Head of Architecture Standards, Patterns & Governance
Head of Architecture Standards, Patterns & Governance

Head of Architecture Standards, Patterns & Governance

Slough Full-Time 130000 - 180000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead architecture standards and governance for transformative tech projects.
  • Company: Join a leading financial services firm driving innovation and compliance.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, flexible working, and excellent perks.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of architecture in a dynamic, collaborative environment with global impact.
  • Qualifications: 15+ years in enterprise architecture with strong leadership and technical skills required.
  • Other info: Hybrid work model available; ideal for those passionate about tech transformation.

The predicted salary is between 130000 - 180000 £ per year.

London | Hybrid

Up to £155k + Bonus & Excellent Benefits (Flexible)

Lead the Architecture Practice & Domain Centre of Excellence that underpins all change portfolios—front-to-back platform migrations, hybrid-cloud adoption, data-mesh enablement and legacy retirement. Own the meta-model, reference architectures, and policy-as-code controls to industrialise delivery, cut run-costs and satisfy global regulatory obligations.

Core Accountabilities

  • Architecture Operating Model – refine and enforce the TOGAF-aligned meta-model, artefact taxonomy and governance cadence across Technology domains.
  • Policy-as-Code Automation – embed Open Policy Agent (or equivalent) into CI/CD and cloud pipelines to shift compliance “left”; target ≥90 % automated control coverage.
  • Domain Standards & Reusable Components – curate, publish and measure reuse of cloud landing zones, data-platform blueprints, integration patterns and security baselines.
  • Architecture Review Authority – chair Enterprise & Solution Design Boards; arbitrate design disputes and report KPI adherence to ELT.
  • Practice Leadership – line-manage 5-10 Domain Architects (Cloud, Data, Integration, Workplace, Security) plus a methods/tooling squad; run the global community-of-practice.
  • Regulatory & Risk Alignment – assure architectures meet FCA / PRA, GDPR and regional regulations; provide board-level traceability on resilience and data-protection controls.
  • Transformation Acceleration – partner with programme directors to retire legacy estates, adopt event-driven platforms, and enable AI/ML workloads through compliant cloud patterns.

Candidate Profile – Must Have

  • 15+ yrs enterprise architecture in global, regulated FS or equivalent complexity.
  • Demonstrable ownership of an EA Operating Model and governance framework at enterprise scale (>5,000 users, multi-region).
  • Deep hands-on expertise in two or more domains: hybrid-cloud, data platforms, integration, workplace, security.
  • Proven deployment of policy-driven automation (OPA, Sentinel, Kyverno or similar) integrated with Terraform/Ansible IaC.
  • Track record leading distributed architect teams / CoEs and motivating senior practitioners.
  • Executive-level stakeholder management; comfortable defending architecture ROI to CIO/CTO and board committees.
  • Certifications: TOGAF (or equivalent) and cloud (Azure highly favoured; AWS/GCP advantageous).

Desirable Extras

  • Core-banking or investment-platform modernisation experience (Aladdin, CRIMS, SimCorp, State Street Alpha).
  • Familiarity with BIAN, BCF or other capability frameworks.
  • Knowledge-graph / AI-assisted modelling exposure.
  • MBA or comparable commercial qualification.

Head of Architecture Standards, Patterns & Governance employer: Intelix.AI

As a leading employer in the financial services sector, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while our commitment to employee development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career. With competitive compensation, a strong focus on regulatory compliance, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, we are dedicated to creating a rewarding workplace for our team members in London.
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Contact Detail:

Intelix.AI Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Architecture Standards, Patterns & Governance

Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the architecture and financial services sectors. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and leaders who can provide insights into the role and company culture.

Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in enterprise architecture, especially those related to hybrid-cloud and policy-as-code automation. Being well-versed in these areas will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with governance frameworks and how you've successfully implemented them in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your leadership and ability to manage distributed teams effectively.

Tip Number 4

Research StudySmarter's values and mission to align your personal goals with ours. Understanding our culture will not only help you tailor your approach but also show your genuine interest in being part of our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Architecture Standards, Patterns & Governance

Enterprise Architecture
TOGAF
Policy-as-Code Automation
Open Policy Agent
CI/CD Integration
Cloud Architecture
Data Platforms
Integration Patterns
Security Baselines
Regulatory Compliance (FCA, PRA, GDPR)
Stakeholder Management
Team Leadership
Governance Frameworks
Transformation Strategy
Cloud Technologies (Azure, AWS, GCP)
Terraform
Ansible
AI/ML Workloads
Architecture Review Authority
Community of Practice Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in enterprise architecture, particularly in regulated financial services. Emphasise your hands-on expertise in hybrid-cloud, data platforms, and integration, as well as any relevant certifications like TOGAF.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate your understanding of the role and how your background aligns with the core accountabilities. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead architecture practices and manage distributed teams effectively.

Showcase Leadership Experience: Highlight your experience in leading teams and managing stakeholders at an executive level. Provide examples of how you've successfully defended architecture ROI to senior management and contributed to transformation initiatives.

Demonstrate Regulatory Knowledge: Include details about your familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as FCA/PRA and GDPR. This will show that you understand the importance of compliance in architecture and can assure adherence to these regulations.

How to prepare for a job interview at Intelix.AI

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a candidate for the Head of Architecture Standards, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing distributed teams and how you've motivated senior practitioners in previous roles.

Highlight Your Technical Expertise

Make sure to emphasise your hands-on experience in key domains such as hybrid-cloud, data platforms, and integration. Prepare specific examples of how you've implemented policy-driven automation and the impact it had on your previous organisations.

Prepare for Executive-Level Discussions

Since you'll be interacting with C-level executives, practice articulating the ROI of architectural decisions clearly and confidently. Be ready to discuss how your strategies align with regulatory requirements and business objectives.

Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Frameworks

Brush up on TOGAF and any other relevant frameworks like BIAN or BCF. Being able to discuss these frameworks and how they apply to the role will show your depth of knowledge and readiness for the position.

Head of Architecture Standards, Patterns & Governance
Intelix.AI
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  • Head of Architecture Standards, Patterns & Governance

    Slough
    Full-Time
    130000 - 180000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-06-22

  • I

    Intelix.AI

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