Principal Architect

Principal Architect

Full-Time 90000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Elsevier

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design future-ready systems and drive technical direction across teams.
  • Company: Join Elsevier, a leader in innovative technology solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous vacation, flexible hours, and a comprehensive pension plan.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of technology in a collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: 15+ years in architecture with strong leadership and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.

Overview: Principal Architect – design future-ready systems that balance performance, reliability, and simplicity. Drive technical direction and influence engineering strategy across teams. Contribute to Enterprise Architecture within Elsevier, specifically related to Shared Technologies that underpin the product portfolio.

Responsibilities:

  • Translate business needs and technology direction into scalable architectural solutions.
  • Communicate complex technical concepts in a clear, business-focused manner to support decision-making.
  • Partner with architects across the organization to ensure alignment, governance, and shared architectural direction.
  • Collaborate with product and business strategy teams to anticipate long-term technological needs.
  • Evaluate new technologies and potential acquisitions as required.
  • Define and implement technology strategies that promote standardization, reuse, and simplification.
  • Plan for the evolution, retirement, and replacement of systems within the business unit.
  • Provide architectural leadership and promote software engineering best practices.
  • Review and approve changes to infrastructure components and subsystems.
  • Lead architectural design for large-scale development efforts.
  • Act as a bridge between enterprise architecture and engineering teams.
  • Work collaboratively with architects across different groups to ensure cohesive solutions.
  • Introduce and support teams in adopting new technologies.
  • Lead teams in identifying and resolving complex technical challenges.
  • Present findings, risks, and solution options to support informed decision-making.
  • Guide technical direction and architectural evolution through reviews and hands-on leadership.
  • Identify opportunities to evolve components into shared infrastructure.
  • Stay current with industry and technology advancements and explore opportunities to apply them.
  • Advocate for and support the adoption of shared technologies across business units.
  • Collaborate closely with shared technology teams to provide architectural guidance and support.

Qualifications:

  • Extensive experience (typically 15+ years) in software, network, or systems architecture.
  • Significant experience leading cross-functional or cross-product architectural initiatives with measurable enterprise impact.
  • Degree in Engineering or Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Deep expertise in architectural design and governance.
  • Strong understanding of programming concepts, databases, and modern engineering practices.
  • Experience leading complex technical projects and collaborating with customers or external partners.
  • Ability to work with vendors to align technology strategies with organizational architecture goals.
  • Innovative mindset with experience in modern technologies, security, and infrastructure.
  • Advanced skills in planning, prioritization, and managing multiple initiatives across teams.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities, including guiding teams through diagnosing and resolving complex issues.
  • Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to present technical concepts to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
  • Strong research and analytical skills.
  • Ability to develop architectural business cases aligned with enterprise strategy.
  • Expertise in APIs, API management, and API governance.
  • Strong knowledge of modern authentication and authorization protocols (e.g., OAuth2, OIDC).

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Pension Plan
  • Generous vacation entitlement and option for sabbatical leave
  • Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, and Family Care leave
  • Flexible working hours
  • Personal Choice budget
  • Internal communities and networks
  • Various employee discounts
  • Recruitment introduction reward
  • Employee Assistance Program (global)

Equal Opportunity Employer: Elsevier is an equal opportunity employer: qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, disability status, protected veteran status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to providing a fair and accessible hiring process and support accommodations for disabilities.

Principal Architect employer: Elsevier

Elsevier is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Principal Architect role. With a strong focus on employee growth, comprehensive benefits including a generous pension plan and flexible working hours, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Elsevier provides a supportive environment where professionals can thrive and contribute to meaningful technological advancements.

Elsevier

Contact Details:

Elsevier Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Architect

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website that highlights your architectural projects and achievements. This gives potential employers a tangible way to see what you can bring to the table.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to architecture. Think about how you can communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely, just like you would in your role as a Principal Architect.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Elsevier.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Architect

Architectural Design
Technical Leadership
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Software Engineering Best Practices
Complex Problem-Solving
Communication Skills
API Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Architect role. Highlight your experience in software architecture and how it aligns with our needs at StudySmarter. We want to see how you can drive technical direction and influence engineering strategy!

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be communicating complex technical concepts, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to present ideas clearly. Use straightforward language in your application to show us you can bridge the gap between technical and business-focused discussions.

Highlight Collaborative Experience:We love teamwork! Make sure to mention any past experiences where you've partnered with other architects or teams. This will help us see how you can work collaboratively across different groups to ensure cohesive solutions.

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining the StudySmarter team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Elsevier

Know Your Architecture Inside Out

Make sure you have a solid grasp of architectural principles and how they apply to the role. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in leading architectural initiatives and how they’ve impacted the business. This will show that you can translate complex technical concepts into scalable solutions.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Practice explaining intricate technical ideas in a straightforward manner. You’ll need to present these concepts to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, so focus on clarity and relevance. Use examples from your experience to illustrate your points effectively.

Collaborate and Connect

Highlight your ability to work with cross-functional teams and other architects. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully partnered with different groups to achieve cohesive solutions. This demonstrates your collaborative spirit and your understanding of shared architectural direction.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Show your enthusiasm for new technologies and industry advancements. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve evaluated and implemented new tech in previous roles. This not only reflects your innovative mindset but also your commitment to evolving systems and promoting best practices.