Advisory Architect, IT

Advisory Architect, IT

POSITION PROFILE

The Advisory Architect is responsible for the development and delivery of consulting services (Discovery) and implementation services (Delivery). The Advisory Architect, is involved in both pre-sales and post-sales settings that relate to complex business process analysis and optimization engagements in data, composition, print, inserting and mail/postal environments. The re-engineering of clients' business processes will many times be based on the technologies represented in RICOH's solution or sourcing portfolio. Therefore, the Advisory Architect will be required to have a detailed understanding of RICOH's various hardware/software offerings, industry regulations, postal rules as well as our Professional Services capabilities.

This position requires the ability to map and analyze current business processes, identify bottlenecks and opportunities for efficiency improvement & cost savings through process modeling. The deliverable from this data gathering will be the creation of a compelling report, ROI/TCO and presentation based on key financial and business objective data points, while being mindful of the client's corporate culture. The report must be presented to executive management in a clear and compelling manner, demonstrating reasonable investment payback periods. Once the solution is sold the Advisory Architect implements the solution with the development team through communicating clear requirements documents and collaboration with the delivery engineers.

The incumbent must possess: a high degree of creativity, leadership, organizational and process analysis skills; must have a proven track record with presenting to Executive Management in both pre-sales and implementation settings. The Advisory Architect will possess a unique ability to work in a high-pressure sales environment while bridging to the technical delivery team so they can execute on their tasks to implement the solution.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist Solution Executive sales team with pre-sales support.
• Function as the project lead in client discovery activities, providing guidance and direction to the Solution Executive assigned to support the engagement.
• Provide knowledge and expertise in the data handling, print, finishing and mailing processes.
• Identify new solution opportunities based on client feedback, industry analysis, and new features incorporated into existing offerings.
• Attain profitable engagements as defined by the services fee engagement defined in the Statement of Work
• Participate and present in document industry trade shows and work floor.
• Comply with RICOH's standard event documentation and control policies.
• Responsible for a wide range of design activities from requirements analysis through systems, application and/or process design specification.
• Mentors others in the Architect profession. Provides guidance to team members (Project Managers, IT Architects IT Specialists, and Sales among others) in new or complex solution design, implementation and/or management tools and techniques.
• Directs the design efforts of less experienced architects.
• Participate in, and/or be responsible for the creation, harvesting, protection, and reuse of the company's intellectual capital.
• Anticipates potential problems associated with the solution being developed. Develops and leads execution of the technical risk management plan for the solution to be implemented.
• Analyzes new and complex situations. Selects, tailors and applies formal requirements, design and development methodologies to analyze customer needs and develop requirements for I/T solutions. Evaluates potential solution elements using a formal methodology and selects most appropriate elements.
• Assesses business and technical impact of solutions.
• Leads the implementation of solution or provides expert guidance to the solution implementation team. Identifies development methodology and supporting tools.
• Conducts special projects. Participates in exploratory activities into new market sectors, application solutions, technologies and the use of business partners.
• Leads technical teams in the solution of new and complex information technology problems. May serve as project manager.
• Leads multifunctional teams. Identifies needs for specialized expertise outside own area, gets commitment of needed resources, and effectively applies the expertise of team members to the development of I/T solutions.
• Accountable for projects or programs involving multifunctional, country-wide or regional teams. Responsible for the successful implementation of an I/T solution, or of a major subsystem of a very large I/T solution, within identified cost, schedule and functional requirements.
• Leads assessment of cost, schedule and dependencies associated with marketing and proposal activities and with solution development.
• Activities directly affect customer satisfaction. Work is visible to and recognized by all levels of customer organization. Works with customers, from team members to executive levels, to ensure understanding of, acceptance of and satisfaction with I/T solution and development approach.
• Design and technical leadership activities produce cost effective I/T solutions which directly affect functional or country costs and expenses
• Erroneous decisions normally result in inability to reach crucial org goals and have prolonged effect
• Actively participates in knowledge sharing activities like communities of practice, forums, conferences and/or other knowledge exchanges.
• Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS (Education, Experience and Certifications)

• Requires completion of a four-year degree and/or six to ten years' experience in the areas of business process analysis and re-engineering, preferably leveraging composition, print and POD knowledge, workflow automation, variable data document, output management, web-to-print, MIS systems and postal processing technologies, I/T systems implementation.
• Leadership and management experience required in operations or environment
• Demonstrated experience by providing samples of written analysis work.
• National and Major Accounts selling experience.
• Understands and applies knowledge of function or country objectives in framing, evaluating and selecting alternatives for I/T solutions. Has the required proficiency levels for technical skills and applies skills to the design of I/T solutions.
• Requires a valid driver's license and minimum levels of auto insurance coverage per RICOH's policy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Significant knowledge across multiple platforms, processes or architectures, as well as broad knowledge of new technologies
• Understands and applies knowledge of function or country objectives in framing, evaluating and selecting alternatives for I/T solutions.
• Has the required proficiency levels for technical skills and applies skills to the design of I/T solutions.
• Judgment within broadly defined policies and practices
• Understands organizational resources, priorities, needs and policies.
• Leads negotiations with engagement partners and team members (vendors, subcontractors, customers, and internal company staff) to define project goals and strategies for attaining them.
• Networks with key contacts outside area of expertise.
• Understands future customer, industry and information technology trends. Applies this understanding to develop robust solutions and to identify opportunities for future business.
• Exhibits strategic vision of functional mission and applies vision in engagements.
• Influences people and organizations, including client and internal company's executive management, on issues related to the development of I/T solutions. Is respected as a technical leader / subject matter expert inside and outside organization.
• Solution development experience in Document Workflow Automation Processes
• Strong financial analysis capabilities to develop compelling business cases
• Deep understanding of the following technologies and concepts:
• Automated Document Factory
• Document composition software
• Customer Communications Management
• Web Store Front Solutions
• Management Information Systems
• Print Workflow Solutions
• Postal software
• Printers
• Print on Demand, commercial and finishing processes
• Variable Printing to include PDL's
• Color Printing
• Commercial Printing
• Document inserting technologies
• Pre and Post printer equipment
• Quality control techniques
• Outbound mail presorting
• Variable data forms design
• Web-based job submission
• Central Reprographic Department shop floor management
• Web to print applications
• Advanced knowledge of data, print and mail infrastructures
• Familiar with industrial engineering; time and motion process mapping and analysis
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance (HIPAA, SAS70 Type II, Move Update, IMb, other)
• Proficient productivity computer skills (i.e.: Microsoft Office Suite, including Visio)
• Strong written and oral communication skills