Lead Solution Architect (Baton Rouge, LA)

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Inc.; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is seeking a Lead Solution Architect to guide architecture for business and IT projects. You will ensure sustainable design, balance enterprise needs, manage complex initiatives, and reduce technical debt.

The role requires extensive domain experience, leadership in architecture practices, and the ability to interact with senior leadership. Louisiana residency preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field required; four years of related experience can substitute.
• 7 years of technical leadership and hands‑on implementation experience.
• Experience in solution, domain, or enterprise architecture.
• Advanced knowledge of Solution Architecture, ALM, and software development standards and best practices.
• Healthcare industry experience and understanding of HIPAA are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads the solution architecture process and publishes the Solution Blueprint document.
• Ensures alignment with BCBSLA Reference Architecture components across projects.
• Mentors architects, engineers and analysts to grow architectural maturity.
• Collaborates with Project Portfolio to maximize reuse and shared services.
• Facilitates Architecture Review Board discussions and reports on architectural metrics.

Job description

We take great strides to ensure our employees have the resources to live well, be healthy, continue learning, develop skills, grow professionally and serve our local communities.

Preferred Location

Residency in or relocation to Louisiana is preferred for all positions.

Position Purpose

Guided by BCBSLA Reference Architecture & Standards, Lead Solution Architect is responsible for leading development of Architecture Solution Blueprints for all business and IT projects. Ensure sound, sustainable and economically viable design, striking the right balance between enterprise and functional needs with a focus on increased operational efficiency, reliability, predictability and long‑term economic viability while reducing technical debt. Accountable for complying with all laws and regulations associated with duties and responsibilities.

Nature and Scope

This role does not manage people. This role reports to this job: Departmental Leadership. Necessary Contacts: To do this job effectively the incumbent has to be in contact with all levels of BCBSLA personnel, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, other Blue Plans, and a limited number of external community/industry organizations.

Education

Bachelor's or other technical program including mathematics, applied physics and/ or Business Administration required. Four years of related experience can be used in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.

Work Experience

7 years technical leadership and hands‑on technology implementation to include 4 years of experience in software development, DevSecOps engineering, systems administration, systems architecture, data architecture or data engineering and two years’ in solution, domain, or enterprise architecture required. Requires advanced knowledge of Solution Architecture practice, Application Architecture practice, ALM, Software development best practices and standards, and demonstrable experience in leading business application solution design, and implementation of complex business initiatives.

Domains Experience (at least five)

• Business Architecture
• Business Intelligence Architecture
• Information Architecture
• Application Architecture
• Data Architecture
• Integration Architecture
• Infrastructure Architecture
• Digital & Digital Marketing Architecture
• Security Architecture
• Healthcare Core Administrative Systems (Trizetto Facets)
• Care & Disease Management Systems (Zeomega Jiva)
• Enterprise Resource Planning - Finance or Human Resources (Oracle Peoplesoft, Workday)
• Microsoft Azure
• Amazon Web Services
• DevSecOps

Preferred Qualifications

• Healthcare industry experience
• Understanding of infrastructure and security requirements, such as HIPAA
• TOGAF or related certifications
• ITIL certification
• Vendor certifications

Skills and Abilities

• Must have intermediate / advanced knowledge in at least four of the following technical skills: .NET Framework or Core, or Java, JavaScript, Web Services / API development, Informatica Power Center, Microsoft SSIS, Microsoft BizTlk, Single Page Applications / Progressive Web Applications, Web site / services management and security, Data Modeling, Data Integration, SQL, Relational / NoSql Database Systems, Big Data, Tableau / Power BI / Qlik.

• Additional advanced skills in the following areas: Excellent interpersonal skills in areas such as teamwork, facilitation and negotiation; Strong leadership skills; Excellent analytical and technical skills; Strong written and verbal communication skills; Excellent planning and organizational skills; Ability to understand the long‑term ("big picture") and short‑term perspectives of situations; Ability to estimate the financial impact of alternatives; Ability to apply multiple technical solutions to business problems; Ability to quickly comprehend the functions and capabilities of new technologies; Knowledge of information principles and processes; Basic knowledge of financial models and budgeting; Understanding of the political climate of the enterprise, and how to respond to political challenges; Facilitate formal training for architects, engineers and analysts.

Licenses and Certifications

None Required

Accountabilities and Essential Functions

• Leads the solution architecture process
• Develops and publishes the Solution Blueprint document
• Ensures alignment, adherence and application of all applicable BCBSLA Reference Architecture components are properly reflected in the Solution Architecture Blueprint deliverable including leads enterprise application architecture & software development standards and frameworks, enterprise technical architecture and infrastructure standards and enterprise data architecture and standards
• Leads enterprise architecture roadmaps and life‑cycle management plans
• Creates and presents improvement opportunities to the solution architecture practice / artifacts
• Facilitates deep‑dive technical discussions around design and an intellectual curiosity to keep technical skills current while maintaining a pulse on industry trends
• Defines, collects, synthesizes, analyzes and works with IT and Data Analytics team to publish all related and relevant metrics associated with solution architecture practice to demonstrate increasing maturity and value
• Works with Project Portfolio team to review and assess for enterprise‑level opportunities to maximize shared services and re‑use
• Understands business application and industry trends in relation to the Payer Market, identifying, building a business case for and socializing select and relevant innovation opportunities with likelihood of success, and performing POC as warranted
• Serves as Architecture SME (and designated Chair as needed) for Architecture Review Board (ARB) and facilitation of review, impact analysis, documentation, recommendation and formal publication of BCBSLA Technical Standards and measurement of adherence to these standards
• Serves as SME and facilitator of Solution Architecture Center of Excellence / Communities of Practice
• Provides architectural leadership for development efforts by integrating various technologies such as web applications, relational databases, information security, servers, networking, etc
• Provides high‑level analysis and design reviews to solve conceptual problems and avoid duplication of efforts of same errors within different applications
• Works with vendors to integrate their technologies within organization’s structure
• Evaluates new technologies and recommend extension, expansion, and update of technology standards, practices, and methodologies
• Mentors architects, engineers and analysts

Additional Accountabilities and Essential Functions

The Physical Demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Accountabilities and Essential Functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Perform other job‑related duties as assigned, within your scope of responsibilities. Job duties are performed in a normal and clean office environment with normal noise levels. Work is predominately done while standing or sitting. The ability to comprehend, document, calculate, visualize, and analyze are required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Company Mission

To improve the health and lives of Louisianians.

Company Vision

A better state of health through preventative, easier and more affordable healthcare

Company Overview

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (Louisiana Blue) is incorporated as Louisiana Health Service & Indemnity company and is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is licensed to sell products only in the state of Louisiana.