Principal Architect

Principal Architect

Cardiff Full-Time 57600 - 84000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead architectural strategy and guide the transition to modern cloud solutions.
  • Company: Join a renowned financial services firm undergoing major transformation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy high visibility, influence, and direct access to senior leadership.
  • Why this job: Shape the future tech landscape and make a significant impact on the business.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in enterprise architecture within regulated sectors is essential.
  • Other info: This is a hybrid role, requiring 50% onsite work in Edinburgh.

The predicted salary is between 57600 - 84000 £ per year.

La Fosse have been engaged by a renowned financial services firm to recruit multiple Principal Architects to join their growing function and be aligned to each of their value streams. There’s a real opportunity to shape the future technology landscape in an organisation that is undergoing major transformation, and you’ll have play a key part in the decisions that are made here.

Why Join?

  • You’ll have direct access to senior leadership (at CxO level), with the authority to get things done!
  • High visibility and influence—architecture is seen as a critical business driver, and stakeholders are invested in making it architecture-led.
  • There’s a shift from project to product model—designing for long-term outcomes, not just short-term fixes.
  • Time spent on meaningful work: selling ideas, negotiating, and doing the right thing, with significant impact on the future of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Architecture Leadership: Define and execute architectural strategy, balancing modernisation with immediate business needs.
  • Legacy to Cloud Transition: Guide the shift from mainframe/monolithic systems to microservices, API-led, event-driven architectures.
  • Governance: Establish architectural standards and frameworks that ensure consistency and innovation across domains.
  • Collaboration: Partner with stakeholders, business leaders, and technical teams to ensure alignment with business strategy and long-term value.

Required Experience:

  • Extensive experience in enterprise or solution architecture within regulated sectors (e.g., financial services, insurance, pensions).
  • Strong expertise in cloud and modern architecture patterns.
  • Proven ability to establish governance, influence senior stakeholders, and translate strategy into action.
  • Excellent communication skills and a passion for delivering long-term customer value.

This is a hybrid role, requiring 50% time working onsite in the client’s Edinburgh office.

Principal Architect employer: Job Traffic

Join a leading financial services firm that prioritises innovation and transformation, offering Principal Architects the chance to shape the future technology landscape. With direct access to senior leadership and a culture that values architecture as a critical business driver, you'll engage in meaningful work that has a lasting impact. Enjoy a collaborative environment that supports your professional growth while working in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
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Contact Detail:

Job Traffic Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Architect

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the financial services sector, especially those who have experience in enterprise architecture. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and leaders who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in cloud architecture and microservices. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field during discussions with stakeholders.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in leading architectural transformations, particularly in regulated environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you influenced senior stakeholders and drove successful outcomes.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your communication skills by engaging in conversations about architectural governance and strategy. Practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely, as this will be crucial when collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Architect

Enterprise Architecture
Solution Architecture
Cloud Architecture
Microservices Design
API Management
Event-Driven Architecture
Governance Frameworks
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Planning
Communication Skills
Collaboration Skills
Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
Technical Leadership
Problem-Solving Skills
Change Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in enterprise or solution architecture, especially within regulated sectors like financial services. Emphasise your expertise in cloud and modern architecture patterns.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for architecture as a business driver. Discuss how your leadership skills and experience can contribute to the company's transformation and long-term goals.

Showcase Relevant Projects: Include specific examples of past projects where you successfully guided legacy systems to cloud transitions or established governance frameworks. This will demonstrate your ability to influence senior stakeholders and deliver value.

Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, ensure that your application reflects your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders. Mention any experiences where you effectively communicated complex ideas to non-technical audiences.

How to prepare for a job interview at Job Traffic

✨Understand the Company’s Vision

Before your interview, take some time to research the financial services firm and its current transformation initiatives. Understanding their vision will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Showcase Your Architectural Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your experience in enterprise or solution architecture, particularly within regulated sectors. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully transitioned systems to modern architectures, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios

Given the emphasis on collaboration and influencing senior stakeholders, think of examples where you've effectively communicated complex architectural strategies. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated challenges and built consensus among diverse teams.

✨Demonstrate Your Governance Knowledge

Since establishing architectural standards is a key responsibility, be prepared to talk about your approach to governance. Share any frameworks you've implemented in the past and how they contributed to consistency and innovation across domains.

Principal Architect
Job Traffic
J
  • Principal Architect

    Cardiff
    Full-Time
    57600 - 84000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-06-16

  • J

    Job Traffic

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