Job Title: Senior Solutions Architect Overview The Senior Solutions Architect is a key member of our transformation leadership team, responsible for guiding and architecting technology solutions that underpin our Customer Experience Transformation and Corporate Solutions Transformation Programmes. This role sits at the nexus of technology innovation and enterprise strategy, leveraging deep expertise in Enterprise Architecture to drive organisational transformation. The successful candidate will bring leadership, advanced technical acumen, and proven experience in transforming complex, legacy environments into scalable, agile, and innovative technology ecosystems. As part of a transformative initiative within a leading Life Insurance organisation, this role will support the dramatic re-engineering of Customer Operation's aiming for enhanced customer experiences and a streamlined and efficient operating model through digitisation, automation, and AI. The Senior Solutions Architect will be central to building a future-ready, risk-managed, and customer-centric operating model. This role is not only pivotal in technology strategy but also in influencing cultural change and embedding continuous improvement across this enterprise. Key Responsibilities Strategic Technology Leadership & Architecture Enterprise Vision and Strategy: Support the definition of the overall companies technology architecture vision working with the CIO and Enterprise architect and other key stakeholders. Align the approach with the organisation's strategic priorities and transformation imperatives. Solution Design & Oversight: Develop robust, scalable, and secure architectures for both customer-facing and back-end systems. Oversee the design and implementation of integrated solutions that support the reduction of manual processes, the introduction of automation and AI, and the streamlining of operations. Innovation and Futureproofing: Lead the identification and adoption of emerging technologies and best practices. Ensure technology investments support both immediate transformation goals Horizon 1 - 2025 to 2026 and longer-term scalability Horizon 2 - 2027 and Horizon 3 - 2028. Programme and Stakeholder Management Dual Reporting Structure: Function seamlessly within a dual-reporting environment, working directly with the Enterprise Architect and Transformation Programme Director to ensure alignment between technical solutions and business transformation objectives. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with key stakeholders across Customer Experience, IT, Risk, and Regulatory teams. Communicate complex technical concepts in clear, actionable terms for executive leadership, operational managers, and technical teams. Governance & Compliance: Ensure all architectural designs adhere to internal patterns, regulatory requirements, internal risk controls, and industry standards. Play a vital role in addressing regulator concerns by building robust controls, reducing risk through automation, and enhancing transparency. Operational Excellence & Transformation Support Transformation Programme Delivery: Directly support the execution of the Customer Experience Transformation (CET) and Corporate Solutions (CS) Transformation programmes. Provide technical leadership across all the initiatives, with a focus on delivering cost efficiencies, reducing error rates, and improving customer outcomes. Legacy Modernisation: Assess and guide the modernization of underinvested legacy systems, recommending technology investments that streamline customer journeys and operational processes. Ensure that every solution contributes to a reduction in risk, enhanced digital experiences, and overall operational resilience. Benefits Realisation: Collaborate with PMO teams to define metrics, track progress, and report quarterly on the realisation of both financial and non-financial benefits, including cost reduction targets, error reduction, and enhanced customer and employee satisfaction metrics. Leadership and Mentoring Team Guidance and Development: Provide technical mentorship to solution architects, development teams, and other IT professionals. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and agile thinking within a traditionally risk-averse and legacy-driven environment. Change Agent: Function as a catalyst for cultural transformation within the organisation by promoting a growth mindset, challenging the status quo, and encouraging cross-functional collaboration. Required Skills and Competencies Technical Expertise Enterprise Architecture Mastery: Experience with leading frameworks such as TOGAF, Zachman, or equivalent. Demonstrated ability to translate strategic business objectives into comprehensive and adaptable technical architectures. Modern Technology Stack: In-depth knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), microservices, APIs, data integration, and automation tools. Proven history in integrating diverse IT ecosystems, particularly in regulated environments. Digital Transformation Acumen: Prior experience in guiding large-scale digital transformation initiatives, including process automation, AI integration, and digitisation of customer journeys. Analytical and Strategic Thinking Complex Problem Solving: Ability to deconstruct complex legacy challenges and design innovative, sustainable solutions that drive efficiency and risk reduction. Long-Term Vision: Adept at balancing short-term programme deliverables with long-term strategic objectives. Proven skills in aligning technology roadmaps with business goals and transformation targets. Communication and Stakeholder Management Executive Communication: Skilled in articulating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. Collaboration: Strong people skills with the ability to build consensus, influence decision-makers, and foster collaborative working relationships across multiple departments. Documentation and Reporting: Expertise in producing clear, detailed architectural documentation, system diagrams, and technical specifications. Ability to report progress on benefits realisation and transformation initiatives. Key Deliverables and Outcomes Scalable, Secure Architectures: Delivery of high-quality, resilient technology architectures that support business growth and improve customer experience. Especially in the areas of automation and AI solutions as capabilities build. Operational Efficiencies: Achieve measurable improvements in process automation, risk reduction, efficiencies, and great customer outcomes. Enhanced Regulatory Compliance: Implement robust control measures and automated processes to address regulatory concerns and reduce risk events. Transformation Enablement: Drive a cultural and operational shift towards innovation, continuous improvement, and a future-proof enterprise technology ecosystem. Skills: Technical Expertise Analytical thinking Stakeholder Management Benefits: Work From Home Hybrid Working