At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead architecture strategy and ensure high-performing tech platforms across UK and Europe.
- Company: Join a leading tech firm focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence on technology direction and team collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while driving impactful solutions for clients.
- Qualifications: Strong background in software architecture and proven leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Reporting to the Head of Technology UK and Europe, the Head of Architecture and Performance UK & Europe is responsible for defining and driving the regional technology architecture strategy, ensuring scalable, resilient and high‑performing platforms that support business growth, operational excellence and regulatory requirements across the UK and Europe.
- Key Stakeholders
- Group Heads of UK and Europe
- CROs UK & Europe
- UK 1st and 2nd Lo D Risk and Compliance Teams
- Global Head of Technology Office
- Global Technology teams
- Global Head of Technology
- Client Technology teams where appropriate
Responsibilities
- Architecture & Solution Design
- Define end‑to‑end solution architectures across application, data, and infrastructure layers
- Produce architecture blueprints and technical designs to enable clients to understand integration points between their software and ours, and internal stakeholders to understand risks, controls and investment needs in our technology estate.
- Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned to enterprise standards
- Evaluate and select appropriate technology stacks, frameworks, and platforms
- Business Alignment & Strategy
- Translate client requirements into technical solutions and architecture roadmaps
- Work closely with stakeholders to define target state architecture and transition plans
- Ensure alignment with enterprise architecture, regulatory, and governance frameworks
- Delivery Leadership
- Provide technical leadership to engineering and delivery teams
- Oversee solution implementation, ensuring adherence to architecture principles
- Support design, build, test, and deployment lifecycle activities
- Manage risk, dependencies, and architectural decisions across programmes
- Application Architecture & Engineering Oversight
- Design and govern application structures, integrations, APIs, and data flows
- Establish coding standards, architectural patterns, and best practices
- Ensure performance, reliability, and maintainability of applications
- Guide teams on microservices, cloud, and integration patterns
- Stakeholder & Communication Management
- Engage with business leaders, product teams, and external partners
- Communicate complex technical concepts in clear, business‑friendly language
- Support pre‑sales activities, solution proposals, and executive decision‑making
- Governance, Risk & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure solutions comply with security, regulatory, and architectural standards
- Conduct architecture reviews and design assurance
- Identify opportunities to optimise systems, cost, and performance
- Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends
Requirements
- Technical
- Strong background in software architecture, system design, and integration
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure), APIs, microservices, and distributed systems
- Knowledge of security, data architecture, and performance optimisation
- Leadership & Delivery
- Proven ability to lead cross‑functional engineering teams
- Experience managing large‑scale, enterprise delivery programmes
- Strong decision‑making across trade‑offs (cost, risk, scalability)
- Business & Communication
- Ability to translate business strategy into technical design
- Strong stakeholder management at senior/executive level
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Architecture and Performance, UK and Europe employer: FNZ
At FNZ, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where every team member is empowered to make a meaningful impact from day one. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our global career opportunities and the emphasis we place on individual contributions over tenure, ensuring that your hard work is recognised and rewarded. Located in a vibrant environment, you will collaborate with diverse, expert teams while enjoying flexible working arrangements that cater to both professional and personal needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Architecture and Performance, UK and Europe
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from FNZ who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Architecture and Performance, UK and Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at FNZ!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to FNZ. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at FNZ
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at FNZ.
