Principal Architect - HR Applications

Job Title: Principal Architect - HR and Employee Engagement Applications Location: Cary, NC Department: Enterprise Architecture - Corporate Systems Department Overview: Enterprise Architecture at MetLife ensures a holistic strategy and approach to technology solutions by working broadly and globally across the company. We drive MetLife toward simplified and consistent architecture, enabling quality, agility, and cost-effectiveness. We support all areas of MetLife in developing and implementing enterprise and GTO strategies-including Business Units, Global Operations, Application Development, Information Security, Data & Analytics, and Infrastructure. The Role: MetLife is seeking a Principal Architect to lead enterprise and solution architecture for HR and Employee Engagement platforms. Reporting directly to the Chief Architect of Corporate Systems, this role will be responsible for delivering architectural roadmaps and solution designs aligned to HR and employee experience portfolios. The Architect will lead the design of innovative, cloud-native enterprise solutions spanning HRMS (Oracle Cloud ERP), benefits platforms, internal portals, and employee experience tools. This role will ensure alignment with enterprise strategies, standards, and roadmaps by building strong relationships across HR, Technology, and enterprise partners. Key Responsibilities: * Develop 3-year architectural roadmaps aligning HR strategic goals with modern enterprise architecture principles. * Deliver secure, scalable, and fit-for-purpose solutions in an agile framework through collaboration with AppDev, HR, and engineering teams. * Serve as the domain expert and technical authority for HR and employee engagement technologies. * Architect and integrate solutions across Oracle Cloud ERP (HRMS), third-party benefits platforms, and internal portals. * Leverage cloud technologies (preferably Azure) to enable PaaS-centric enterprise solutions. * Stay current with emerging technologies and trends relevant to HR and employee experience. * Establish and enforce architectural governance, standards, and best practices. * Mentor junior architects and engineers, fostering technical growth and innovation. * Evangelize modern architecture practices across the Corporate Systems domain through training, publishing, and mentoring. Key Relationships: Reports to: Chief Architect - Corporate Systems Key Stakeholders: HR Technology Leadership, Corporate Systems AppDev, Enterprise Architecture, Infrastructure, Security, and Vendor Partners Required Skills: * Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or related technical field. * 10+ years of experience designing and architecting enterprise business solutions. * Deep expertise in HR systems, including ERP systems. * Strong background in application, data, security, and infrastructure architecture. * Hands-on experience with Agile delivery methodologies, preferably SAFe. * Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Preferred Skills: * Experience in the insurance or financial services industry. * Oracle Cloud ERP (HRMS), SAP, Microsoft, and benefits platforms. * Applied experience in data-centric HR architecture and analytics platforms. * Experience architecting enterprise solutions using cloud technologies (IaaS, SaaS, PaaS). * Familiarity with employee experience platforms (e.g., ServiceNow HRSD, Qualtrics, Workday integrations). * Experience with Azure PaaS services and cloud-native HR solutions. Equal Employment Opportunity/Disability/Veterans If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at [email protected]. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application process. MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.