Business Systems Consultant & Architect - City of Toronto, Toronto

Position Summary

The City of Toronto is seeking a Business Systems Consultant & Architect to join the Toronto Water Integrated Technology Management Unit. Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, Architecture & Business Engagement team, this role is pivotal in leading the planning, design, redesign, and implementation of IT solutions. As a key member of project teams, you will be responsible for accurate and efficient business systems architecture reviews, support, requirements collection and analysis, and the design of holistic solutions. These solutions encompass software, infrastructure, and related management policies within the Division, with the primary objectives of improving client experience and optimising the use of technology.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

In this dynamic role, you will work collaboratively with managers and supervisors, contributing to projects from inception to completion. Your daily tasks will involve a blend of strategic planning, technical expertise, and stakeholder engagement to deliver effective technology solutions for the City of Toronto.

• Lead and provide guidance to staff and teams on best practices for future strategic goals.
• Offer specialised design services, technical advice, and expertise to support divisional units and the Corporation.
• Implement detailed plans and recommend policies and procedures regarding program-specific requirements.
• Handle confidential information affecting the Division and its resources.
• Prepare and present reports to management, supporting recommendations for changes/improvements in business processes, training, and service standards, including staffing levels and resource allocation.
• Participate in varied assignments related to IT systems and infrastructure, focusing on municipal IT systems architecture, standards, policy, infrastructure design, and implementation.
• Stay abreast of new developments in IT infrastructure, architecture, development, integration, business intelligence, databases, data warehouse, cloud/on-premises/hybrid infrastructure strategies, AI, and related technologies.
• Provide IT business support, consultation, and coordination to all units within the Division, resolving escalated issues.
• Act as a key liaison between business units and IT teams, leading meetings and workshops to capture business requirements and translate needs into IT solutions.
• Document, analyse, and optimise business processes, conduct system requirements engineering, data flow analysis, and workflow mapping.
• Discuss development and operational recommendations in clear, non-technical terms.
• Conduct business and technical analysis to assess information requirements and evaluate existing/proposed systems modifications, recommending changes based on performance, cost-benefit analysis, and legislated requirements.
• For assigned projects, conduct initial assessment, requirements collection, feasibility study, business analysis, preliminary and detailed solution design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Possess analytical and critical thinking skills to assess business priorities and needs, analysing and troubleshooting complex application issues for long-term improvements.
• Develop and present effective concepts, designs, templates, and reports to management, supporting recommendations on technology solutions and business process changes.
• Recommend efficient solutions by researching current system capabilities, performing environmental scans, defining technology solution options, and breaking down business requirements into detailed design specifications.
• Develop or contribute to technology solution and project artefacts, including product visions, use cases, data models, business plans, project plans, and supplementary specifications.
• Develop or contribute to purchasing-related artefacts such as business cases, project charters, RFPs, and RFQs, evaluating proposals and making contract award recommendations.
• Coordinate related work between various stakeholders for investigations, modifications, and improvements of IT systems.
• Work with City of Toronto staff, consultants, and contractors to ensure quality design, delivery, control, and compliance with technology goals.
• Assist Team Leads and other staff with project and portfolio management from inception to completion, analysing work performance of service providers.
• Track procedures and policy compliance associated with deliverables and contractual documentation.
• Conduct business and technical architecture development and reviews for on-premises, Cloud, or hybrid systems, applying architectural frameworks and setting technical standards.
• Support the divisional architecture review process for technology changes, preparing and validating documentation for governance body approvals.
• Provide leadership in technology initiatives, assessing design options and offering authoritative advice in all development phases to ensure cost-effective business solutions.
• Perform data management tasks such as data governance, stewardship, quality management, architecture, and design for data-related solutions like business intelligence or data warehouse.
• Create project reports, presentations, business cases, and systems documentation, delivering presentations to development teams and client audiences.
• Develop and maintain documentation for configurations, processes, and procedures to support knowledge sharing and training.
• Quickly gain knowledge in new areas and become a productive contributor.
• Develop ongoing positive working relationships within Technology Services and with client/partner Divisions, fostering collaboration and acting as a trusted advisor.
• Build collaborative relationships with City stakeholders and senior management, assisting them in recognising where Technology Services can add value.
• Foster and manage external partner relationships and complex contracts to deliver transformation programs and value for City investments.

Requirements

To succeed in this Business Systems Consultant & Architect role, candidates should possess a strong educational background combined with extensive practical experience in IT architecture and systems implementation. The City of Toronto values a candidate who can demonstrate leadership in technology initiatives and a commitment to customer experience.

• Post-secondary education in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline, or an approved equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Extensive experience as a principal architect for infrastructure and business applications.
• Considerable experience with enterprise IT delivery, cybersecurity principles, compliance solutions, compliance reporting, audit preparation, and integrating cloud-based solutions into existing environments.
• Considerable experience in the practical application of security processes, standards, and methodologies, including secure architecture and design techniques.
• Considerable experience with large-scale rollouts of SaaS, on-premises, or hybrid solutions, including architecture, design, data ingestion, role-based permissions, security, and integrations.
• Considerable experience designing and implementing configurations, customizations, and integrations to meet business needs and improve operational efficiency in multiple SaaS, on-premises, or hybrid solutions.
• Ability to focus on Customer Experience and Usability at the centre of all solutions.
• Demonstrated change management skills, including the ability to create concise and clear user guides, iterated on based on feedback loops.
• Demonstrate strong teamwork, interpersonal, and collaboration skills in diverse environments.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with clients, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Provide effective communication, coaching, training, and user support for staff.
• Ability to manage priorities independently, execute tasks efficiently, and adapt to operational needs.
• Deliver high-quality customer and business consultant & architecture service.
• Support staff in understanding architecture and aligning business processes with organisational goals.
• Apply project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills to achieve successful outcomes.
• Ability to prepare accurate artefacts and documentation to support operational and business needs.