Principal Domain Enterprise Architect

Reporting to the CTO, this role oversees the Architecture Domain within Chaucer Technology. It leads a key function within the evolving operating model and plays a central role in modernising ways of working. The role requires a strategic, future-focused technology leader with proven capability to define technology and design strategy, own solution architecture, shape innovation including AI, and align architecture decisions to business objectives.

As Chaucer’s enterprise design authority, the role ensures architecture supports business strategy, underwriting performance, operational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, scalability and long-term value. The role leads and mentors Domain Architects, works closely with Enterprise Portfolio Architecture, and collaborates across Product Management, Engineering, Security, Data, Service Management, and Quality & Technical Assurance. They lead internal and third-party architecture resources, translating business and technology requirements into conceptual architectures, high-level designs and assured solution designs, with appropriate review and contribution to low-level designs.

Define and maintain the Enterprise Architecture roadmap, aligning technical blueprints with 1-3 year business objectives, Chaucer's strategic priorities and longer-term technology direction. Establish architectural guardrails, principles and decision frameworks that embed secure-by-design and resilience standards across change. Own solution architecture across the change portfolio, ensuring business requirements are translated into clear conceptual architectures, high-level designs and coherent solution design artefacts Own Enterprise Reference Architectures, Target State Architectures and Strategic Technology Blueprints, ensuring business and portfolio roadmaps align to Chaucer's long-term technology vision.

Establish an innovation lifecycle from ideation and experimentation through to adoption, including responsible AI where it creates measurable business value. Use strategic thinking, scenario planning and enterprise trade-off analysis to balance innovation, resilience, cost, risk, delivery pace and platform sustainability. Review and contribute to low-level designs to ensure detailed implementation remains aligned with approved architectural principles, design patterns, standards and strategic technology direction.

Proactively engaged across the market, technology landscape and insurance sector to identify strategic opportunities through emerging technology, innovation and AI-enabled capabilities Advise C-suite executives by translating technology trends, innovation and AI developments into clear investment priorities. Develop and communicate the Architecture Domain strategy and long-term technology vision, aligned to business goals and future innovation, AI and market developments. Act as a trusted advisor and enterprise design authority between the Architecture Domain, technology teams and wider business stakeholders.

As required, attend transformation and change steering committees and senior leadership meetings to advise on progress and business value realisation. Provide architectural insight and guidance across the transformation portfolio through robust design, independent assurance and governance. Represent Chaucer in relevant technology, insurance and innovation forums, shaping industry direction and identifying strategic advantage.

Creates an inclusive environment that values individual differences and leverages diversity. Relevant industry experience in architecture roles, with previous experience in a technology leadership position, ideally within insurance or other regulated financial services environments. Brings the gravitas, curiosity and strategic mindset to challenge norms, look beyond immediate delivery demands and identify future advantage. Strategic Problem-Solving - Thinks strategically, evaluates emerging technologies and AI opportunities, assesses enterprise impacts and makes evidence-based decisions.

Simplifies complex strategic choices for senior stakeholders by articulating options, implications, risks and recommended direction. A team-builder and collaborator, who can work comfortably in a highly collaborative setting. Can work comfortably with senior business leadership, has a positive can-do attitude, open and welcoming to change. Demonstrates exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional…