Lead IT Architect (Remote)

The Lead IT Architect works to diagnose, isolate and de-bug conversion and software problems in order to provide resolutions in a fast-paced environment with critical deadlines. Participates in efforts to design and build reusable processes that are well documented and transferable to future conversion projects. Works closely with the business analysts in order to gather requirements for internal and external system interfaces to ensure business needs and expectations are met in a timely and cost effective manner.  Responsible for managing work within a project and mentoring junior level team members.

Responsibilities:

• Researches, compiles, and evaluates information used in the development and maintenance of very large and complex systems and processes to satisfy business needs. 
• Designs very large and complex systems and/or support processes that meet customer requirements while effectively interacting with existing systems/support processes.
• Constructs, modifies, and tests very large and complex system changes.
• Develops and tests processes used to convert data from system to system.
• Quickly diagnoses very complex problems; determines and implements quality solutions in a timely fashion. 
• Provides thorough and complete documentation for all programming changes and enhancements.  on: 
• Understands the business needs of the customer and provides quality customer support by providing appropriate communication, anticipating customer needs and/or problems, and understanding the broad impact of changes on all customer processes. 
• Provides appropriate solutions and proactively suggests process improvements.
• Manages individual tasks on projects to ensure that all tasks are delivered according to the project plan.
• Is considered 'a top expert' by peers in one or more important areas of expertise, such as, a programming language, computer system, data base, etc. 
• Provides an appropriate level of feedback to peers, support and interface areas, and management. 
• Leads and provide guidance to other team members.
• Write technical specifications for modification and new applications. 
• Review work/code of team members and provide feedback.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Typically, 15+ years of applicable work and/or technical experience in languages/environments considered important to the company.
• Life and Annuity Product Knowledge - Extensive product knowledge and functionality is preferred.  This would include an in-depth functional processing and understanding of Variable Life/Annuities, Fixed Life/Annuity, Flexible Life/Annuity.  
• Life and Annuity Systems Expertise – Extensive expertise maintaining and enhancing insurance administration systems with strong focus in policy administration and new business.   
• Familiarity with policy administration ancillary systems and interfaces, such as the generation of policy owner statements and transactional confirmations, accounting, valuation, and other sub-systems required for policy administration.
• Computer Languages – Extensive knowledge and expertise of object oriented programming languages and SQL is required.  Experience using legacy languages (COBOL) are also desirable.
• Mainframe knowledge and experience is preferred. 
• Conversion Expertise (Preferred) – 5+ years; Experience converting blocks of business from one administrative system to another is a strong preference.   
• Typically, post-secondary degree, preferably in Management Information Services, Computer Science or Math related field may substitute for up to 4 years of work and/or technical experience.
• Requires programming skills sufficient to solve difficult and very complex technical problems.  
• Must be able to manage multiple, changing priorities, resolve conflicts and be able to work well under pressure during the conversion process.
• Must be self-motivated, able to work independently and willing to self-teach and take responsibility for ongoing professional development.
• Ability to analyze and design software solutions to meet very complex requirements.
• Requires oral and written communication skills sufficient to communicate clearly with peers and customers.

Protective’s targeted salary range for this position is $105,500 to $155,000. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors, including but not limited to, job location, skills, and experience. The range listed is just one component of Protective’s total compensation package for employees.This position also offers additional incentive opportunities [through an annual incentive based on individual and Company performance] OR [through cash compensation as part of a sales incentive plan (SIP). Apply