Senior Solution Architect

Bridging Mainframe Innovation with Cloud and DevOps Excellence

Profile Summary

I am a seasoned Senior Solution Architect with over 36 years of experience, having started my career at 16. My journey has been one of continuous evolution—beginning with hands-on mainframe expertise, where I developed a deep technical foundation in legacy systems, high-performance computing, and enterprise-scale architectures. Over time, my role expanded into strategic architectural leadership, allowing me to design and govern complex IT landscapes while ensuring they align with business objectives and industry best practices.

As technology progressed, so did my expertise. I became deeply involved in cloud modernisation, helping organisations migrate mission-critical workloads to the cloud while preserving their core functionality, security, and resilience. This transformation required not only a strong architectural vision but also an in-depth understanding of cloud-native services, hybrid infrastructures, and API-driven integrations to modernise legacy applications effectively.

In recent years, I have embraced and integrated modern DevOps practices into my architectural approach, ensuring that automation, continuous integration, and rapid deployment strategies are at the heart of digital transformation initiatives. By leveraging Infrastructure as Code (IaC), CI/CD pipelines, containerisation, and Kubernetes orchestration, I have enabled organisations to increase agility, reduce technical debt, and accelerate time-to-market for their applications.

This unique combination of mainframe, architecture, cloud, and DevOps expertise allows me to bridge the gap between traditional IT infrastructures and next-generation digital solutions. I operate at the intersection of technology and strategy, providing both high-level visionary leadership and deep technical guidance when needed. My ability to understand legacy environments, design future-proof architectures, and drive seamless cloud adoption makes me a key asset in large-scale IT transformation projects.

I thrive in high-stakes environments where technology decisions have a direct impact on business success. Whether leading multi-disciplinary teams, engaging with C-level stakeholders, or architecting complex solutions that balance innovation with reliability, I am committed to delivering cost-effective, secure, and scalable digital transformations that drive long-term value for organisations.

Professional Experience

Senior Solution Architect - Rocket Software

May 2024 – Present | Remote
  • Lead end-to-end digital transformations, migrating core mainframe applications to modern cloud infrastructures.
  • Leverage a unique blend of mainframe, architectural, cloud, and DevOps expertise to deliver secure, scalable solutions.
  • Collaborate with executive teams and technical leads to align project roadmaps with business objectives.
  • Provide both hands-on technical guidance and high-level strategic oversight throughout project lifecycles.

Senior Mainframe Modernisation Solution Architect - OpenText

January 2023 – May 2024 | Remote
  • Drove the transition of mission-critical mainframe systems to the cloud within the Enterprise Suite (AMC) area.
  • Developed cost-effective, agile solutions integrating legacy systems with modern cloud services.
  • Implemented DevOps methodologies to streamline development, testing, and deployment cycles.
  • Mentored cross-functional teams and collaborated with stakeholders to ensure seamless digital transformation.

Senior Mainframe Modernisation Solution Architect - Micro Focus

January 2022 – February 2023 | Remote
  • Defined architectural blueprints and migration strategies for modernising enterprise legacy systems.
  • Established robust DevOps pipelines and efficient workflows for mission-critical applications.
  • Set the foundation for integration into OpenText’s Enterprise Suite (AMC) post-acquisition.
  • Engaged with clients to identify key pain points and ensure alignment with evolving business needs.

Principal Architect - Mastek

December 2018 – February 2022 | Leeds, United Kingdom
  • Led digital transformation for secure government accounts, integrating legacy systems with cloud-based architectures.
  • Pioneered the “Architecture as a Service” capability by standardising frameworks and best practices.
  • Drove API-led projects using Microsoft Azure API Management to enable real-time data exchange.
  • Embedded agile and DevSecOps practices to accelerate product lifecycles while maintaining robust security.
  • Coordinated onshore and offshore teams to achieve high-impact project outcomes.

Senior Technical Architect - NHS Digital

May 2011 – December 2018 | Leeds, United Kingdom
  • Directed large-scale IT programmes delivering secure, scalable digital solutions for the NHS.
  • Spearheaded the implementation of an API management capability across national healthcare systems.
  • Integrated modern agile and DevOps practices to streamline development and enhance collaboration.
  • Shaped technical architectures to align with NHS Digital’s strategic vision and strict governance standards.
  • Leveraged both mainframe and cloud expertise to evolve legacy systems and improve operational efficiency.

Technical Architect, Spine - Department of Health Informatics Directorate

November 2008 – May 2011 | Leeds, United Kingdom
  • Provided technical assurance for the Spine Programme, a critical national infrastructure for secure data exchange.
  • Evaluated and guided vendor solutions, setting direction and elaborating technical requirements.
  • Assessed architectural options to ensure alignment with strategic healthcare objectives and governance.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, compliant, and future-proof solutions.

Senior Architect - GE Money

2003 – 2008 | Leeds, United Kingdom
  • Replaced contracted resources to enhance the B2B CICS integrated solution between GE Money and Experian Credit Scoring.
  • Developed secure, scalable hybrid J2EE/Mainframe/IVR applications for debit card payments, credit maintenance, and account management.
  • Extended mainframe capabilities by implementing API access via CICS Sockets to a J2EE middleware platform.
  • Established security and throttling controls across both J2EE and COBOL/CICS/VSAM layers.
  • Led technical teams on business-critical application designs, interfacing real-time systems across multiple platforms.
  • Facilitated global training and knowledge transfer, collaborating with teams in India and China.
  • Partnered with GE Corp HQ to pioneer new mainframe connectivity technologies and future enhancements.

Certifications

Contact

Email: Upon request

Mobile: Upon request

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jenningspaul