A day in the life of a principal architect at Admiral

Jobs in tech are as fast-paced as they come. By 2030, net tech employment in the UK is projected to reach 1.4 million people, creating plenty of exciting jobs in the process. Principal architect jobs are a great choice for strategic thinkers looking to truly Make a Difference. 

At Admiral, our principal IT architects are shaping the future of technology in the insurance industry. Leading on ambitious projects and creating seamless digital experiences, they solve the most complex challenges to keep us on top.

That said, what does a day in the life of an architect look like? Here, we’ll take a closer look behind the scenes at the responsibilities of a principal architect and the skills it takes to thrive in this rewarding role. 

What is a principal architect?

A principal architect is one of the most senior technician roles in Admiral. These experienced experts act as a bridge between technology and business strategy, connecting IT solutions to long-term business goals. 

Unlike a principal engineer, who focuses on coding and system performance, a principal IT architect looks at the bigger picture. Our principal architects ensure that our systems are built to be resilient and adaptable. 

What does a principal architect do?

Principal architect jobs at Admiral are positions Where You Can. Every day is different in this fast-moving position. Principal architects blend technical expertise, leadership, and strategic thought to solve high-impact challenges. They lead the charge in our digital hierarchy.

Some of the roles and responsibilities of a principal architect job at Admiral include:

• Designing scalable systems - Principal architects create future-proof IT infrastructure that grows as we do.

• Tackling the biggest tech challenges - They improve security, optimise system performance, and ensure compliance with industry standards. 

• Defining our technology roadmap - The role sets out our strategies for cloud computing, data architecture, and system integration. 

• Guiding and mentoring teams - As a senior leader, our principal architects help our team to Grow & Progress, sharing pearls of wisdom and offering guidance.

Skills needed to become a principal architect

Success in a principal IT architect job boils down to some key skills, both technical and interpersonal. As a senior position in the business, strong business acumen and leadership ability is essential.

Here’s what we look for when hiring principal architects.

Technical skills of a principal architect 

• Cloud computing - Experience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
• Software development - Proficiency in Python, Java, or C#
• Cybersecurity best practice - A keen understanding of compliance, risk management and data security
• Enterprise architecture frameworks - Familiarity with TOGAF, microservices, and system integration

Soft skills of a principal architect

• Leadership - The ability to guide and inspire technical team members is essential 
• Problem-solving - Creatively tackling technical challenges is a big part of the role
• Collaboration - Principal architects at Admiral work across teams to drive the best solutions
• Strategic vision - Making long-terms decisions that set us up for future success

Why work as a principal architect at Admiral

The demand for principal architects is on the rise in the UK. At Admiral, we’re proud to be an employer for life for some of the brightest minds in the industry. Here’s what you can expect when you’re a part of our story. 

• Diverse and inclusive culture - We believe that the best ideas come from different perspectives. Diverse work cultures are more creative, and as a place where you can Be You, our principal architects are free to come up with the most innovative ideas and solutions. 

• Career growth opportunities - Our principal architects have everything they need to Grow & Progress. From elearning and educational support to global opportunities and developmental coaching, you can take your career wherever you want with us.

• Work-life balance - We believe that people who like what they do, do it better. That’s why we always put our people first. We provide wellbeing support, flexible working arrangements, health insurance and more to help our principal architects be the best they can be in and out of work. 

• Collaboration and teamwork - Admiral is a workplace Where You Can. Recognised as a Great Place To Work, we foster an environment where IT architects work alongside team members who share the same passion. 

• Share in our Future - At Admiral, success is something we build together. Not only do we celebrate our wins side by side, our share scheme gives all our principal architects shares in the company after a year of service.

Make a difference as a principal architect

Life as a principal architect at Admiral allows you to lead the way in tech innovation. If you want to work on cutting edge projects at Wales’s only FTSE 100 company and the 2nd best super large workplace in the UK, this is an opportunity like no other.

Admiral is a place Where You Can. You’re empowered to Make A Difference and supported to Grow & Progress at your pace, and in your own way.

Ready to Make a Difference? Explore our latest jobs in tech today.