Trainee IT Architect in Leeds

This is a unique opportunity for someone who has a background in IT who wants to move into an architecture role. You may be a Product Owner, Process/Business Analyst or developer who is keen to progress with a can-do attitude. With the support of the senior Enterprise Architect, you will develop into the following role:

The main purpose of the Associate Enterprise Architect role is to:

• Assist in the development and maintenance of the Enterprise Architecture for the Corporate business unit.
• Engage with Business representatives and establish and maintain the architectural building blocks that will, in course, be used to support and enable business objectives: These elements include Reference Models, Artefact Repository, Patterns, Frameworks, Tools, Methodology and Governance frameworks.
• Provide consulting and recommendations to the corporate business unit through the formulation and simplification of technology strategy, solution option analysis and cost/benefit analysis.
• Participate in and provide governance on major programs and projects to ensure that solutions are in line with the broader Group-wide Enterprise Architecture and that expected business and IT benefits will be able to be realised.
• Support internal teams in the development of their corporate solution and services.

You will have relationships with people / teams that sit in the architecture and technology space to encourage a one way / same way of working.

Key Accountabilities and main responsibilities

• Strategic Focus
  • Assist in the development of strategic I.T architecture vision, strategy and technology leadership for large programs and business transformation initiatives for the corporate business.
  • Under guidance from the Enterprise Architects, provide integrated vision, roadmaps, and steer to build standard solutions and technology change plans considering overarching scope and dependencies.
• Operational Management
  • Establish and maintain Architecture artefacts for the business unit.
  • Review new and existing I.T projects to ensure compliance and integration with the Group-wide Enterprise Architecture.
  • Provide advanced technical consulting in multi-platform application environments.
  • Perform assignments as required, particularly in areas of difficulty, complexity, or critical need.
  • Identify and investigate opportunities to utilise and integrate emerging technologies to provide cost effective, flexible solutions.
  • Maintain up to date knowledge of business plans and possible impacts to the business unit architecture. Engage regularly with business stakeholders to ensure alignment.
  • Assist in development and maintenance of an Architecture aligned to the I.T Strategy. Determine the roadmap required to support the implementation of the Architecture.
  • Assist in governing across and ensuring that the scope and design of strategic projects are aligned with the target Architecture. Ensure that risks and deviation from strategic plans arising from tactical initiatives are understood and communicated.
  • Participate in and facilitate functional and technical designs of systems to ensure sound decisions are being made in alignment with current and future business and I.T strategies and opportunities.
  • Develop and maintain conceptual, logical and physical architectures to meet requirements and strategies.
• People Leadership
  • Stakeholder management and leadership to drive business and technology change.
  • Key Member of the global Corporate Enterprise Architecture team.
• Governance & Risk
  • Keep aware of compliance requirements (regulatory, governance, audit), and the development and implementation of supporting standards.
  • Adhere to all Group standards, policies, and procedures.

The above list of key accountabilities is not an exhaustive list and may change from time-to-time based on business needs.

Experience & Personal Attributes

• Typically, 2–5 years in IT roles such as: Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, Developer, Infrastructure Engineer, Solution Designer OR Exceptional graduates with strong technical foundations and a demonstrated interest in architecture.
• Exposure to solution design principles, integration concepts, or cloud technologies is desirable.
• Familiarity with architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman) is a plus but not mandatory.
• Willingness to learn and develop under mentoring.
• Innovative, resourceful, collaborative, and self-confident.
• Highly professional and self-motivated, with the ability to work in a dynamic, evolving environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to document and present concepts clearly.
• Ability to learn business processes and apply technical solutions effectively.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective research, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Exposure to AI technologies.

Key Relationships

• Internal: I.T departments, Business Operations, Key Stakeholders, PMO, Information Security.
• External: Software Vendor, Resource Companies, Audit Partners.