MAIN PURPOSE

The ServiceNow Platform Development Architect is responsible for the end-to-end technical governance and architecture of the ServiceNow platform. This role ensures that all development—internal or delivered via partners—adheres to defined standards, aligns with ServiceNow best practices, and maximizes the use of out-of-the-box capabilities. The architect owns the platform codebase, governs API integrations, oversees upgrade readiness, and is a key liaison with the ServiceNow vendor. A strong focus on code stability, security, and data privacy is essential to ensure the platform's long-term scalability and compliance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Define and enforce development standards and best practices for internal and partner teams across the ServiceNow ecosystem.
Own the platform codebase, overseeing code quality, technical debt management, and adherence to ServiceNow upgrade-safe principles.
Govern all API interactions, defining policies on who, how, and what can interface with ServiceNow—including write permissions into the CMDB.
Ensure development aligns with ServiceNow out-of-the-box capabilities wherever possible, reducing unnecessary customizations.
Lead and manage the platform upgrade process, ensuring business continuity, regression testing, and feature adoption.
Partner with ServiceNow and internal stakeholders to align on roadmaps, releases, and platform capabilities.
Oversee platform stability, troubleshooting critical issues and ensuring high availability and performance.
Embed security and data privacy principles into every layer of the architecture, in line with enterprise and regulatory standards.
Provide architectural guidance during project planning, solution design, and implementation reviews.
Mentor development teams and review solutions to ensure long-term platform scalability and sustainability

COMPLEXITY OF THE JOB

Architectural Ownership: Requires deep expertise in platform design, architecture patterns, and ServiceNow development principles.
Governance & Standardisation: Must establish a unified approach across multiple development streams and external partners.
API & CMDB Governance: High impact on how external systems interface with ServiceNow and manage critical data like assets and configuration items.
Upgrade Strategy: Critical responsibility for ensuring compatibility, minimizing disruptions, and maximizing ROI on new features.
Security & Compliance: Must address platform security, code vulnerabilities, and data handling in compliance with global policies.
Stakeholder Management: Coordinates between business, IT, vendors, and ServiceNow to align architecture decisions with strategic goals

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE, LANGUAGE, & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Experience: Minimum 10 - 15 years of hands-on experience with ServiceNow, including at least 4 years in a platform architect or senior technical lead role.
Platform Expertise: Deep understanding of ServiceNow architecture, data models, integration patterns, and upgrade mechanisms.
Governance Skills: Proven experience establishing development standards, managing platform API policies, and owning code lifecycle processes.
Technical Knowledge: Strong command of JavaScript, Angular, Powershell, Glide APIs, Flow Designer, Integration Hub, MID Server architecture, and CMDB structure.
Security & Compliance: Familiarity with enterprise security standards, API authentication models (OAuth, Basic Auth), and data privacy practices (e.g., GDPR).
Communication: Ability to clearly articulate architectural decisions to technical and non-technical audiences.
Certifications: ServiceNow Certified System Administrator – required; Application Developer and/or Technical Architect certifications – preferred.
Upgrade Leadership: Demonstrated experience managing platform upgrades and testing frameworks (ATF experience is a plus).

Service Now Developer Architect