About Us We’re not like other insurance companies. From our specialty products to our business model, our culture to our results — we’re different. Different is who we are, and how we work, interact, deliver and succeed together. Creating a different and better insurance experience doesn’t just happen. It takes focus and a shared passion for going beyond the expected to forge relationships and deliver care that makes a difference. This approach rises from and is supported by our talented, ethical and smart team of employee owners united around a single purpose: to work alongside our customers and partners when they need us, in unexpected ways, with exceptional results. Apply today to make a difference with us. RLI is a Glassdoor Best Places to Work company with a strong, successful background. For decades, our financial track record has been stellar — a testament to our culture and validation of our reputation as an excellent underwriting company. Our insurance subsidiaries are rated A “Superior” by AM Best company and A “Strong” by Standard & Poor’s. Check out our strong financial track record here. Position Purpose The Chief Architect will lead the design and development of the organization's overall technical architecture, ensuring alignment with the company's business strategy, goals, and objectives. They will manage a team of architects and work closely with senior leadership, product owners, and development teams to deliver technology solutions that support the company's vision. In addition, they will work with the rest of IT leadership to establish and communicate a formal Enterprise Architecture process with clear guidelines for architecture engagement, deliverables and outcomes. Principal Duties & Responsibilities Develop and maintain the organization's technical architecture, ensuring alignment with the company's business strategy, goals, and objectives. Lead the architecture team, providing guidance and mentorship to architects and technical leads. Collaborate with senior leadership, product owners, and development teams to define and deliver technology solutions that support the company's vision. Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to ensure the organization remains competitive and innovative. Provide technical guidance and oversight to development teams, ensuring adherence to architectural standards and best practices. Develop and maintain architectural principles, standards, and governance processes. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices. Define and implement the architectural process for engaging with Agile development teams. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Education & Experience Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or a related field 10 years of relevant experience Experience in working closely with Sr. Business leaders to understand their business model and goals, and aligning appropriate technology capabilities Experience in application design and development and in producing technology strategies that encompass the breadth of application, infrastructure, middleware, database management and cloud solutions Insurance knowledge a preferred [OR] equivalent level of education and experience Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies Strong leadership skills, with the ability to lead and manage a team of architects and interact with solution delivery leads. Deep knowledge of software architecture, design patterns, and development methodologies. Experience with cloud-based technologies, microservices architecture, and containerization. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior leadership, product owners, and development teams. Proven track record of delivering technology solutions that meet business objectives. Experience with agile and DevOps methodologies. Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and develop innovative solutions. Ability to develop an understanding of business domains, including operations, distribution, product, and market dynamics and align technical capabilities to support them. Knowledge of systems engineering techniques such as portfolio analysis, analysis of alternatives, and architecture modeling. Knowledge of Enterprise Architecture frameworks and current architectural concepts. Ability to manage multiple engagements while overseeing key architecture implementations on enterprise projects. Ability to develop architecture management framework, models, and blueprints, to guide in the design and deployment of solution architecture. Skilled at conducting cost/benefit and risk/reward analyses and incorporating into solution recommendations. Ability to consider technical decisions as part of a multi-dimensional problem, balancing standards, principles, project management disciplines (cost, time, schedule), team norms (consultation, decision making, communication) and process. Ability to balance long-term ("big picture") and short-term implications of decisions. Ability to develop and manage strategic relationships. Coaching and mentoring skills to assist others in learning leadership and architectural capabilities. Personal & Professional Growth RLI encourages its employees to pursue professional development work in insurance and job-related areas. We make a commitment to employees to provide educational opportunities that help them enhance their skills and further their career advancement. RLI fosters a true learning culture and encourages professional growth through insurance courses, in-house training and other educational programs. RLI covers the cost for most programs and employees typically earn a bonus upon successful completion of approved courses and certifications. Our personal and professional growth benefits include: Nationwide employment opportunities Training & certification opportunities Tuition reimbursement Education bonuses Diversity & Inclusion Our goal is to attract, develop and retain the best employee talent from diverse backgrounds while promoting an environment where all viewpoints are valued and individuals feel respected, are treated fairly, and have an opportunity to excel in their chosen careers. We actively support, and participate in, initiatives led by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association that aim to increase diversity in the insurance industry. Cultivating an exceptional and diverse workforce to deliver excellent customer service reinforces our culture and is a key to achieving superior business results. RLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Total Rewards At RLI, we're all owners. We hire the best and the brightest employees and allow them to share in the company's success through our Total Rewards. With the Employee Stock Ownership plan at its core, the Total Rewards program includes all compensation, benefits and perks that come with being an RLI employee. Financial Incentives Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) 401(k) — automatic 3% company contribution Annual discretionary 401k and ESOP profit-sharing contribution (up to 15% of base salary) Annual bonus plans Work & Life Paid time off (PTO) and holidays Paid volunteer time off (VTO) to support our communities Parental and family care leave Flexible & hybrid work arrangements Fitness center discounts and free virtual fitness platform Employee assistance program Health & Wellness Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits Flexible spending and health savings accounts 2x Base Salary for Group Life and AD&D insurance Voluntary life insurance for purchase Critical Illness & Accident insurance Short-term and long-term disability benefits WHAT MAKES RLI DIFFERENT RLI is a specialty insurance company that helps customers navigate the world of insurance and risk. For more than a half century, we’ve been helping people and companies safeguard their assets through our innovative portfolio of property and casualty coverages and surety products. We’re not what you’d expect from a typical insurance company. From our products to our business model, our culture to our results — we’re different. Our remarkable people. Our people are among the smartest and most knowledgeable in the business. They are experts at building relationships that last with our brokers and customers by providing outstanding service and creating ideal coverages with competitive premiums. Our underwriting focus. We seek underserved niches in the marketplace and provide coverages that meet very specific needs. We eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, give our underwriters authority and share the profits. Our entrepreneurial culture. At RLI, we’ve created a business model that works: hire smart, ethical people, make them owners of the business, and give them the freedom to succeed. Our employees are encouraged to seek out opportunities, make things happen and do the unexpected. About Us Culture Glassdoor Reviews Financial Results California Privacy