Network Architect

Job Summary

Reporting to the Regional Manager, Network Services, the Network Architect is responsible for leading the conceptual, logical and physical network architecture and strategy for IMIS throughout Vancouver Coastal Health/Providence Health Care (VCH/PHC). The incumbent provides leadership and direction to network services staff across multiple sites and coordinates team members and other IMIS staff as needed to meet the defined IMIS objectives and the vision, values, objectives, policies and performance applications of VCH/PHC. In addition to developing network solutions that support VCH/PHC clinical and corporate operations, the Network Architect is responsible for monitoring appropriate VCH/PHC IT projects and practices for alignment with enterprise rules and policies with the goal of achieving maximum interoperability and efficiency and to ensure enterprise continuity and identify potential technology gaps.

Duties/Accountabilities

• Responsible for overseeing network architecture, standards, and planning for new and emerging technologies that support clinical and corporate activities of VCH/PHC. Provides guidance on industry best practices and technical trends, developing overall/conceptual network designs and implementation strategies.
• Responsible for documenting procedures and guidelines needed for the development, installation, and maintenance of network infrastructure solutions. Identifies and documents any risks, issues or critical success factors that might require immediate action. Identifies opportunities for system improvement, assisting with root cause analysis of technical problems.
• Collaborates with peer architects and staff to solve complex problems spanning their respective areas and resolves technological disagreement with informed, rational debate.
• Provides leadership and direction to staff using effective management techniques (e.g. coaching, mentoring, skills and leadership development, decision-making, coalition building and performance management).
• Collaborates with stakeholders to ensure the architecture is aligned with the business requirements. Contributes to business case documentation, project scope and project charter documents. Provides status updates to product manager, business system analysts, and business process owner (s) for assigned deliverables.
• Develops strategic plans and goals consistent with the organization’s mission and vision, taking a lead role in the current and future network services. Ensures alignment of IMIS network services to VCH/PHC’s vision, strategic directions, goals and objectives.
• Develops partnerships with external vendors and service providers; and enables effective and integrated projects that optimize network service delivery.
• Participates with network manager to develop capital and operating budgets for Network Services.
  
  

Qualifications

University degree in Computer Science or a related degree plus seven to ten (7-10) years’ recent, related experience in a large complex information systems network environment including a minimum of three (3) years’ recent experience in a technical leadership role, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certification is highly desirable.

Role Specific Expertise

• Expert knowledge of the concepts, industry standards and methodologies relating to high-availability network design, implementation and configuration.
• Expert knowledge of Cisco technologies relating to LAN, WAN, data center, IP telephony, wireless and security infrastructures.
• Advanced campus switching design experience with significant hands-on configuration and troubleshooting experience on all major Cisco router and switch platforms.
• Knowledge of the application of existing and evolving network technologies to a healthcare environment.
• Applies knowledge of leadership and management theory and practice to enable best practices, performance improvement and system integration.
• Uses strong presentation, facilitation, coaching, conflict management, planning, project management, coalition building and interpersonal skills to lead network services and guide team members.
• Uses innovation, systems thinking and creativity in problem solving and decision-making.
• Plans and established accountable result oriented course of action for self and others and considers the interdependence of organizational systems, processes and stakeholders.
• Maintains awareness of IMIS projects and interdependencies to ensure formulation of effective network service strategies.
• Employs excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively present information to relevant stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Works independently and effectively under time pressure to meet deadlines, balance work priorities and resolve problems in a timely manner.
  
  

This Role Description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required.