Director, Enterprise Architecture

ABOUT GOWLING WLG

At Gowling WLG, our dedication to excellence and quality service begins with our people. As a global law firm with offices across Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we pride ourselves on sourcing and retaining top talent who bring energy, passion and commitment to the delivery of outstanding client service.

Employee satisfaction is important to us. We work hard to ensure that our people are motivated, engaged and empowered. We are guided by our firm’s Core Values - The Power of Teamwork, Always Striving to be Better, We all Bring Something Different - in all that we do.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are an integral part of our firm’s core values. We are always striving to build a more equitable, engaging and rewarding workplace by attracting and retaining talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Our aim is to help everyone reach their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Our diverse group of legal professionals, law students, law clerks, paralegals, legal administrative assistants and business services team members work together, and are respected and valued for their individual contributions.

PROFILE

The Director, Enterprise Architecture will be responsible to direct and lead a multidisciplinary team of information technology (IT) professionals responsible for defining, designing, building, maintaining, and securing the IT architecture of the Firm, including but not limited to, end user computing (EUC) technologies, enterprise applications, data centre / internetworking / infrastructure operations, and cloud computing / SaaS services. This position will report to our Chief Technology & Operating Officer.

This position can be based in any of our Canadian offices!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Holds overall responsibility for the design, development and deployment of enterprise technology architecture solutions at the Firm.
• Working with the CTOO, responsible for defining the technology architecture strategy, vision and roadmap in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan.
• Working with the CTOO, leads the identification and analysis of business drivers to develop enterprise architecture requirements.
• Leads analysis of the current technology environment to detect critical deficiencies and recommend solutions for improvement.
• Leads analysis of technology industry and market trends to determine their potential impact on the Firm’s enterprise architecture.
• Leads development of data standards and governance for master data management across multiple systems and applications.
• Leads the development of enterprise architecture governance structures and standards based on industry best practices and the needs of the business.
• Oversees enterprise architecture implementation and ongoing refinement activities.
• Identifies organization requirements for the resources, structures and cultural changes necessary to support the enterprise architecture.
• Maintains vendor relationships with key technology partners.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of 10 years’ industry experience, with at least 5 years working in a Director of Technical / Enterprise Architecture or technical architect role in at least two IT disciplines (such as technical architecture, network management, application development, middleware, information analysis, database management / operations, cybersecurity) in complex, multisite environments. Experience in a professional services environment would be desirable but not essential.
• Strong understanding of both on-premise (end user computing technologies, client-server applications, web applications, database technologies, data centre technologies) and cloud (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) technology architectures, with demonstrated experience leading on-premise to cloud migration projects. Extensive experience with Microsoft technologies (Windows operating systems, SQL Server, M365, Sharepoint Online, MS Teams, Azure) strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of automation technologies, including but not limited to robotic process automation (RPA) tools (PowerAutomate / UiPath).
• Excellent understanding of architectural principles including performance, scalability, security, availability and flexibility, and how to design for them.
• Master data management experience including definition of master data rules and governance.
• Ability to quickly comprehend the functions and capabilities of new technologies.
• Ability to translate business needs into solution architecture requirements, while balancing the financial impact of solution architecture alternatives.
• Knowledge of business re-engineering principles and processes.
• Advanced problem solving and innovative and creative thinking skills.
• Leadership and management experience, including team leadership and mentoring, delegation & supervision, staff performance management, and reviewing quality of deliverables.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including teamwork, facilitation and negotiation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• University degree, preferably in computer science, engineering, business or a similar discipline is desirable.
• Relevant designations are an asset, including but not limited to Microsoft Solution Architect certifications, TOGAF, SAFe or other Agile certifications, CBAP or other business analysis certifications, CISSP, CDMP, SEI, ITIL or COBIT certifications.
• Bilingualism (French/English) may be required in some offices.

Gowling WLG employees benefit from a hybrid work environment.

The starting range for this role is $170,000 to $200,000. Starting salary will be determined based on an applicant’s individual skills, competencies and unique qualifications. Gowling WLG employees have the potential to exceed this range based on tenure and performance.

Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.