At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the architecture of enterprise-scale Guidewire programmes and ensure high-quality delivery.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company transforming the insurance industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of dynamic teams driving innovation in cloud migration and data transformation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of insurance technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in Guidewire solutions and strong stakeholder management skills.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced Guidewire Solution Architect to define and lead the architecture of enterprise‑scale Guidewire programmes. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who can shape target architecture, guide technical teams, influence stakeholders, and ensure high‑quality delivery across Guidewire core platforms, cloud migrations, integrations, and data transformation.
You will work closely with business analysts, product owners, enterprise architects, client SMEs, delivery teams, and leadership stakeholders to translate complex business requirements into scalable, secure, and maintainable Guidewire solutions.
Key responsibilities
- Define target architecture, technical blueprints, high‑level designs, and delivery roadmaps for Guidewire transformation programmes.
- Design scalable, secure, and maintainable Guidewire solutions aligned to architecture standards, governance frameworks, and industry best practice.
- Lead architecture across Guidewire core platforms, including PolicyCenter, ClaimCenter, BillingCenter, and Guidewire Cloud migration initiatives.
- Guide configuration, customisation, workflows, rules, data extensions, product models, and integrations across Guidewire implementations.
- Design and oversee integrations with CRM, payment, document management, data warehouse, vendor, and other enterprise systems.
- Define API, messaging, middleware, plugin, and event‑driven integration patterns.
- Oversee data migration, conversion, reconciliation, and data quality considerations across implementation phases.
- Provide technical leadership to development, configuration, integration, and data teams, including mentoring, design reviews, code reviews, and architecture assurance.
- Drive non‑functional excellence across performance, security, scalability, resilience, availability, and operational readiness.
- Facilitate solution workshops, design discussions, architecture reviews, and stakeholder presentations.
- Present solution options, risks, trade‑offs, and recommendations to senior technical and business stakeholders.
- Support pre‑sales activity, including RFP responses, estimates, proposals, client presentations, reusable assets, and thought leadership.
Required experience
- Strong experience as a Solution Architect, Technical Architect, or Lead Architect on Guidewire implementation or transformation programmes.
- Deep knowledge of the Property & Casualty insurance domain, including policy administration, claims management, billing, underwriting, and core insurance business processes.
- Hands‑on expertise across Guidewire PolicyCenter, ClaimCenter, and BillingCenter.
- Strong understanding of Gosu, PCF, Rules Engine, workflows, product model, plugins, configuration, and customisation.
- Proven experience designing Guidewire integrations using REST and SOAP APIs, messaging, middleware, integration frameworks, and enterprise integration patterns.
- Experience with Guidewire Cloud and/or cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure.
- Good understanding of CI/CD, DevOps practices, performance optimisation, security architecture, SQL, data modelling, ETL, and data migration.
- Ability to operate effectively across technical and business audiences, translating complex architecture concepts into clear, practical recommendations.
What we are looking for
The ideal candidate will combine deep Guidewire technical expertise with strong consulting, stakeholder management, and delivery leadership skills. You will be comfortable owning architecture decisions, challenging assumptions, guiding teams, and ensuring that solutions are robust, future‑ready, and aligned to client goals.
Why this role?
This is an opportunity to play a key role in major Guidewire transformation and cloud migration programmes, shaping architecture from strategy through to delivery. You will influence technical direction, work with experienced delivery teams, and help clients modernise core insurance platforms with scalable, secure, and high‑performing solutions.
Guidewire Solution Architect in City of Westminster employer: Cognizant
Cognizant is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the UK Public Sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, including training in cutting-edge AI technologies, while contributing to meaningful projects that impact government services. With a commitment to quality and excellence, Cognizant provides a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Guidewire Solution Architect in City of Westminster
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like Cognizant). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Cognizant. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace Guidewire Solution Architect in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Cognizant.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Cognizant. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognizant
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Cognizant to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at Cognizant, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding Cognizant's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.
