SAP · 1 week ago
Chief Architect / Head of Architecture - SAP SuccessFactors
Palo Alto, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$358K/yr - $609K/yr
15+ years expSAP is a leading company in enterprise application software, and they are seeking a Chief Architect / Head of Architecture for SAP SuccessFactors. This role involves defining and leading the technical strategy and architectural vision for the HCM suite, managing a global team of architects, and ensuring the platform evolves consistently and securely.
AnalyticsBusiness IntelligenceBusiness Process Automation (BPA)ComputerData ManagementFinanceSoftware
Responsibilities
Define the enterprise architecture blueprint and evolution strategy for SAP SuccessFactors, ensuring alignment with SAP’s Business Technology Platform (BTP) and corporate cloud strategy
Establish and govern architectural standards, patterns, and guardrails across all product areas, balancing innovation speed with long-term maintainability
Drive the adoption of cloud-native, microservices, API-first, and event-driven architectures to support scalable, modular innovation
Ensure architectural alignment across SuccessFactors domains (Talent, Core HR, Payroll, Analytics, Learning, etc.) through a federated but centrally governed model
Build and lead a high-performing central architecture team of enterprise, solution, and domain architects
Provide architectural mentorship, frameworks, and technical leadership to engineering organizations across multiple time zones
Create a thriving technical community that fosters knowledge sharing, innovation, and architectural consistency
Partner with Engineering and Operations to drive modernization initiatives, including containerization, multi-region resilience, secure SDOL practices, and developer enablement
Guide the definition and implementation of reusable platform components and shared services that accelerate delivery while ensuring performance, compliance, and security
Embed FinOps, DevSecOps, and AI-assisted development practices to enhance developer productivity and cost efficiency
Collaborate with senior leadership, product heads, and SAP’s cross-LOB CTOs to ensure cohesive architectural direction and technology investment
Translate complex architectural strategies into actionable roadmaps and business outcomes that resonate with both technical and executive stakeholders
Represent SuccessFactors’ architecture vision in global SAP forums, customer advisory boards, and technology partnerships
Drive architecture reviews, security and performance assessments, and technology evaluations for key initiatives
Ensure alignment with SAP’s Secure Development and Operations Lifecycle (SDOL) and compliance frameworks (ISO-27001, SOC2, FedRAMP)
Oversee architectural metrics for system reliability, scalability, and developer experience
Qualification
Required
15+ years of experience in software architecture, platform engineering, or large-scale SaaS development, with at least 5+ years leading enterprise or central architecture teams
Proven success managing global architecture organizations and partnering with distributed engineering teams at scale
Deep expertise in cloud-native architecture (microservices, Kubernetes, APIs, event-driven design) and enterprise-grade SaaS delivery
Demonstrated leadership in driving modernization and platform transformation in a complex multi-product environment
Excellent communication and storytelling skills—able to articulate architectural vision to executive, technical, and customer audiences
Strong knowledge of secure software design principles and compliance standards such as ISO-27001, SOC2, and FedRAMP
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or related field
Preferred
Experience embedding AI/ML and data-driven intelligence into application platforms preferred
Advanced technical or business degree preferred
Benefits
SAP North America Benefits
Company
SAP
SAP provides enterprise application software to various industries, including consumer, discrete manufacturing, public services.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
SAP has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (6)
2024 (1)
2023 (3)
2022 (3)
2021 (3)
2020 (6)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.3BKey Investors
Elliott Management Corp.
2019-04-24Post Ipo Equity· $1.3B
2015-06-01Grant· $1.37M
1998-08-03IPO
Leadership Team
Christian Klein
CEO & Member of the Executive Board
Sandi de Souza
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2026-01-03
2025-12-30
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