At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the architecture team and develop innovative technology strategies for FGH.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking, tech-driven online retail business with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusivity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transforming a century-old brand into a digital-first retailer.
- Qualifications: Deep experience in architecture, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
Join to apply for the IT Head of Architecture and Engineering role at FGH (Freemans Grattan Holdings) FGH Business Centre 66-70 Vicar Ln, Bradford BD1 5AJ.
Hybrid flexibility: 2 full office days per week across Tues/Weds/Thurs.
This is a senior leadership and management role, reporting directly into our Director of IT.
About The Role
- Working alongside the Director of IT, the Head of Architecture will lead and develop the architecture team for FGH, covering transformation and end state roadmaps, application maturity assessment, integration, and data strategies.
- The role will have a wide enterprise responsibility for the alignment of the infrastructure and platform architecture with the overall enterprise plan.
- Manage and develop architecture principles, tools, and frameworks to ensure FGH technology is managed and nurtured as a series of value-creating ecosystems.
- Provide the big picture view of the technology landscape, guiding solutions and domain architecture.
- Agree effective ways of working with the key business stakeholders and teams to ensure that the change programmes and projects can be agile and autonomous within the wider technology strategy.
- Manage and govern light touch architectural governance to ensure all solutions align with the global direction of travel and any near-term exceptions have a route back to the core roadmap.
- Determine the core artefacts, ensuring usability and pragmatism are critical guiding principles.
- Issue standards and policies where required to ensure change teams have clarity on strategic approach.
- Lead the architecture team analysis of the current IT environment to detect critical deficiencies and recommend solutions for improvement.
- Lead the architecture team analysis of technology industry and market trends to determine their potential impact on the enterprise architecture.
- Promote the architecture process, outcomes, and results to the organisation, including the enterprise's IT and business leaders.
- Lead the development and management of an implementation plan for the enterprise architecture based on business requirements and IT strategies.
- Collaborate with the risk, compliance, audit, and security teams to ensure the architecture accommodates the regulatory compliance and cyber security requirements and commitments of the organisation.
- Oversee the documentation of all architecture design and analysis work.
- Lead the development and execution of a communication and education plan for the architecture.
- Assess and communicate the value of the architecture and promote and lead the architecture function.
- Engage the FGH leadership team on technology enabled change.
- Influencing partners to ensure FGH technology landscape enables competitive advantage leveraging new technology whilst pushing the boundaries on efficiency and automation.
About You
- Deep experience of Architecture in a consumer facing environment, spanning both digital and physical technology.
- Great breadth and some depth in SaaS, applications/software; good experience of integration, data, and infrastructure.
- Great experience of both agile and more traditional change delivery.
- Proven experience in making the architecture role work well in an agile environment.
- Brilliant communication skills, able to explain complex technology concepts clearly to business stakeholders, and to engage in depth with all FGH and IT Partner technologists.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, including teamwork, facilitation, and negotiation.
- Willing to take accountability for things, even without line management control of the resources.
- Demonstrable commitment to developing their own professional skillset, keeping at the cutting edge technically and professionally.
- Experience in working with third parties to get great service provision and value for money on projects.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, systems analysis or a related field of study, or equivalent experience.
- Strong leadership skills.
- Excellent analytical and technical skills.
ABOUT US: FGH DIGITAL
For over 100 years, Freemans has been at the forefront of home shopping, delivering quality products and exceptional service. We’ve accepted the challenge to transform our business into a modern, digital-first retailer. With a rich heritage and an eye on the future, we are a forward-thinking, tech-driven online retail business, making fabulous fashion and stylish homewares accessible and affordable for everyone. Based in West Yorkshire and part of the OTTO group, one of the world’s largest online retail organisations, Freemans Grattan Holdings (FGH) is the home of familiar brands such as Freemans, Grattan, Kaleidoscope, and Curvissa.
What We Offer You
- FLEXIBILITY: We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working options to help you achieve a healthy work life balance.
- TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT: Turning your job into a career is a real passion for us and our development programmes will enable you to grow in role.
- INCLUSIVITY: Our company is an inclusive organisation where everybody can make the most of their talent and abilities. Our pay, reward, and progression approach is based solely on fairness and merit.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries and annual bonus scheme
- 37 days holiday
- Healthcare cash plan
- Competitive pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Paid paternity and maternity leave
- Incredible staff discounts
- Subsidised Canteen
Senior level Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Information Technology
Industries: Retail
If you’re excited about this opportunity and want to join FGH, click apply now to send us your application.
IT Head of Engineering in Bradford employer: FGH (Freemans Grattan Holdings)
FGH is an exceptional employer that prioritises flexibility, inclusivity, and professional growth, making it an ideal workplace for the IT Head of Engineering role. With a commitment to hybrid working arrangements, comprehensive training programmes, and a culture that values fairness and merit, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while enjoying competitive salaries and generous benefits. Located in Bradford, FGH offers a dynamic environment within a leading online retail organisation, fostering innovation and collaboration across teams.
Contact Detail:
FGH (Freemans Grattan Holdings) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Head of Engineering in Bradford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant meetups, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching FGH and understanding their tech landscape. Familiarise yourself with their products and services, and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of IT Head of Engineering. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and technical expertise, making sure to highlight your ability to work in an agile environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Head of Engineering in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the IT Head of Architecture and Engineering role. Highlight your leadership experience and technical expertise in architecture, integration, and data strategies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and managed architecture in a consumer-facing environment, and don’t forget to show your passion for technology!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves engaging with various stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your brilliant communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language to explain complex concepts and your approach to collaboration.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at FGH!
How to prepare for a job interview at FGH (Freemans Grattan Holdings)
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of architecture principles, tools, and frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in consumer-facing environments. This will show that you can lead the architecture team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in agile settings. Discuss how you've influenced teams and stakeholders to align with technology strategies, as this role requires strong interpersonal skills and accountability.
✨Understand FGH's Business Landscape
Research FGH and its brands thoroughly. Understand their digital transformation journey and be prepared to discuss how your vision for architecture can support their goals. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also in the company's future.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining complex technology concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, so being able to communicate effectively is key. Consider mock interviews to refine your delivery.
