At a Glance
- Tasks: Design future-ready systems and influence engineering strategy across teams.
- Company: Join a global leader in information and analytics, making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and a comprehensive pension plan.
- Other info: Promote work/life balance with wellbeing initiatives and internal communities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology in healthcare and research while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in architecture with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about designing future‑ready systems that balance performance, reliability, and simplicity? Do you thrive on setting technical direction and influencing engineering strategy across teams?
About the team: A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world's grand challenges and a more sustainable future. We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.
About the role: This position contributes to the definition of Enterprise Architecture within Elsevier, specifically related to the Shared Technologies that underpin our product portfolio. You will be responsible for driving forward the architecture strategy for Identity and Access, Enterprise API Management and the secure adoption and delivery of agentic AI solutions across the shared platforms that underpin all of Elsevier's products.
Responsibilities include:
- Governing adherence to architectural principles and standards.
- Working with architects and senior architects as a key interaction point for communication, evangelism, governance, and feedback.
- Working closely alongside our engineering, product, and business partners to understand their strategies and enable timely, efficient, and governed delivery of solutions to support them.
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.
Technical Skills:
- 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).
We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organization. We offer various wellbeing initiatives and shared parental leave to help you meet your responsibilities and long‑term goals. Flexible working hours: flex the times when you work in the day to fit everything in and work when you are most productive.
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)
Principal Architect in London employer: RELX Group
At Elsevier, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration in the field of information and analytics. Our commitment to a healthy work/life balance, coupled with flexible working hours and a comprehensive benefits package, ensures that our employees thrive both personally and professionally. With ample opportunities for growth and development, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to advancing science and improving health outcomes globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Architect in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal project that highlights your architectural prowess. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise beyond the usual application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to architecture. We all know how tricky those technical questions can be, so get comfy with them!
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Architect in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in architectural design and governance. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves presenting complex technical concepts, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly. Use examples in your application that show how you've effectively conveyed technical information to diverse audiences.
Highlight Collaborative Experiences:We love teamwork! Share instances where you’ve worked closely with cross-functional teams or led architectural initiatives. This will help us see how you can bridge the gap between engineering and business strategies.
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at RELX Group
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the principles of enterprise architecture, especially in relation to identity and access management and API governance. Be ready to discuss how your past experiences align with these areas and how you can contribute to the architectural strategy at Elsevier.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in a straightforward manner. Since you'll need to communicate with diverse audiences, including senior leadership, focus on how to present your ideas clearly and effectively, ensuring they resonate with business-focused stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to partner with architects, product teams, and business partners to drive architectural initiatives. This will show that you can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
Research the latest advancements in technology relevant to the role, such as modern authentication protocols and AI solutions. Be prepared to discuss how you can leverage these technologies to enhance Elsevier's architecture and support their mission of advancing science and healthcare.