Enterprise Architect

Key ResponsibilitiesEnterprise Architecture LeadershipDevelop and maintain enterprise architecture roadmaps aligned to the strategic objectives of the Insurance, Pensions &Investments business.Define target-state architecture models that support business growth, modernization, efficiency, resilience, and regulatory compliance.Ensure alignment between business capabilities, technology investments, and enterprise technology strategies.Support the evolution of architectural standards, principles, governance frameworks, and reference architectures.Solution Architecture OversightReview, challenge, and assure solution designs across multiple programmes and portfolios.Provide architectural guidance during discovery, feasibility, design, and delivery phases.Produce and review architecture artefacts including:Solution DesignsArchitecture Decision Records (ADRs)Conceptual, Logical, and Physical Architecture ModelsCapability MapsRoadmapsTechnology StandardsTarget-State BlueprintsCloud & Infrastructure ArchitectureDefine hybrid cloud and hosting architectures supporting scalable and resilient solutions.Guide cloud adoption and modernization initiatives across public, private, and hybrid environments.Support infrastructure transformation programmes across compute, networking, storage, and platform services.Ensure alignment with enterprise cloud standards and security controls.Application & Integration ArchitectureDefine architecture patterns supporting modern digital platforms and enterprise applications.Lead the adoption of API-first, microservices, and event-driven architectures.Identify opportunities to simplify and rationalize legacy technology estates.Drive reuse of enterprise integration services and common technology platforms.Data & Information ArchitectureSupport architecture decisions involving data platforms, governance, analytics, and information management.Ensure appropriate consideration of data models, lineage, governance, privacy, and regulatory controls.Collaborate with Data Architecture teams to promote consistency and strategic alignment.Non-Functional ArchitectureShape architecture decisions covering:SecurityAvailabilityResiliencePerformanceScalabilityRecoverabilityObservabilityMaintainabilityEnsure solutions meet regulatory, operational, and cyber-security requirements.Governance & AssuranceParticipate in architecture governance and design authority forums.Assess architectural risks, dependencies, technical debt, and compliance issues.Provide recommendations and mitigation strategies to stakeholders.Ensure adherence to enterprise architecture principles, standards, and control frameworks.Stakeholder EngagementBuild strong relationships with engineering, platform, product, security, and delivery teams.Influence technology direction across multiple programmes and initiatives.Communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.Support senior leadership in technology decision-making and investment planning.

Essential Skills & ExperienceEnterprise ArchitectureProven experience operating as an Enterprise Architect, Lead Architect, Principal Architect, or Senior Solution Architect within alarge-scale enterprise environment.Strong understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks and practices.Experience creating architecture roadmaps, transformation strategies, and target-state architectures.Technical ArchitectureStrong architecture expertise across:Application ArchitectureIntegration ArchitectureData ArchitectureInfrastructure ArchitectureCloud ArchitectureSecurity ArchitectureCloud & HostingExperience designing and governing cloud-native and hybrid-cloud architectures.Strong understanding of platforms such as:Microsoft AzureAWSGoogle Cloud Platform (GCP)Experience with container-based and platform engineering approaches.Integration & APIsExpertise in:API-led architecturesEvent-driven architecturesService-oriented architecturesMicroservicesMessaging technologiesEnterprise integration patternsEngineering & DeliveryStrong understanding of modern software engineering practices.Experience working within Agile, DevOps, Platform Engineering, and Product-centric delivery models.Ability to engage directly with engineering teams to guide architecture implementation.Security & ResilienceKnowledge of:Identity and Access ManagementSecurity-by-Design principlesOperational resilienceDisaster RecoveryBusiness ContinuityRegulatory and risk controlsArchitecture GovernanceExperience producing and reviewing:Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)HLDs and LLDsTechnical StandardsArchitecture Review DocumentationExperience participating in governance and architecture review boards. Desirable SkillsFinancial Services, Insurance, Pensions, Wealth Management or Investment industry experience.Knowledge of UK financial regulatory environments.Experience supporting large-scale digital transformation programmes.Familiarity with emerging technologies including AI, automation, platform engineering and cloud modernization.Experience with architecture modelling tools such as:LeanIXSparx EAArchiMateBizzdesignVisio Personal AttributesStrong analytical and problem-solving skills.Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term vision and short-term delivery priorities.Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.Ability to navigate ambiguity and complexity.Strong communication and presentation capabilities.Pragmatic decision-maker with sound engineering judgement.Collaborative and relationship-driven approach.