Solutions Architect

Position Description:

Analyze and lead design, development and implementation efforts for all business and client system implementations.  Work with clients, business partners and internal business units to design and develop technical solutions.  Works closely with both Circles associates and outside resources to provide recommendations and solutions for application enhancements to support new and emerging business processes.  Broad responsibility that includes project management, cross functional department communication and a full understanding of development methodologies, consulting best practices and common web, integration and application architectures.

 

Responsibilities:Works with the business areas and clients to understand their business needs, analyze/evaluate the requirements and business processes, make recommendations on the optimal systems implementation of those processes, and set accurate expectations on effort and timelines.Assists Circles leadership with the requirements definition for system enhancements.Works with end users and clients to evaluate and solve technical problems. Provides project management and technical leadership during the development of requires technical solutions including management of internal IT staff and external technical consultants.Performs workflow data analysis, generates functional specifications, data mapping, and participates in system design, development and testing. Ensures applications security is adequate and maintained.  Provides timely and accurate response to security audits.Provides systems documentation and training to others in IT.Writes detailed description of user needs, program functions and logic, and steps required developing or modifying applications. Works independently or lead small technical teams.Provides level 3 support in a 24 x 7 environment.



Essential Competencies:LeadershipTeam buildingWritten CommunicationOral communicationProject managementFosters open and honest communicationCustomer care



Other Important Competencies:Relationship buildingJob knowledgeSelf-managementDevelops othersInnovation and creative thinkingInfluence and credibilityProblem solving and decision-making

Education/Experience Required:  A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Computer Engineering or a related field3-5 years of progressive and relevant experience in technologyStrong business analysis skills and broad technical knowledgeStrong systems implementation and/or hands-on development experience required; some project management experience preferredHighly competent in analyzing business requirements and translating them into application specificationsStrong track record as a relationship builder with a proven ability to effectively communicate technical issues both verbally and in writing to non-technical peopleApplication analysis experience in a multi-tier environment (particularly using Win2000 and Win2003)Familiar with SQL Server database (2000 or 2005 versions)Experience integrating disconnected systems for the purpose of real-time data exchange (application integration).  Experience integrating with customized CRM packages a plus. 

Other Important Competencies Preferred:Enterprise systems preferredExternal technology vendor and/or offshore partnership experience preferred.NET/web programming or web service development experience a plus

Keywords:

Project Management, .NET, C#, ASP.NET, VB.NET, Siebel, Microsoft SQL Server 2000/2005, VSS, Web Services, SOA, JavaScript, XML, XSLT, HTML, ADO.NET, ODBC, CRM

 

Who We Are:
While few consumers know our name, many industries recognize our value.  That’s because we’re a remarkable source of services that connect our members to the world.  Circles is a loyalty and experiential marketing company that is unique in the marketplace. We wow our clients by being smart strategic partners. And we thrill our customers by fulfilling wishes and delivering the impossible through our virtual concierge service; this service includes high-end dining reservations, tickets and travel plans. We accomplish this through our vast network of connections and world-class technology in our call centers.

Circles is a rapidly growing company where change is both expected and welcome. Our employees thrive in our fast-paced environment and meet challenges with vigor and a positive attitude. We offer our employees an extensive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, 401k, and a sabbatical leave program.  Other unique perks include our employee anniversary and on-site massage programs.  Circles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sodexho, is located on A Street in South Boston - an 8-minute walk from South Station.

 

***All interested candidates should apply online at www.circles.com