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 various wellbeing initiatives and internal communities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology in healthcare and research with innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in software architecture and strong leadership skills required.
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 and working with architects and senior architects as a key interaction point for communication, evangelism, governance, and feedback. The position also requires 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.
- 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).
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: These are some of the benefits we are delighted to offer:
- 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 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 comprehensive benefits such as generous vacation entitlement and a robust pension plan, ensures that our employees thrive both personally and professionally. With a strong focus on employee growth opportunities and a culture that values diverse perspectives, joining us as a Principal Architect means contributing to meaningful advancements in science and healthcare while enjoying a supportive and dynamic work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your projects and achievements. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to architecture and technology. We all know that confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready to shine!
✨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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Architect
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 mission at Elsevier, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be communicating complex technical concepts, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to convey ideas clearly. Use straightforward language in your application to reflect how you’d communicate with diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
Highlight Collaborative Experience:We value teamwork, so make sure to mention any cross-functional projects you've led or participated in. Share examples of how you’ve worked with different teams to achieve architectural goals, as this will resonate well with us.
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, API governance, and AI solutions. Be ready to discuss how your past experiences align with these areas and how you can contribute to the architectural strategy.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in a straightforward manner. Since you'll need to communicate with various stakeholders, including senior leadership, focus on how to present your ideas clearly and effectively, ensuring they resonate with both technical and non-technical audiences.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully partnered with architects, product teams, and business partners to drive architectural initiatives. This will demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and influence engineering strategies.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
Research the latest advancements in technology relevant to the role, such as modern authentication protocols and API management. Being knowledgeable about current trends will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and committed to continuous learning in the field.
