Director, Solutions Architect

Role Summary

This role is responsible for providing end-to-end solution architecture support across SLFD Distribution initiatives, ensuring alignment between business objectives and technology solutions. 

 You will act as a strategic advisor and technical leader, shaping solution direction, driving modernization, and guiding delivery teams to ensure solutions are scalable, resilient, and aligned with enterprise architecture standards. As a Solution Architect, you will be part of a collaborative and innovative team focused on delivering high-quality solutions that enhance advisor experience, improve operational efficiency, and align with enterprise standards. 

For this position we are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Solution Architect to support and drive transformation across Sun Life’s Distribution (SLFD) ecosystem, with a focus on advisor-facing technologies and platforms. 

We are looking for a seasoned candidate with deep experience in Financial Services and a strong understanding of advisor technology, enterprise platforms, and modern architecture practices. AI/Agentic acceleration, both from a viewpoint of application development and the use of automated Agents are essential.

Bring us your passion for working as an integrated team of business and technology leaders to translate business needs into scalable, future-ready solutions. Your ability to combine technical expertise with strong business insight will enable impactful delivery across a complex and evolving advisor landscape. 

What will you do? 

Strategy, Architecture & Modernization 

• Shape technology strategy including build vs. buy decisions, modernization approaches, and architecture roadmaps 

• Define target-state architectures, patterns, and solution designs for Distribution platforms 

• Drive adoption of modern technologies including cloud, APIs, and digital platforms 

• Evaluate and recommend technology stacks, platforms, and vendor solutions 

Solution Delivery & Governance 

• Lead architecture activities across SLFD Distribution initiatives 

• Guide solutions through governance processes (ATG, Triage, PAA, RTAB, ETAB, ISRA) 

• Ensure compliance with enterprise architecture standards 

• Identify and manage risks, trade-offs, and technical debt 

Business–Technology Leadership 

• Translate business requirements into scalable, enterprise-aligned solutions 

• Communicate technical concepts clearly to business stakeholders 

• Influence decision-making to align technology outcomes with business strategy 

Advisor Experience & Domain Expertise 

• Provide expertise on advisor technology ecosystems and integration patterns 

• Assess solution impact on advisor workflows, adoption, and productivity 

• Guide design decisions to ensure successful rollout and long-term usability 

Portfolio Oversight & Engagement 

• Identify opportunities for early architectural involvement 

• Participate in Agile ceremonies and planning discussions 

Vendor & Technology Selection 

• Support vendor evaluation and selection (RFP/RFQ) 

• Ensure solutions meet scalability, integration, and enterprise requirements 

Architecture Artifacts & Application Management 

• Maintain architecture diagrams and documentation 

• Manage application and architecture portfolios within EA/APM tools 

Delivery Enablement & Leadership 

• Provide guidance to delivery teams and technical leads 

• Support Agile and DevOps practices 

Incident & Problem Resolution 

• Provide architectural support during major incidents 

• Contribute to root cause analysis and solution improvements 

What do you need to succeed?

• Strong knowledge of architecture frameworks, governance, and road-mapping 

• Experience in advisor technology ecosystems and enterprise applications 

• Expertise in APIs, integration patterns, and cloud platforms 

• Well versed on digital enterprise solutions

• Stakeholder engagement across business and technology 

• Problem-solving and strategic thinking 

• Driving alignment across teams 

• Balancing short-term and long-term priorities 

• Proficient in using AI tools (Claude, co-pilot, etc)

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field 

• 10+ years of Solution Architecture experience in Financial Services 

• Experience with cloud, APIs, and enterprise systems 

• Experience working in Agile environments 

What’s in it for you? 

• Flexible hybrid work model #LI- Hybrid

• Competitive salary and bonus structure influenced by market range data

• Pension, stock and savings programs to help build and enhance your future financial security

• Flexible Benefits from the day you join to meet the needs of you and your family

• Care Days available for self-care or care of others (i.e., family or others you may support) and Sick Days to support your well-being.

• We are proud to be on the 2026 Best Workplaces in Canada list by Great Place to Work.