At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of scalable software architectures and guide engineering teams.
- Company: Whitespace, a Verisk business, merging tech agility with global data analytics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on continuous improvement and architectural excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative platforms in a dynamic tech environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in software development and strong knowledge of modern technologies.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
hackajob is collaborating with Verisk to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. Read all the information about this opportunity carefully, then use the application button below to send your CV and application.
Whitespace, a Verisk business, is a specialist technology company focused on building modern, scalable platforms that support data driven decision making across the insurance and risk markets. As part of Verisk, we combine the agility and innovation of a focused tech business with the scale, stability, and global reach of a leading data analytics organisation.
We are looking for an experienced Principal Architect to play a key role in shaping the future of our technology platforms. This is a senior, hands on architecture role where you will influence technical direction, guide engineering teams, and design robust software systems that support a growing, modern SaaS environment. You will work closely with engineers, analysts, and senior stakeholders to translate business needs into scalable, secure, and high performing solutions. You will also take ownership of reviewing existing systems, identifying opportunities to simplify, refactor, and improve performance and reusability. This is an opportunity to have real impact across our platform and help drive architectural excellence across the organisation.
Responsibilities
- System Design & Architecture: Lead the design and development of scalable, reliable, and secure software architectures. Translate business requirements into technical solutions that align with company goals and industry best practices.
- Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers, ensuring adherence to architecture standards and best practices. Lead code reviews, technical discussions, and decision-making processes. Create technical designs for new features to enable work to be distributed across engineers and tracked.
- Collaboration: Work closely with analysts, engineers, and other stakeholders to understand system requirements, constraints, and objectives. Ensure the architecture supports future growth and flexibility. Gain a deep understanding of how the Platform works to help steer the best outcomes for new feature delivery.
- Technology Selection: Evaluate and recommend appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools for software development, ensuring that the system is innovative and cost-effective.
- Quality Assurance: Ensure software designs and implementations follow best practices, coding standards, and appropriate testing methodologies. Guarantee high performance, security, and scalability of the architecture.
- Documentation & Communication: Create clear, comprehensive, and maintainable documentation for system architectures, workflows, and technical specifications. Communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders to ensure understanding of architectural decisions.
- Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends to keep our systems modern and ahead of the competition. Drive innovation and continuous improvement in software architecture and development processes.
Qualifications
- Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
- Many years of experience in software development at a senior or principal level
- Proven experience designing and delivering complex systems, ideally within a SaaS environment
- Strong, hands on experience with Swift, which is essential for this role
- Experience working with modern languages and frameworks such as TypeScript, JavaScript, Node.js, and Angular
- Deep understanding of software architecture principles, patterns, and design methodologies
- Experience with cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, or GCP
- Strong knowledge of microservices and distributed systems
- Experience with relational and NoSQL databases
- Familiarity with DevOps practices including CI/CD, Docker, and Kubernetes
- Experience working in Agile environments
- A strong focus on quality, performance optimisation, and high availability systems
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Architect in Bristol
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Verisk who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Architect in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Verisk!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Verisk. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Verisk
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Verisk.
