Executive Director - Strategy, Architecture and Application Modernization

MainframeMaster; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 175,100 - 334,750; Full time

Job summary

MainframeMaster is seeking an Executive Director focused on Strategy, Architecture, and Application Modernization in Hartford, CT. This role involves defining enterprise-level solutions and fostering innovation within a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate should have over 15 years of experience, including leadership in healthcare IT and a strong background in mainframe technologies such as COBOL and z/OS. You will also be responsible for building and mentoring a high-performing team, ensuring the adoption of scalable solutions.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in enterprise architecture and engineering roles, with at least 10 years in leadership positions.
• Experience modernizing large-scale mainframe applications.
• Experience in healthcare IT.
• Strong understanding of mainframe architecture and operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver enterprise-level solution strategies.
• Oversee end-to-end solution architecture for complex initiatives.
• Build and mentor a high-performing technical team.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Influencing without authority

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Master's degree in Computer Science

Tools

COBOL

CICS

z/OS

AWS

GCP

Job description

# Executive Director - Strategy, Architecture and Application ModernizationCVS HealthFull-timeHartford, United StatesUSD 175,100 - 334,7500 viewsPosted May 9, 2026## Job DescriptionDescriptionWe’re building a world of health around every individual — shaping a more connected, convenient and compassionate health experience. At CVS Health, you’ll be surrounded by passionate colleagues who care deeply, innovate with purpose, hold ourselves accountable and prioritize safety and quality in everything we do. Join us and be part of something bigger – helping to simplify health care one person, one family and one community at a time.The Executive Director of Strategy, Architecture, and Application Modernization for Commercial, Network and Provider (CNP) is a strategic technology leader responsible for defining and delivering enterprise-level solution strategies and architectures that align with business objectives and technology strategy. This role drives innovation, ensures architectural integrity across programs, and fosters collaboration between business and technology teams.Strategic Leadership:Develop and implement CNP-wide architecture strategies that accelerate digital transformation, strengthen interoperability across platforms and lines of business, and ensure cohesive, scalable, and future‐ready technology capabilities that align with organizational goals.Promote a product‐oriented mindset across teams and define enterprise architecture operating models and governance frameworks that ensure consistency, scalability, and alignment with business and technology strategyApply a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem—including core admin workflows, payer/provider/plan sponsor dynamics, regulatory influences, and interoperability requirements—to define and guide a forward‐looking CNP technology strategy that accelerates modernization and supports emerging business capabilitiesLeadership & Influence:Advocate for and collaboratively shape new architectural solutions while leveraging a deep understanding of existing patterns to ensure alignment, scalability, and long‐term enterprise valueInfluence, negotiate, and build consensus with executive stakeholders, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams.Lead and facilitate tough conversations with business and IT leaders, constructively challenging assumptions and guiding decision-making in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.Foster a culture of inclusion, ensuring all voices are heard and constructive dissent is valued.Solution Design & Delivery:Oversee end-to-end solution architecture for complex initiatives, ensuring scalability, resiliency, security, and compliance.Guide integration architecture for APIs, services, and data models across hybrid environments.Innovation & Emerging Tech:Evaluate and recommend AI/ML and **cloud**-based tools to enhance business capabilities.Define, own, and continually assess the vision, strategy, and roadmap for our mainframe application suite. Team Development:Build and mentor a high-performing technical team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.Act as an executive coach inside CNP and to peer organizationsExperience:15+ years in enterprise architecture and engineering roles, with at least 10 years in leadership positions.Experience modernizing large-scale mainframe applications.Experience in healthcare IT, with knowledge of the healthcare industry regulations and compliance standards.Experience communicating technical information in a clear and concise manner at all levels of the organization.Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.Proven track record of influencing without direct authority and successfully driving alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.Strong executive presence and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts in business terms.Technical Skills:Strong understanding of mainframe architecture and operating systems (z/OS).Experience designing and developing applications that leverage some of the following: **COBOL**, **CICS**, **JCL**, **DB2**, and **VSAM**.Expertise in architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman).Knowledge of **cloud** platforms (**AWS**, GCP in particular), API design, data governance, and DevOps practices.Education:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related fieldMaster’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related.Experience with hybrid **cloud** environments and low-code/no-code platforms.Key Responsibilities## Requirements & SkillsRequired QualificationsLeadership & Influence:Advocate for and collaboratively shape new architectural solutions while leveraging a deep understanding of existing patterns to ensure alignment, scalability, and long‐term enterprise valueInfluence, negotiate, and build consensus with executive stakeholders, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams.Lead and facilitate tough conversations with business and IT leaders, constructively challenging assumptions and guiding decision-making in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.Foster a culture of inclusion, ensuring all voices are heard and constructive dissent is valued.Solution Design & Delivery:Oversee end-to-end solution architecture for complex initiatives, ensuring scalability, resiliency, security, and compliance.Guide integration architecture for APIs, services, and data models across hybrid environments.Innovation & Emerging Tech:Evaluate and recommend AI/ML and **cloud**-based tools to enhance business capabilities.Define, own, and continually assess the vision, strategy, and roadmap for our mainframe application suite. Team Development:Build and mentor a high-performing technical team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.Act as an executive coach inside CNP and to peer organizationsExperience:15+ years in enterprise architecture and engineering roles, with at least 10 years in leadership positions.Experience modernizing large-scale mainframe applications.Experience in healthcare IT, with knowledge of the healthcare industry regulations and compliance standards.Experience communicating technical information in a clear and concise manner at all levels of the organization.Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.Proven track record of influencing without direct authority and successfully driving alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.Strong executive presence and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts in business terms.Technical Skills:Strong understanding of mainframe architecture and operating systems (z/OS).Experience designing and developing applications that leverage some of the following: **COBOL**, **CICS**, **JCL**, **DB2**, and **VSAM**.Expertise in architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman).Knowledge of **cloud** platforms (**AWS**, GCP in particular), API design, data governance, and DevOps practices.Education:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related fieldPreferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related.Experience with hybrid **cloud** environments and low-code/no-code platforms.## How to ApplyApply directly through the application link above