VP/Chief Architect

20 Hours ago • 20 Years + • $150,000 PA - $250,000 PA

Job Summary

Job Description

We are seeking a visionary technology executive to serve as a VP/Chief Architect, with experience as a CTO or Chief Architect and a proven track record in delivering transformational data programs within a Retail or Commercial Banking environment. The role involves defining and executing integrated technology and data visions, leading modernization initiatives with distributed teams, and building strategies to drive business agility and strengthen digital capabilities. Responsibilities include overseeing core banking systems integration and modernization, driving future-state architecture planning, managing third-party vendors, and building scalable virtual data environments. The position also requires expertise in data governance, regulatory compliance, secure architecture design, change management, data migration, and providing virtual CTO services, focusing on data-driven innovation and digital transformation. Experience with AI/ML deployment, Canadian and international banking regulations, and FinTech or Tier 2 bank experience is preferred.

Must have:

20+ years in technology, enterprise architecture, and data roles
5+ years leading virtual/global teams
Proven track record of transformation leadership in financial services
Strong experience with virtual enterprise platforms
Demonstrated success in managing post-merger integrations
Master’s degree (EMBA preferred)

Good to have:

AI/ML deployment in virtual environments
Expertise in Canadian and international banking regulations
Board-facing and regulator-facing leadership experience
Experience leading technology for FinTech or Tier 2 banks

9 skills required

9 skills required for this role

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Job Details

Description

Position at Ness USA, Inc.

We are a team of problem-solvers, architects and strategists who thrive on tackling complex business challenges with technology. As a premier consulting partner with multiple cloud and data providers, we pride ourselves on our collaborative, transparent and client-focused culture.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a visionary technology executive who has experience as a CTO or Chief Architect and a proven track record in delivering transformational data programs within a Retail or Commercial Banking environment. The successful candidate will have technical and business depth and be capable of managing multiple workstreams (data governance, data architecture/strategy consolidation and managed services).

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Transformation

Define and execute an integrated virtual technology and data vision aligned with business priorities in commercial, treasury, and digital banking.
Lead enterprise-wide modernization initiatives remotely, working with distributed architecture, engineering, and analytics teams.
Build technology strategies that drive business agility and strengthen digital capabilities across client-facing and internal functions.

Enterprise Architecture & Core Banking Systems

Oversee integration and modernization of remote-accessible core banking platforms, including CRM, lending, treasury, and ERP systems.
Drive future-state architecture planning across cloud, microservices, and secure data access platforms.
Manage third-party vendors and ensure technology delivery aligns with remote execution models.

Data & Analytics Strategy

Build and operate a scalable virtual data environment (MDM, data lakes, regulatory reporting, and AI-ready platforms).
Ensure delivery of analytics to support risk modeling, AML, liquidity forecasting, and customer lifecycle management.
Lead cross-border data initiatives ensuring compliance with sovereignty, privacy, and audit requirements.

Regulatory Compliance & Data Governance

Establish a best-in-class virtual data governance office to support Tier 2 banking obligations and OSFI/FINTRAC compliance.
Oversee secure architecture design, privacy engineering, and audit readiness for virtual operations.
Embed risk and compliance protocols across distributed teams and cloud-based infrastructure.

Data Architecture

Design and maintain scalable, secure, and high-performance data architectures to support business applications and analytics.
Develop data models, schemas, and pipelines to ensure data integrity, accessibility, and efficiency.
Implement best practices for data governance, security, and compliance (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate data systems with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).

Change Management

Lead change management initiatives to ensure smooth adoption of new data systems and processes.
Develop and execute stakeholder communication plans to align teams on data strategy changes.
Train and upskill employees on new tools, workflows, and data practices to minimize disruption.
Monitor and address resistance to change, ensuring high adoption rates and project success.

Data Migration

Plan and execute complex data migration projects, ensuring minimal downtime and data integrity.
Assess legacy systems, map data flows, and develop migration strategies for on-premises to cloud or hybrid environments.
Validate migrated data for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with business requirements.
Mitigate risks during migration through robust testing and rollback plans.

Virtual CTO Services

Provide strategic technology leadership as a virtual CTO, advising on data-driven innovation and digital transformation.
Align data architecture with business objectives, identifying opportunities for competitive advantage.
Evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning, blockchain) for integration into the data ecosystem.
Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, presenting data strategies and ROI to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

20+ years in technology, enterprise architecture, and data roles with 5+ years leading virtual/global teams.
Proven track record of successful transformation leadership in financial services or regulated banking environments.
Strong experience with virtual enterprise platforms including cloud-native banking cores, CRM, and real-time analytics.
Demonstrated success in managing post-merger integrations, digital transitions, and remote service delivery models.
Master’s degree (EMBA preferred); STEM or Finance undergraduate background preferred.

Preferred Experience:

AI/ML deployment in virtual environments (e.g., cloud-based underwriting, virtual agents, model governance).
Expertise in Canadian and international banking regulations and cloud compliance frameworks.
Board-facing and regulator-facing leadership experience in hybrid or remote-first organizations.
Experience leading technology for FinTech, Tier 2 banks, or SaaS-based financial platforms.

Salary range is $150,000-$250,000 USD per year and will vary depending upon experience.