Solutions Architect – COBOL/Life400 Experience

We are looking for a highly experienced Solution Architect to join our consultancy team to lead a COBOL migration. You'll provide architectural planning, technical governance, and delivery oversight on a Life & Pensions transformation programme. This role will require strong stakeholder engagement, the ability to simplify complex product landscapes, and close collaboration with a 3rd-party vendor. Experience with Java-based systems is essential, as the migration involves integration with modern platforms and technologies.

• Lead the design and implementation of the solution architecture for BLIS/COBOL to Life/400 migration
• Develop and maintain detailed migration plans, ensuring alignment with business and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with the Programme Manager, IT Project Manager, and Actuarial teams to define milestones and inputs
• Partner with external vendors to validate design decisions and ensure architectural coherence
• Provide technical oversight, identifying gaps, blockers, and key dependencies
• Support business decisions with technical insight and ensure timely escalation of unresolved design issues
• Work closely with delivery teams to ensure successful integration of complex Life & Pensions products
• Ensure architecture decisions reflect security, compliance, and scalability needs
• Document and communicate Key Design Decisions (KDDs) to internal and executive stakeholders
• Oversee integration between legacy COBOL systems and modern Java-based platforms

• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related field
• TOGAF or other architecture certification highly desirable
• Strong background in both COBOL and Java technologies

• Strong COBOL development experience, specifically in Life & Pensions administration systems
• Proven track record of large-scale legacy migrations, ideally involving BLIS/COBOL and Life/400 or similar platforms
• Hands-on experience with both COBOL and Java-based systems
• Solid understanding of Java frameworks and integration patterns
• Strong understanding of actuarial systems, product complexity, and regulatory implications in pensions and life insurance
• Demonstrated ability to lead vendor engagement, technical due diligence, and integration governance
• Technically savvy, self-reliant and hands-on
• Excellent communication skills and experience working with senior stakeholders and business sponsors

• 5+ years of experience in a Solution Architecture role
• 15+ years of experience in IT, with a background in COBOL development
• Life & Pensions experience
• Experience designing and integrating Java-based solutions in enterprise environments

At Expleo, we are committed to providing a competitive salary and substantial benefits offering with unique wellbeing, financial and employee recognition programmes.

We pride ourselves on our diverse and inclusive culture and offer a variety of family friendly policies and enhanced leave to help you achieve a healthy work life balance.

By providing significant learning and development opportunities, we encourage individual growth and success throughout your career with us.

• Collaborative working environment – we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and our peers through good times and challenges
• We empower all passionate technology loving professionals by allowing them to expand their skills and take part in inspiring projects
• Expleo Academy - enables you to acquire and develop the right skills by delivering a suite of accredited training courses
• Competitive company benefits such as medical and dental insurance, pension, life assurance, employee wellbeing programme, sports and social events, birthday hampers and much more
• Always working as one team, our people are not afraid to think big and question the status quo.

"We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age".

At Expleo, we understand that many people experience impostor syndrome throughout their lifetime, please do not let this discourage you from applying for this role. Our Talent Acquisition Team welcomes all CV's and will consider your application in line with the values, requirements and role competencies.