Solution Architect, Principal

Solution Architect, Principal Location: Kuala Lumpur, MY-AIA Malaysia At AIA we’ve started an exciting movement to create a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone. As pioneering innovators for over 100 years, we’re now transforming our organisation to be faster, simpler and more connected. Because we want to be even better equipped to develop digital solutions and experiences that help more people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. To get there, we need people with tech/digital/analytics expertise and passion to help develop positive, sustainable change through digitally enhanced experiences that will impact the lives of millions of people and create a healthier future for everyone. If you believe in developing a better tomorrow, read on. About the Role The Solution Architect for Marketing / MarTech & CRM & Integration Portfolio is responsible for leading the solution architecture direction, roadmap, and design governance for AIA Malaysia’s marketing, MarTech, CRM, campaign, customer engagement, integration, and related digital enablement portfolio. This role provides architecture leadership across the end-to-end marketing and CRM technology landscape, ensuring solutions are business-aligned, scalable, secure, resilient, integrated, cost-effective, and compliant with AIA enterprise architecture standards. The role works closely with Enterprise Architects, Lead Solution Architects, Data Architects, Integration Architects, Security Architects, engineering teams, business and portfolio stakeholders, Group Office, vendors, and delivery teams to shape the target architecture and execution roadmap. The role will also drive the MarTech and Integration architecture journey, including current-state assessment, future-state roadmap, reference architecture, platform rationalisation, CRM solution design, capability mapping, and transition architecture across multiple phases. Roles and Responsibilities: MarTech , CRM & Integration Solution Architecture Lead solution architecture for the Marketing / MarTech, CRM, campaign management, customer engagement, and EIP Integration portfolio. Define and maintain the MarTech & Integration target architecture roadmap, including current state, transition state, and future state. Provide architecture leadership for CRM-related initiatives, including platform selection, integration, workflow, customer data usage, campaign journeys, and operational capabilities. Ensure Marketing and CRM solutions align with AIA enterprise architecture, Group standards, business strategy, regulatory requirements, and technology roadmap. Partner with business stakeholders to translate Marketing and CRM strategy into practical architecture options and delivery roadmap. Solution Architecture (Technical) & Design Authority Lead end-to-end solution design (HLD) covering functional and non-functional requirements (security, reliability, performance, privacy, compliance, cost). Ensure traceability from BRS/epics to High Level and Detail Technical Design and delivery artifacts; provide design authority across delivery phases. Define solution options with pros/cons, TCO/ROI implications, and recommend the best-fit approach. Drive SAD quality and currency; ensure designs serve as reference architecture for engineering and operations. Portfolio MarTech & CRM, Integration Domain Architecture Drive the architecture roadmap for the Marketing / MarTech & Integration architecture portfolio, including platform modernization, simplification, and capability uplift. Lead capability mapping from business objectives to technology platforms, including: Customer engagement, Campaign management, Lead management, CRM workflow, Customer segmentation, Consent / preference management, Analytics and reporting, EIP Integration with core insurance systems. Support phased roadmap planning, including Phase 1 / Phase 2 / future-state capability alignment. Identify architecture gaps, duplication, technical debt, and rationalization opportunities across the MarTech and CRM portfolio. Provide strategic recommendations on build vs buy, platform reuse, consolidation, and vendor alignment. Oversee portfolio-level architecture across initiatives; manage dependencies, sequencing, and risk. Align domain roadmaps with enterprise strategy, regulatory obligations, and run/transform investment plans. Balance innovation with operational stability and cost-effectiveness. Governance, Assurance & ARBFuture of Work model Represent Architecture Marketing / MarTech / CRM portfolio in architecture review forums, ARB, design review, and governance discussions. Ensure solutions comply with AIA Product Standards, enterprise architecture principles, security requirements, resilience standards, and technology governance processes. Review and challenge solution designs from vendors, delivery teams, and project teams. Identify architecture risks, design gaps, dependencies, and non-conformance items. Support exception review, risk assessment, mitigation planning, and architecture decision documentation. Contribute to architecture standards, reference architecture, patterns, and reusable design guidelines. Present Technology Build Permit (TBP), HLDs, and ADRs; ensure approvals align with strategy and standards. Showcase relevant emerging technologies and frame safe adoption patterns. Support incident/problem reviews to address architectural root causes and eliminate repeat defects. People Leadership & Talent Growth Lead, coach, and grow Solution Architects; set craft standards and review practices (design clinics, pair‑design). Manage performance, set objectives, define skills matrices, and develop career pathways. Foster a learning culture with pattern libraries, knowledge sharing, and brown‑bags. Vendor & Partner Management Lead technical architecture evaluations, RFIs, RFPs, PoCs; ensure partner designs meet target roadmap,  standards, security, privacy, and data requirements. Govern partner delivery via architecture checkpoints and evidence‑based assurance. Portfolio Architecture Decision Rights & Span of Control Design Authority: Final say on HLD and patterns within portfolio; can block release for critical NFR non‑compliance. Standards: Propose, refine, and enforce reference architectures and guardrails (with ARB endorsement). Investment Influence: Advise on scope, sequencing, and solution options with TCO/ROI impacts. Risk Acceptance: Recommend risk posture, compensating controls; escalate exceptions via ARB. Minimum Job Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field. Minimum 10 years of IT experience, including at least 8 years in solution architecture, enterprise architecture, CRM, digital, or MarTech architecture. Strong industry experience in insurance, financial services, CRM, marketing, customer engagement, campaign platforms, or digital customer platforms. Expertise in Azure cloud, integration architecture and governance, security by design, DevOps/CI/CD, observability, and enterprise applications. Well-versed in digital innovation, with the ability to translate vision into practical solutions within current constraints. Hands-on capability with the ability to contribute at both strategic and execution levels. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Good understanding of product management lifecycle and web/application best practices, with proven experience in software architecture design. Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and stakeholders effectively. Familiarity with delivery methodologies (Agile, Waterfall) and standard software development practices. Proven track record of translating strategy into practical, implementable designs. Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence without authority. Preferred / Nice to Have Relevant certifications (e.g., TOGAF, COBIT, Azure Architect Expert, SAFe, CISM/CISSP). Experience implementing architecture governance (ARB), architecture artefacts (SAD/ADR), and emerging areas such as agentic AI and AI-assisted architecture at scale. Familiarity with DORA metrics, FinOps practices, and working in regulated environments. Build a career with us as we help our customers and the community live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. You must provide all requested information, including Personal Data, to be considered for this career opportunity. Failure to provide such information may influence the processing and outcome of your application. You are responsible for ensuring that the information you submit is accurate and up-to-date.