Principal Enterprise Architect

JOB DESCRIPTION

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Job Summary

The Principal Enterprise Architect role is intended to align architecture support to a specific application or technology area and support the application or technology area through any internal or external impacts. This role will contribute towards defining and driving the aligned application or technology areas to the target state architecture. Expedited of the Principal is to contribute significantly to the architecture profession; onboard and mentor less experienced architects; cultivate and maintain relationships with Director level leaders in both the business and IT in support of their aligned areas. The Principal Enterprise Architect role is accountable for program and project architecture across large enterprise wide initiatives. These initiatives typically involve c large enterprise wide initiatives Critical to this position is defining and driving overall architecture at the program / project level by working very closely with various stakeholders. This is an individual contributor role that focuses on multiple large enterprise programs while also supporting a number of smaller projects within the organization.

This position is for a Principal Enterprise Architect with broad responsibilities across Infrastructure, Application, and Data domains. The role includes leading architecture efforts in cloud (Azure required; AWS / GCP a plus), compute, middleware, virtualization, and virtual desktop environments, with foundational knowledge in network and storage architecture. It also covers database architecture for large-scale platforms like SQL Server and Oracle, including on-prem and cloud deployments, with familiarity in NoSQL systems. Application responsibilities include architecting integration solutions (API and ESB-based), managing roadmaps for enterprise applications (, HR, sourcing, collaboration), and supporting SaaS / PaaS integrations. The role also leads DevOps strategy, requiring expertise in CI / CD pipelines, version control, automated testing, and infrastructure automation. Data domain focus includes modern data platforms such as data lakes, hubs, and stream processing, with experience in Azure SQL Server and Azure Data Lake preferred.

Essential Job Functions

Enterprise Architecture –  Accountable for program and project architecture across large enterprise wide initiativestypically involving complex custom development across multiple applications and / or significant third party assessments, integrations, and implementations. Develop and maintain current state and target state architecture for an application or technology area in alignment with the strategy and direction of business or technology capabilities that are impacting the application or technology area aligned.Accountable for program and project architecture across enterprise wide initiatives typically involving custom development across multiple applications and / or significant third party assessments, integrations, and implementations.

Architecture Planning and Project Support –  This role is responsible for defining and driving overall architecture at the program / project level by working very closely with various stakeholders.Participatein business and IT planning for an application or technology area. Create architectural documentation to support the target state architecture based on planned initiative(s). Promote alignment across business and technology areas around initiatives and assist with estimation and prioritization.Ensure consistency and alignment in various projects under large programs.Participate and lead architecture delivery in projects that impact the aligned application or technology area.Actively manage technical dependencies between various projects in a program and provide options for reducing sequential dependencies whenever possible.

ArchitectureGovernance –  Ensure that the application or technology area meets both the functional and non-functional requirements. Manage application capacity and performance models. Document and manage technical debt / risk related to the application or technology area.Provide thought leadership within the supported application / technology area in driving various strategies and in solving complex issues.Work closely with the technical teams in ensuring architectural standards are adhered to and any exceptions are documented and managed as technical debts.

Documentation – Produces and maintains a library of reference architecture documentation. This includes but is not limited to : electronic diagrams, written requirements, roadmaps, and guidance. Performs periodic reviews of deployed solutions to ensuresolution health andcompliance toreferencearchitectures and takes appropriate measures to correct deficiencies.

Technical Debt Management – Manage the technical debt that is introduced or mitigated through programs and projects in an application or technology area.

Human Relations –  Ability to diffuse problematic situations and manage through conflict resolution. Utilizes soft skills such as : Selective Agreement, Reflective Listening, Voice Inflection, and Empathy. Ability to take complex concepts and break down into laymen’s terms or analogies that help with other’s understanding. Viewed as an enabling partner that provides options or information when saying no to business or IT requests. Seen by leadership and peers as creditable, trustworthy and respectful. Utilizes subject matter expertise to guide and coach less experienced team members.

Profession Advancement – This role is expected to contribute significantly to the architecture profession and is also responsible for mentoring and guiding other less experienced architects at the program / project level.Contribute to the Architecture Profession capability by helping to improve Bread Financial architecture practice and reference architectures. Participate in internal and external architecture communities and organizations that help improve Bread Financial architecture profession, or specific architecture domains and technology capability.

Technical Knowledge and Application – Expectation is to be proficient in at least five technology platforms or domains such as Java, iOS, Android, Mainframe / Cobol, cloud systems, infrastructure domains such as platform or networking, etc. to support evolution of the technology roadmap. Specific positions will have one or more distinctions identifying the relevant technology.

Scope of Role – Expectationof this role is to support major programs and projects and may include several large initiatives simultaneously.

Minimum Qualifications :

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

Tenor more years in Information Technology

Preferred Experience :

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, fiveor more yearsIT Architecture; three years delivering architecture for large programs

Reports to : Director

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements : Normal office environment

Direct Reports : None

Other Duties

This job description is illustrative of the types of duties typically performed by this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of each and every essential function of the job. Because job content may change from time to time, the Company reserves the right to add and / or delete essential functions from this job at any time.

Salary Range (unless otherwise noted below) :

$134, - $278,

Full Salary Range for position :

California : $154, - $347,Colorado : $134, - $292,New York : $147, - $347,Washington : $141, - $319,Maryland : $141, - $306,Washington DC : $154, - $319,Illinois : $134, - $306,New Jersey : $154, - $319,Vermont : $134, - $278,

Bread Financial offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and other voluntary benefits (including basic and optional life insurance, supplemental medical plans, and short and long-term disability) to eligible associates (regular full-time associates scheduled to work 30 hours per week or more) and their spouses / domestic partners, and child(ren) under the age of 26. New associate elected coverage begins on date of hire (with the exception of disability coverage which has a 6-month waiting period). Six weeks of 100% paid parental leave for eligible parents is available after a 180-day waiting period. Hired associates can immediately enroll in Bread Financial’s 401(k) plan.

All associates receive 11 paid holidays. Associates have discretion in managing their time away from work through the Flexible Time Off (FTO) program and may need to notify and receive approval from their manager prior to taking the time off. Associates (except those located in Illinois) receive 80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time (“PSST”) upon hire and at the beginning of each subsequent calendar year. Illinois associates receive 40 hours of Illinois PSST upon hire and at the beginning of each subsequent calendar year and 40 hours of Illinois Paid Leave upon hire and at the beginning of each subsequent calendar year. Illinois Paid Leave must be used before associates in Illinois will be approved to take FTO.

Hired associates will be able to elect the purchase company stock during offering periods in June and December. You will be eligible for an annual incentive bonus based on individual and company performance.

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About Bread Financial

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.

(NYSE : BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending, and saving solutions to millions of 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 or follow us on and .

• Bread Financial offers competitive pay, a comprehensive selection of benefit options including 401(k).
• The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Any applicant offered employment will be required to establish that they are legally authorized to work in the United States for the Company.
• The Company participates in E-Verify.
• The Company will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act. Applicants with criminal histories are encouraged to apply.
• The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, and all applicable state / local laws. The Company will provide accommodations to applicants needing accommodations to complete the application process. Applicants with disabilities may contact the Company to request and arrange for accommodations. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, you may request an accommodation at any time. Please contact the Recruiting Team at .

Job Family :

Information Technology

Job Type : Regular