Lead Architect - China

Shanghai, China Job Family Group: Information Technology (IT) Worker Type: Regular Posting Start Date: September 30, 2026 Business Unit: Information & Digital Technology Experience Level: Experienced Professionals Job Description: What’s the role The Lead Architect will be accountable for shaping and governing China’s end-to-end architecture strategy across infrastructure, applications, data and products. The role will balance global enterprise standards with China-specific regulatory and market needs, deliver scalable and compliant solutions, and progressively build architecture capability to support business growth and transformation. What you’ll be doing Own and continuously evolve the China architecture strategy, roadmap and governance across business domains, infrastructure, applications, data and future platforms. Translate business priorities, transformation needs and BAU localization requirements into fit-for-purpose, compliant and future-ready solution designs. Balance enterprise standards with China regulatory, market and technology requirements, guiding technology selection and adoption accordingly. Drive architecture assurance, stage gate reviews, risk management, technology standards, architecture artefacts and Tech Radar maintenance. Partner with IDTMs, business stakeholders and global architecture/engineering communities to shape portfolios, prioritize work and enable delivery. Provide thought leadership on emerging technologies, including China-specific digital and AI capabilities, while scaling architecture capability as demand grows. What you bring 15+ years’ digital and IT experience, including 10+ years in business- and technology-focused IT architecture, with proven architecture impact and successful delivery. Strong end-to-end architecture experience across applications, integration, infrastructure and large-scale platforms; prior software engineering or solution architecture experience is preferred. Solid knowledge of Downstream, China infrastructure, China regulations and compliance, ERP/SAP, AI, and Sales & Marketing and/or Supply Chain domains. 10+ years’ experience leading and developing people, particularly architects and technical design teams. Strong delivery mindset with agile and product-focused ways of working, logical problem solving and results orientation. Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and bilingual communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across virtual, cross-cultural and geographically dispersed teams. - DISCLAIMER: Please note: We occasionally amend or withdraw Shell jobs and reserve the right to do so at any time, including prior to the advertised closing date. Before applying, you are advised to read our data protection policy. This policy describes the processing that may be associated with your personal data and informs you that your personal data may be transferred to Shell/Shell Group companies around the world. The Shell Group and its approved recruitment consultants will never ask you for a fee to process or consider your application for a career with Shell. Anyone who demands such a fee is not an authorised Shell representative and you are strongly advised to refuse any such demand. Shell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Register here and Set up your job alerts AI is an integral part of today’s recruitment landscape. It can assist in refining ideas, improving clarity, and supporting interview preparation—provided your application remains authentic and reflects your true experience. AI must not be used to fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent any information. Review our full guidelines. You can be a part of the future of energy. Together at Shell, we are transitioning to become a net-zero emissions business while providing the energy that people around the world need today. Working with experienced colleagues , you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills, in an environment where we value honesty, integrity and respect for one another. At Shell, you progress as we tackle the energy challenge together. #PowerYourProgress Visit our careers site Shell has a bold goal: to become one of the world’s most diverse and inclusive companies, a place where everyone – from our employees to our customers, partners and suppliers – feels valued, respected, and has a strong sense of belonging. Find out more about DE&I at Shell Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemical companies, employing 96,000 people across more than 70 countries. Whether they work on our platforms and pipelines, or in our offices and research labs, people are key to our success. They collectively determine our culture and we expect them to behave according to our values: honesty, integrity, and respect for people. Learn more about our purpose and strategy “If you need any assistance or support while applying for a job, please contact us at [email protected]”