Lead Architect - Brand new function. Insurance

JR United Kingdom; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Lead Architect to create a new architecture team aimed at transforming their legacy systems into modern microservices architectures. This position offers the unique chance to influence a significant change within the UK's largest Mutual Pensions company, alongside a supportive business-management and substantial change budget.

Qualifications

• Strong background in solutions architecture (Applications, Cloud, Security).
• Demonstrated experience modernizing legacy systems into microservices-based architectures.
• Deep knowledge of standard design patterns and application security.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight across your assigned domain.
• Lead the architectural transition from monolithic to microservices architecture.
• Define and implement standard patterns for application development.

Skills

Solutions Architecture

Cloud Infrastructure

Security

Microservices

Communication

Job description

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Lead Architect - Brand new function. Insurance, Shrewsbury

Client:

Nixor

Location:

Shrewsbury, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

1

Posted:

04.06.2025

Expiry Date:

19.07.2025

Job Description:

Nixor is currently seeking Principal/Lead Architects with Life Insurance / Assurance industry knowledge to join a newly formed architecture team for the UK's largest Mutual Pensions company. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of their technology landscape as they transition from a legacy, "spaghetti" architecture to a modern, microservices-based target architecture over the coming years.

About the Role

As a Lead Architect, you will take full ownership of your domain, overseeing applications, cloud infrastructure, and services. This is a brand new team inheriting a legacy "spaghetti" architecture, with the remit (and funding) to transform it into a modern Micro-services Architecture.

These roles are at the start of a transformative journey, offering a chance to make a meaningful, lasting impact.

The initial value stream mapping has been completed, and the board fully endorses the transformation. With a clear vision of the target state, no third-party dependencies, and all work being done in-house, this is an exciting and well-supported initiative.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight across your assigned domain
• Work closely with the board and other senior stakeholders
• Lead the architectural transition from a complex monolithic system to a modern microservices architecture
• Define and implement standard patterns and practices for application development, security, observability, and more
• Act as a mentor and coach to junior architects and technical teams
• Be the technical point of contact for your business unit

Why Join?

When asked why the Director of Architecture joined 6 months ago, the response was:

"I've never worked anywhere where you can make such an impact so quickly. We're building this team from the top down, and these Principal Architects will be the first hires—I want to create a high-performing architectural function. The business is fully supporting me."

They also have:

• A large change budget in place, with access to a significant portion of it
• Minimal internal politics – groundwork and stakeholder alignment have already been done
• A chance to work customer-first, focusing on delivering meaningful, user-centric designs from day one

We’re seeking experienced Architects with:

• A strong background in solutions architecture (covering Applications, Cloud, Security, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience modernizing legacy systems into microservices-based architectures
• Deep knowledge of standard design patterns, cloud infrastructure, and application security
• Prior experience in the Insurance Industry (Life Insurance ideally)
• The ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders

These are hands-on leadership roles that blend strategic influence with day-to-day architectural contribution. You’ll work alongside Business Architects, leaving more head space to guide the technical direction of your domain.