongly preferred

• Familiarity with leading ITSM systems preferred

Other

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Activities, duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.  

Skills Training

• Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Systems Analysis,

• Communication, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Project Management

Equal Employment Opportunity Information: Simmons First National Corporation and its subsidiaries are committed to a policy of equal employment with respect to a person's race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, covered veterans, military status, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected classifications.