Lead Solution Architect

Company



Munich Re America Services



Location



Princeton
, United States

Overall objective

Lead Solution Architect is a key member of the technology leadership team, responsible for driving the systems architecture forwards to an end-state vision that modernizes, transforms and simplifies the GSI IT systems landscape.

Accountable for designing solutions for all business capabilities for one or more GSI Entities (e.g. AMIG, HSB, MRS-NA, MRS-GM,) that are in alignment with GSI wide technology strategy. Focuses on the end-to-end solution for a business problem, including both technical and business aspects. Works at a broader scope, addressing how systems, software, and business processes integrate to solve specific business needs.

Core Responsibilities - Architecture

• Collaborates with business stakeholders to understand requirements and align solutions with business goals
• Leads the development of architectures for complex systems, ensuring consistency with IT target architecture, specified requirements agreed with customers
• Manages and develops the target design, policies and standards, working proactively to maintain a stable, viable architecture
• Establishes policy and strategy for the selection of complex systems architecture components, and coordinates design activities, promoting the discipline to ensure consistency
• Communicates complex architecture objectives to business and consults during the development of product requirements. Provides oversight throughout design implementation into a productive solution.
• Ensures the solution meets functional, non-functional, and regulatory requirements (especially in domains like insurance).
• Designs the overall architecture that includes applications, data, and infrastructure, ensuring it aligns with the strategic goals of the organization. Works in close collaboration with other respective architect to meet this expectation.
• Presentations to Business partners that describes clear understanding of the business requirements and covey/propose technology solutions
• Often deals with cross-domain challenges, ensuring different components work together as a cohesive system

Core Responsibilities - Business and Technology Alignment

• Focuses heavily on how technology supports business outcomes and works closely with non-technical teams.
• Responsible for bridging the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders
• Utilizes knowledge across multiple Technology disciplines (e.g., software, infrastructure, integration, security) and collaborates with respective TECHNICAL/APPLICATION/PLATFORM ARCHITECT for in-depth capabilities of the technology components and technology platforms

Knowledge and Skills

• Preferably a University degree in Computer engineering / IT or similar qualification
• 10+ years of experience in delivery of IT solutions in the insurance industry, preferably Specialty Insurance lines

• Strong experience in Guidewire and/or DuckCreek insurance administration platforms with a primary focus on insurance capabilities, architecture, and integrations
• Insurance Domain Knowledge: A solid understanding of the insurance industry, particularly the unique aspects and complexities of the Specialty Commercial Insurance, including insurance underwriting, claims processing, risk management, customer journey in Insurance, Insurance products, Market Specific Insurance practices (e.g Lloyd's) , and regulatory requirements (ISO, OSFI, GDPR).
• Ability to understand and interpret Business Requirements and convert them into Technology implementation specifications for the development and integrations teams to follow; thus, solving business programs using Technology platforms and tools available within our environment.
• Skilled at effective Business engagement and providing Technology consulting. Strong communication and presentation skills to articulate technical concepts and solutions to non-technical stakeholders and senior management.
• IT Architecture and Systems: Strong knowledge of IT architecture principles, enterprise architecture frameworks, and various technology platforms. Familiarity with core insurance systems like policy administration, claims management, reinsurance, and reporting systems used in the insurance industry.
• Strong experience in Application Development, Data, and Systems integrations. Preferred experience in Technology/Platforms and/or Insurance specific technology solutions (SaaS Platforms etc.)
• Proven experience in designing and developing solutions (Solution Development life cycles, and the application of IT risk & security considerations)
• Strong ability to lead and inspire a team of architects and other technology professionals. Ability to provide direction, guidance, mentorship and support.
• Strong knowledge of cloud-based solutions and emerging technologies in the insurance industry. Understanding how these technologies can be applied to improve processes and enhance customer experiences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with various stakeholders, including business users, IT teams, vendors, and senior management. The ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders is essential.
• The ability to foster collaboration and teamwork among cross-functional teams, breaking down silos and encouraging knowledge sharing.
• Thought leadership - able to monitor market trends and to guide creative thinking on future technology capabilities which will help increase the business value of Munich Re
• A willingness to mentor and coach junior architects and team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement
• Ability to work in a demanding, high pace environment; ability to effectively identify priorities and manage time

Competencies for the Role

• Team orientation: Work cooperatively and flexibly with other members of the team with a full understanding of the role to be played as a team member.
• Communication: Communicate clearly, fairly and in a non-misleading manner, both orally and in writing.

• Achievement/results-orientation: Get things done well and the ability to set and meet challenging goals, create own measures of excellence and constantly seek ways of improving performance.
• Problem-solving: Analyze situations, diagnose problems, identify the key issues, establish and weigh up alternative courses of action and produce a logical, practical and acceptable solution.
• Flexibility: Adapt and work effectively in different situations and to carry out a variety of tasks.
• Customer focus: Take constant care in looking after the interests of external and internal customers. Ensure that their wants, needs and expectations are given due consideration and that all efforts are made to meet them wherever fair and reasonable, in line with any standards from an industry regulator.
• Planning and prioritizing: The ability to decide on courses of action, ensure that the necessary resources are available and schedule the work required to achieve a defined result in a desirable manner.
• Share knowledge: Share knowledge about the role you perform fully and willingly with others, where this is relevant, in the interests of the organization.
• Self-development: Take responsibility for your own career and actively support 'continuing professional development'.
• Commercial/business awareness: The capacity to understand the business opportunities and priorities of the organization and constantly seek methods of ensuring that the organization continues to be business-like and continues to meet the standards and requirements of its regulators.
• Leadership: Inspire individuals to give of their best in order to achieve a desired result and to maintain effective relationships with individuals and the team as a whole.