AVP Chief Architect, US Technology

MetLife•New York, NY

40d•Hybrid

About The Position

AVP Chief Architect- US Technology Location: Cary, NC preferred, then NYC, Bridgewater, NJ The US Technology Chief Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the overall technology architecture strategy for US Business, driving innovation, and ensuring alignment with MetLife's US objectives. This leadership role ensures that technology assets are structured, governed, secured, and leveraged to drive business transformation and operational efficiency. The Chief Architect works closely with business stakeholders, IT, and governance teams to enable technology-driven decision-making across the US Business portfolio. This role requires deep expertise, visionary leadership, and the ability to mentor and inspire architects and engineers across the organization. Department: Enterprise Architecture ensures a holistic strategy and approach to technology solutions, by working broadly across the company. We drive MetLife toward a simplified and consistent architecture, globally and within US Business, thereby driving quality, agility, and cost-effectiveness. We support all areas of US Business in developing and implementing the MetLife and GTO strategy—including Business Units, Global Operations, Application Development, Info Sec, Data and Analytics, and Infrastructure.

Requirements

15+ years' experience in Technology, Engineering, or Architecture, with at least 3 years in financial services or insurance with proven leadership in enterprise-scale technology solutions.
Experience architecting solutions leveraging SaaS, PaaS, and hybrid cloud environments.
Demonstrated strategic vision and ability to translate business objectives into actionable architecture.
Deep expertise in security, operational, and resiliency architecture principles.
Proven track record of leading large-scale technical initiatives and influencing at the executive level.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or related field (Master's or PhD preferred).
Recognized authority in AI, machine learning, automation, and advanced analytics.
Extensive knowledge of enterprise technology platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP).
Strong experience with integration technologies, API design, and cloud-native architectures.
Familiar with technology governance frameworks and tools.
Expertise with modern cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP), Kubernetes, web APIs, and API security protocols.
Strong background in Agile, DevOps, and enterprise SDLC methodologies.
Experience in insurance and financial services architecture.
Industry certifications (e.g., TOGAF, Azure/AWS/GCP Architect).

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and communicate the US Business technology architecture blueprint—including platforms, standards, and policies.
Define and evolve the organization's technology strategy to support digital transformation, business intelligence, AI/ML and operational excellence.
Evaluate and recommend technology solutions—including cloud platforms, integration frameworks, and AI—that strategically advance business objectives and drive technological innovation.
Serve as a thought leader and strategic advisor for technology architecture across US Business.
Lead technology governance efforts—standards management, solution quality, security, and resilience.
Ensure adherence to regulatory, privacy, and security requirements (GDPR, SOX, HIPAA, etc.).
Establish and promote technology management best practices.
Oversee the governance, assessment, and documentation of technologies for US Business platforms, ensuring compliance, security, and resilience.
Act as a bridge between business leaders, technology owners, engineers, and CIO Communities.
Advise and guide project teams on technology architecture to ensure alignment with standards.
Mentor, coach, and develop architects and engineers, raising the technical bar for the entire organization.
Architect technology solutions for internal and external applications, AI/ML, analytics, and digital platforms.
Design integration frameworks (APIs, pipelines) for structured and unstructured data and systems.
Design lifecycle and optimization for technology assets, ensuring performance and scalability.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends (cloud platforms, real-time streaming, AI/ML, automation, etc.).
Author position papers and thought leadership content on technology architecture and leveraging innovation as a catalyst for business transformation.
Establish multi-year architecture roadmaps for US Business platforms and applications to drive rationalization and modernization opportunities.
Drive innovation by identifying emerging technologies, leading proof-of-concept initiatives, and fostering a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement.
Serve as a business advisor to US Business leadership, providing strategic guidance on the adoption and integration of AI and innovative technologies to unlock new business value, improve operational efficiency, and support data-driven decision making.

Benefits

Our U.S. benefits address holistic well-being with programs for physical and mental health, financial wellness, and support for families.
We offer a comprehensive health plan that includes medical/prescription drug and vision, dental insurance, and no-cost short- and long-term disability.
We also provide company-paid life insurance and legal services, a retirement pension funded entirely by MetLife and 401(k) with employer matching, group discounts on voluntary insurance products including auto and home, pet, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance, as well as Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and digital mental health programs, parental leave, volunteer time off, tuition assistance and much more!

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