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Guardian Life · 5 hours ago

Principal Architect and Technology Governance Lead'

Holmdel, NJ

Full-time

Hybrid

Lead/Staff

$152K/yr - $250K/yr

12+ years exp

Guardian Life is seeking a Principal Architect and Technology Governance Lead to oversee enterprise-wide architecture foundations and technology governance frameworks. This role will manage cross-functional governance councils and ensure technology initiatives align with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

DentalFinancial ServicesHardwareInsuranceLife Insurance

No H1B

Responsibilities

Enterprise Architecture foundations

Inventory & Simplify Architecture Patterns: Lead the rationalization and simplification of architecture patterns, connecting value streams, business processes, capabilities, applications, data, AI, integration, security, and infrastructure

Simplify Architecture Artifacts: Drive the reduction of complexity in architecture documentation and artifacts

Implement Tooling for Application Inventory & Metadata: Deploy and manage tools (e.g., LeanIX) to digitize and maintain architecture metadata and application inventory

Digitize Architecture Metadata: Enable digital capture and management of architecture data for improved transparency and decision-making

Drive Technical Domain Roadmaps: Collaborate with technical domains and maintain roadmaps for Data, Digital, AI, Security, Infrastructure, and Integration domains

Publish Enterprise Roadmap: Deliver a 12–18-month enterprise technology roadmap, integrating BU-level strategies and foundational initiatives

Reimagine EA in the Age of AI: Simplify and automate architecture creation and reviews using agentic AI and generative AI technologies

Define Governance Objectives: Set the scope for governance, including architecture reviews, tech standards, new technology introduction, and risk assessments

Streamline Governance Processes: Address pain points such as multiple boards, manual intake, and long cycle times. Transition to checklist-driven, outcome-based reviews

Digitize Intake & Workflow: Explore and implement tools (LeanIX, ServiceNow) to automate intake and workflow processes

Automate Compliance & Standards: Leverage AI automation and agents to enforce compliance, generate metrics, and monitor standards

Measure & Improve: Track and improve review cycle times, automated checks, and SLAs

Develop, implement, and continuously improve the enterprise technology governance framework, policies, and standards to support business strategy, technology modernization and AI transformation

Chair and coordinate governance bodies, including the Innovation Council, Architecture Review Board, IT Security Committee, and CyberRisk Council, ensuring effective decision-making, prioritization, and execution of technology initiatives

Ensure governance supports business outcomes – enabling faster decision making while managing risk and compliance

Oversee the review and approval of major technology investments, architectural standards, and security controls, ensuring alignment with business and compliance objectives

Lead the design and deployment and of AI and analytics driven governance models (e.g. automated policy checks, pattern validation)

Build reporting / dashboards for technology governance, compliance

Introduce predictive insights for early detection of risk, duplication and technical debt

Ensure technology and cyber risks are proactively identified, assessed, managed, and reported in accordance with internal policies and external regulations (e.g., NIST, ISO, NYDFS)

Maintain and enhance technology risk policies, risk appetite statements, and key risk indicators; monitor breaches and escalate exceptions as needed

Oversee the execution of risk assessments, control self-assessments, and continuous monitoring programs across all technology domains

Approve and enforce changes in IT policies, standards, and procedures, including architectural and security frameworks

Guide the Architecture Review Board in evaluating solution designs for consistency, interoperability, and alignment with enterprise standards

Ensure governance processes support innovation while maintaining compliance, security, and operational resilience

Qualification

Enterprise ArchitectureTechnology GovernanceRisk ManagementRegulatory FrameworksAI TechnologiesLeadership SkillsCommunication SkillsStakeholder EngagementStrategic MindsetFacilitation Skills

Required

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business, or related field

12+ years of progressive experience in technology governance, enterprise architecture or technology strategy within complex, regulated industries preferably within financial services or insurance

Demonstrated experience managing enterprise governance councils, architecture review boards, and IT risk/security committees

Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks (NIST, ISO) and technology risk management best practices

Strong leadership, facilitation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders

Experience engaging with executive leadership, regulators, and auditors

Strategic mindset with a track record of linking governance to business outcomes and digital transformation