Principal Architect

Principal Architect

Livingston Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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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 43200 - 72000 £ 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 is a real opportunity to shape the future technology landscape in an organisation that is undergoing major transformation, and you will play a key part in the decisions that are made here.

Why Join?

  • You will 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 is 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.
  • Coaching: Support engineers in delivering deployable, scalable solutions.

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: La Fosse

Joining this esteemed financial services firm as a Principal Architect offers an exceptional opportunity to influence the future of technology within a transformative environment. With direct access to senior leadership and a culture that prioritises architecture as a key business driver, you will engage in meaningful work that shapes long-term outcomes. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility while being based in Edinburgh, a vibrant city known for its rich history and innovation, providing a unique blend of professional growth and personal enrichment.
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Contact Detail:

La Fosse 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 learn about the latest trends in cloud and modern architecture patterns.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities within the financial services industry. Understanding the regulatory landscape and how it impacts architectural decisions will give you an edge when discussing your vision for the future technology landscape.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in leading architectural transformations, particularly in regulated environments. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders and established governance frameworks that drive innovation.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your communication skills by engaging in discussions about long-term customer value and how architecture can be a business driver. Articulate your ideas clearly and confidently, as this role requires collaboration with various stakeholders at all levels.

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
Technical Leadership
Collaboration Skills
Coaching and Mentoring
Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Principal Architect position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in enterprise architecture, especially within regulated sectors like financial services.

Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your extensive experience in architecture, particularly your expertise in cloud and modern architecture patterns. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've influenced senior stakeholders and established governance in previous roles.

Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for delivering long-term customer value and your ability to translate strategy into action. Highlight your communication skills and provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders and technical teams.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread and edit your documents. Ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos, as these can detract from your professionalism. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.

How to prepare for a job interview at La Fosse

✨Understand the Company’s Vision

Before the 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 with enterprise or solution architecture, particularly in 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 high visibility of this role, think of examples where you've influenced senior stakeholders or established governance frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you can translate architectural strategy into actionable plans that align with business objectives.

✨Demonstrate Your Coaching Skills

As a Principal Architect, you'll be expected to support and coach engineers. Prepare examples of how you've mentored team members in the past, focusing on how you helped them deliver scalable solutions and fostered a collaborative environment.

Principal Architect
La Fosse
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