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- Tasks: Lead IT strategy alignment and oversee architecture execution for business goals.
- Company: Join Phoenix Group, a FTSE 100 leader in long-term savings and retirement solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, remote work options, generous leave, and excellent health benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of a team driving innovation and sustainability while shaping the future of technology.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks and proven consultative experience required.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The Principal Architect plays a key role in aligning IT capabilities to business strategies and overseeing execution. The Principal Architect role owns the definition, planning and governance of the Target States, associated Roadmaps and transition states across a given scope.
We have an incredible opportunity to join us here at Phoenix Group for x3 Principal Architects to join our Business & Enterprise Architecture team.
Job Type: Permanent
Location: This role could be based in either our Birmingham, Telford, London or Edinburgh offices with time spent working in the office and at home.
Closing Date: 27/06/2025
Salary and benefits: £70,000- £95,000 plus an indicative bonus range of 30%-60%, private medical cover, 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, 12x salary life assurance, career breaks, income protection, 3x volunteering days and much more.
Who are we? We want to be the best place that any of our 6,600 colleagues have ever worked. We’re Phoenix Group, we’re a long-term savings and retirement business. We offer a range of products across our market-leading brands, Standard Life, SunLife, Phoenix Life and ReAssure. Around 1 in 5 people in the UK has a pension with us. We’re a FTSE 100 organisation that is tackling key issues such as transitioning our portfolio to net zero by 2050, and we’re not done yet.
The role involves:
- Formulation of strategy and setting direction
- Design, plan and articulate the planned evolution of the IT Architecture for the given scope
- Building and maintaining relationships with business leaders, product managers and product owners
- Facilitating innovation and identifying technology enabled innovation opportunities that enable business strategies
- Orchestrating the delivery of business outcomes and providing consultative advice, adapted to stakeholder context
- Guiding Execution by working closely with, supporting and guiding the solution architects across Change and Engineering Delivery
- Proactive Application Portfolio Management by managing the data that provides visibility into our technology estate
What are we looking for?
- A strong understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman) with the ability to leverage this knowledge and drive strategic alignment
- Demonstrable experience of working closely with strategic 3rd parties to ensure solutions are architected in alignment with group architectural blueprints and roadmap
- Comprehensive experience of developing roadmaps and transition States which enable the Target State to be realised in a controlled but timely manner
- Extensive experience in providing consultative advice, adapted to stakeholder context, and provide actionable recommendations to influence and guide technology investment decisions
- Proficiency in process mapping and optimization techniques
- Proven experience of driving execution of change to deliver the strategy outcomes, reduce risk, contain cost, improve agility and accelerate time to value
We want to hire the whole version of you. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels accepted and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If your experience looks different from what we’ve advertised and you believe that you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can help you to be at your best.
Contact Detail:
Phoenix Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with enterprise architecture frameworks like TOGAF and Zachman. Understanding these frameworks will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your ability to align IT capabilities with business strategies.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who work in enterprise architecture roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in technology and enterprise architecture. Being knowledgeable about current innovations can help you identify technology-enabled opportunities that align with business strategies during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in developing roadmaps and transition states. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully guided execution and influenced investment decisions in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Architect
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 how your experience aligns with the key aspects of the role, such as enterprise architecture frameworks and strategic alignment.
Craft a Tailored CV: Your CV should reflect your relevant experience in enterprise architecture, including specific projects where you've developed roadmaps or provided consultative advice. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for recruiters to see your qualifications at a glance.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight your understanding of Phoenix Group's mission and how your skills can contribute to their goals, particularly in areas like innovation and technology-enabled strategies.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Phoenix Group
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Principal Architect role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with enterprise architecture frameworks like TOGAF and Zachman, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in developing roadmaps and transition states. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've aligned IT capabilities with business strategies and the outcomes of those initiatives.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your ability to build and maintain relationships with business leaders and stakeholders. Discuss how you've facilitated innovation and orchestrated delivery of business outcomes in past roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about their current architectural challenges or how they envision the evolution of their IT architecture, showing that you're proactive and engaged.
