UFG is currently hiring for a Guidewire Solutions Architect to provide strategic, technical, and potentially program leadership in the design of complex, cross-functional technology solutions that support UFG’s enterprise objectives. Operating at a higher level of influence and accountability, this role leads solution design efforts across multiple domains or programs and ensures alignment with enterprise architecture, regulatory expectations, and business strategy.
In addition to deep expertise in architecture frameworks and design patterns, the Senior Solution Architect plays a key role in technology planning, standards development, and guiding junior architects or technical leads. This position is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and partner directly with senior business and IT stakeholders to drive value-driven solution outcomes at scale.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Partners with and guide key stakeholders including product owners, project managers/leads, vendor management, business analysts, technology leads, end users, and others, to create solutions which are aligned with architecture principles, leverage common solutions and services, and meet the financial goals for the business.
- Within the solution development lifecycle, be accountable for solution evaluation and selection, drive buy vs. build decisions and create early-phase project estimates which contribute to the business case.
- Provide needed direction and consulting to delivery teams during the detailed design, build, test, and deploy phases.
- Ensure technology, application, and data architecture are aligned with UFG's business priorities and overall enterprise architecture
- Guide technology investment decisions based on analysis and evaluation to drive targeted business outcomes.
- Guide team in industry trend research and the applicability of industry research to UFG’s application and technology portfolio.
- Facilitates the evaluation of software products and services being reviewed for implementation and ensures it follows UFG guidelines and standards
- Keep current in new technologies and technical aptitude including trends in the cloud and provide relative information and/or training to others (like Managers, Solutions Architects, Business Leads).
- Define and implement agile/lean architectural processes and practices.
- Create architectural documentation (diagrams, interface definitions, data models).
- Assist in the creation of, or create business cases with well-defined deliverables, goals, and expectations.
- Have a positive demeanor and excellent communication skills to effectively share their knowledge.
- Mentor other solution architects and other technologists across UFG.
Job Specifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or equivalent combination of education and relevant enterprise-level experience.
- Master’s Degree is preferred.
Certifications/Designations:
- While no certifications are specifically required for this position, the employee is expected to remain up to date with changes in technology and enterprise-caliber organizations, particularly as they are relevant to the insurance industry. Some certifications that might be useful include:
- TOGAF architecture framework
- AWS, Azure, or Google cloud architecture certifications
- SAFe® for Architects
- Certified DevOps Architect (various vendors)
- Relevant vendor certifications with Guidewire, DuckCreek, and other vendors that UFG works with.
Experience:
- A combination of 10+ years of experience in software development and Solutions Architect roles:
- 5+ years of experience in software development lifecycle including design, development and testing of software applications preferred.
- 7+ years of experience as a Solutions Architect or Technical Lead in large scale projects spanning multiple enterprise systems.
- Experience in designing scalable architectures with emphasis on digital transformation and user experience.
- Expert level knowledge of cloud platforms, languages, platforms, APIs, databases, security practices, and system integration.
Working Conditions:
- General Office Environment.
- Up to 5% travel may be required per year including overnight stays.
Pay Transparency:
UFG Insurance is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary range for this position is $123,865 - $163,368 annually, which represents the typical range for new hires in this role. Individual pay within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, internal equity, geography and market data.
In addition to base salary, UFG Insurance offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes:
- Annual incentive compensation
- Medical, dental, vision & life insurance
- Accident, critical Illness & short-term disability insurance
- Retirement plans with employer contributions
- Generous time-off program
- Programs designed to support the employee well-being and financial security.
This pay range disclosure is provided in accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws.
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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What We Do
Founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, UFG Insurance (Nasdaq: UFCS) is engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance through its insurance company subsidiaries. Headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, UFG is licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, and is represented by approximately 1,000 independent agencies. A.M. Best Company assigns a financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) for the members of United Fire & Casualty Group, with a stable outlook, reflecting long-term balance sheet strength.
