Principal Enterprise Architect

Essential Job Functions

• Develop and communicate a strategic enterprise architecture vision. - (20%)

• Serve as the technical liaison between business units and IT departments. - (20%)

• Lead efforts to modernize and streamline legacy architecture. - (20%)

• Establish and enforce architectural best practices and standards. - (20%)

• Provide executive-level presentations on architecture initiatives. - (20%)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.

• 8+ years of experience in Information Technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant certifications, such as TOGAF or AWS Solutions Architect

• Extensive Infrastructure & Security Expertise – Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing enterprise-level infrastructure solutions with a strong understanding of security principles and patterns.

• Cloud Architecture Experience – Hands-on experience with cloud platforms, preferably AWS, with a solid grasp of cloud-native design, deployment, and operations.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Proven ability to engage with stakeholders across all levels—from lead developers to senior executives—acting as a strategic bridge to ensure alignment and shared understanding.

• Strong Technical & Interpersonal Skills – Ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value, with excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.

• Development Background – Prior experience in software development, including converting business requirements into code and effectively advocating for technical solutions and ideas.

• Platform Enablement & Value Stream Engagement – Experience working with platform enablement teams and supporting various value streams within the enterprise architecture landscape.

• Polyglot Programming Skills – Proficiency in Java and familiarity with multiple programming languages, showcasing versatility in backend development and integration.

• Integration & API Expertise – Deep understanding of backend systems, infrastructure, data integration, and API design—including authentication mechanisms beyond the user interface level.

• Networking Knowledge – Familiarity with networking concepts and their application in enterprise environments.

• Broad IT Landscape Exposure – Experience across diverse areas of IT, enabling a holistic architectural perspective.

• Proof of Concept Development – Ability to create and iterate on proof-of-concept solutions, even when not directly involved in production code development.

• Infrastructure as Code & Streaming Interfaces – Experience deploying infrastructure as code, implementing security patterns, and working with streaming data interfaces.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and / or experience in computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or related field.  

• In addition to minimum qualification, five or more years IT Architecture; three years delivering architecture for large programs 

Skills

• Business Cases

• Enterprise Architecture Framework

• Solution Architecture

• Business Alignment

• Cloud Architectures

• Application Development

• IT Roadmap

• IT Architecture

• The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF)

• Technical Debt

• Problem Resolution

At Bread Financial, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your career, give back to your community, and be part of our award-winning culture. We’ve been consistently recognized as a best place to work nationally and in many markets and we’re proud to promote an environment where you feel appreciated, accepted, valued, and fulfilled—both personally and professionally. Bread Financial supports the overall wellness of our associates with a diverse suite of benefits and offers boundless opportunities for career development and non-traditional career progression.

Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending, and saving solutions to millions of U.S consumers. Our payment solutions, including Bread Financial general purpose credit cards and savings products, empower our customers and their passions for a better life. Additionally, we deliver growth for some of the most recognized brands in travel & entertainment, health & beauty, jewelry and specialty apparel through our private label and co-brand credit cards and pay-over-time products providing choice and value to our shared customers. 

To learn more about Bread Financial, our global associates and our sustainability commitments, visit breadfinancial.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.