Director, Solutions Architecture

Job description

The Director, Solutions Architecture is a people leader responsible for directing the solution architecture function that translates business priorities into scalable, secure, and resilient technology solutions. This leader partners with business stakeholders, product, engineering, security, data, and infrastructure teams to establish architecture standards, guide solution design, and drive consistency across application, integration, cloud, and emerging technology initiatives. The Director, Solutions Architecture leads architecture managers and senior architects, owns the departmental budget and governance practices, and advises senior technology leadership on modernization, platform selection, and the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and intelligent automation. Position Summary The Director, Solutions Architecture is a people leader responsible for directing the solution architecture function that translates business priorities into scalable, secure, and resilient technology solutions. This leader partners with business stakeholders, product, engineering, security, data, and infrastructure teams to establish architecture standards, guide solution design, and drive consistency across application, integration, cloud, and emerging technology initiatives. The Director, Solutions Architecture leads architecture managers and senior architects, owns the departmental budget and governance practices, and advises senior technology leadership on modernization, platform selection, and the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and intelligent automation. Primary Responsibilities Architecture Strategy & Governance · Develop and maintain the solution architecture roadmap, standards, and operating model for assigned technology domains, aligned with enterprise architecture strategy and organizational priorities. · Establish and govern architecture principles, reference patterns, and decision-making frameworks that guide technology delivery and investment decisions. · Lead architecture review processes, architectural decision records, and governance forums to identify risks, resolve complex design challenges, and improve solution quality. · Ensure technology solutions adhere to security standards, regulatory requirements, resiliency objectives, and business continuity expectations. Solution Design & Technology Delivery · Translate business strategies and operational requirements into scalable solution architectures and technology roadmaps. · Guide application, integration, and cloud architecture practices, including application programming interface (API) strategy, event-driven patterns, and interoperability across internal platforms, carriers, vendors, and third-party partners. · Lead the evaluation, selection, and adoption of enterprise platforms, cloud services, integration technologies, and third-party solutions in partnership with technology and business leaders. · Define reusable architecture frameworks, integration patterns, and design standards that accelerate delivery and reduce technology complexity. · Champion best practices in cloud architecture, reliability, observability, scalability, security, performance, and cost optimization. Innovation & Emerging Technology · Evaluate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, generative and agentic AI, and intelligent automation, and recommend practical opportunities that improve business capabilities and operational effectiveness. · Define architecture patterns for cloud-native development, distributed systems, automation, and AI-enabled capabilities. Stakeholder Partnership · Partner with Product, Engineering, Security, Infrastructure, Data, Compliance, and Risk leaders to align solutions and support successful execution of strategic initiatives. · Collaborate with data and technology leaders to define integration strategies, data access approaches, and solution design standards. · Serve as a trusted advisor to senior technology leadership on solution architecture, technology modernization, and digital transformation initiatives. People Leadership & Resource Management · Lead, develop, and coach architecture managers and senior architects, setting clear expectations and building a strong bench of future leaders. · Make hiring, performance, development, and succession decisions for the architecture team, and foster a collaborative, high-accountability team culture. · Manage the departmental budget, technology investments, and architecture resources to ensure efficient use and achievement of strategic objectives. Required Knowledge & Experience · Deep expertise in solutions architecture, application architecture, integration architecture, and cloud architecture within complex organizations. · Strong knowledge of distributed systems, cloud-native platforms, API architecture, event-driven systems, and modern application ecosystems. · Experience leading architecture teams, including managing architects and technology leaders. · Working experience with API management and integration platforms such as MuleSoft, Kong, or Apigee. · Advanced understanding of Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and modern cloud architecture principles. · Knowledge of workflow orchestration platforms, business rules engines, automation frameworks, and process optimization technologies. · Experience designing and governing solutions that integrate internal platforms with external partners, vendors, carriers, and third-party service providers. · Solid understanding of artificial intelligence, machine learning, intelligent automation, large language model integration, and agent orchestration concepts. · Knowledge of secure solution design, identity and access management, regulatory compliance controls, and technology risk management. · Strong analytical, strategic-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate technology alternatives and drive effective decisions. · Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive and non-technical audiences and influence technology leaders, business partners, and vendors. · Experience establishing architecture review boards, governance processes, and solution standards. · Knowledge of observability, monitoring, resiliency engineering, scalability planning, and performance optimization. · Proven ability to lead transformational initiatives and deliver results in dynamic business and technology environments. Qualifications · Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, information systems, or a related field required or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree preferred. · 10–12 years of progressive experience in solutions architecture, software engineering, technology strategy, or related technology roles, including 5 or more years leading architects, managers, or technical teams. · Demonstrated success developing and executing solution architecture roadmaps and delivering large-scale modernization, cloud transformation, and integration initiatives. · Proven ability to partner with senior technology and business leaders, influence technology decisions, and communicate effectively with governance bodies. · Experience leading architecture governance and technology portfolio planning within complex, multi-platform environments. · Professional certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, TOGAF, or equivalent preferred. · Experience in insurance, financial services, fintech, insurtech, or other highly regulated industries preferred. Skills & Behaviors Functional/Technical Skills · Solution Architecture: Establishes architecture standards and governance for assigned domains and guides architects through complex design decisions across solution, application, integration, and cloud architecture. · Cloud Engineering: Directs cloud architecture patterns and platform standards, helping architects balance cost, security, and resilience across AWS and Azure environments. · AI Fluency: Evaluates emerging AI and intelligent automation capabilities and applies them responsibly to improve business and technology outcomes. · IT Security & Infrastructure: Ensures solution designs meet security, identity and access, and regulatory compliance standards across the technology portfolio. · Resource Allocation: Manages the departmental budget and architecture resources to direct investment toward the highest-value technology priorities. · Strategic Analysis & Business Case Development: Builds business cases that translate business strategy into architecture roadmaps and technology investments leaders can act on. 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