Senior Solution Architect

We are seeking a Senior Solution Architect responsible for the end-to-end architecture of all IBM Technology projects, which include vendor-based, in-house, business-led, and data/AI initiatives. This role involves owning architecture design, securing approval at the Architecture Review Board (ARB), and leading Technology Risk Assessments (TRA). The Senior Solution Architect will act as a trusted bridge between business stakeholders, vendors, central control functions, and engineering teams.

Responsibilities:

• Architecture Leadership:

  • Define and own end-to-end target architectures for IBM projects (vendor, in-house, hybrid, data/AI).
  • Translate business intent into clear, executable architecture decisions and roadmaps.

• ARB & Governance:

  • Prepare and present architecture artefacts at ARB; secure formal approval.
  • Ensure alignment with central Enterprise Architecture (EA) standards and IBM target state.

• TRA & Risk Management:

  • Lead Technology Risk Assessments for SaaS, cloud, and on-prem solutions.
  • Constructively challenge GSO and central control functions; defend pragmatic risk positions with evidence.

• Vendor Evaluation & In-House Design:

  • Run vendor RFPs, technical due diligence, fit-gap analyses, and PoCs.
  • Define in-house solution designs when vendor options do not fit, balancing build-vs-buy decisions.

• Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Engage senior business and technology stakeholders, translating technical complexity into clear narratives.

Skills Required:

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: 10+ years as a solution/enterprise architect in CIB, Capital Markets, or Investment Banking.

• Technical Skills:

  • Solid grasp of modern architecture patterns (microservices, event-driven, API-led).
  • Cloud architecture experience, primarily with AWS and Azure.
  • Familiarity with integration patterns (APIs, messaging systems) and data/AI concepts.

• Soft Skills:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (C1 Advanced).
  • Ability to influence without authority and present effectively to senior stakeholders.

Language Requirements: English (C1 Advanced)
Seniority Level: Lead
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Job Type: Full-time, On-site
Vacancy Request: Req. VR-123783