At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and evolve the Technical Architecture practice in a transformative tech environment.
- Company: Join a large organisation driving significant technology transformation.
- Benefits: Shape strategic technology direction and lead modernisation initiatives.
- Other info: Dynamic, collaborative environment with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing architecture across cloud and infrastructure domains.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in technical architecture and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Technical Architecture to lead and evolve our Technical Architecture practice within a large, complex organisation undergoing significant technology transformation. This is a senior leadership role responsible for defining technical architecture direction across infrastructure, cloud, platforms, networks and security, while building and leading a high-performing team of architects.
The Role
- Lead and develop the Technical Architecture practice, including recruitment, mentoring and capability building
- Define and maintain technical architecture principles, standards, patterns and governance
- Provide architectural leadership across major programmes and transformation initiatives
- Act as a senior technical advisor to IT and organisational leadership
- Ensure technology partners and delivery teams align to agreed architectural standards
- Drive modernisation initiatives, including Infrastructure as Code, automation and DevOps practices
- Contribute to enterprise-wide architecture planning, particularly across cloud, infrastructure and platform domains
This role combines strategic direction, governance ownership and hands-on architectural expertise.
What We’re Looking For
- Extensive experience operating as a Technical Architect across the full delivery lifecycle
- Broad enterprise infrastructure and cloud architecture expertise (compute, storage, networking, platform software, resilience and security)
- Experience designing and governing cloud and hybrid platforms (IaaS and PaaS)
- Strong understanding of Infrastructure as Code and DevOps principles
- Experience with technical product selection and RFI/RFP processes
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate technical risk into business language
- Demonstrable experience leading an architecture practice or managing multiple architects
- Experience defining architecture roles, capability frameworks and career pathways
- Experience with major cloud platforms (e.g. Azure, AWS, GCP)
- Exposure to automation tooling (e.g. Terraform, configuration management tools)
- Knowledge of virtualisation, networking, database and enterprise productivity platforms
- Experience in large, federated or complex organisational environments
Personal Attributes
- Strong leadership and people development capability
- Credible and respected technical authority
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- Delivery-focused and outcome-oriented
- Collaborative, pragmatic and forward-thinking
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to:
- Shape and mature a federated Technical Architecture function
- Influence strategic technology direction at organisational scale
- Lead modernisation initiatives across cloud and infrastructure domains
- Work in a dynamic, transformation-focused environment
If you are an experienced Head of Technical Architecture or a Senior Technical Architect looking to progress your career into Leadership; then I would like to hear from you. Please apply directly online, and if your application is successful, one of the team will be in touch.
Head of Technical Architecture employer: Harvey Nash
Contact Detail:
Harvey Nash Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical Architecture
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who are already in leadership roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience with cloud architecture and modernisation initiatives. This will help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and webinars to keep your knowledge fresh. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our tech transformation journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical Architecture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Technical Architecture. Highlight your experience in leading architecture practices and your expertise in cloud and infrastructure. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your leadership in technical architecture and how you've driven transformation initiatives in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills, especially around Infrastructure as Code and DevOps principles. We’re looking for someone who can not only lead but also get hands-on when needed, so make sure we see that in your application!
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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harvey Nash
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technical architecture principles and standards relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, and GCP, as well as Infrastructure as Code and DevOps practices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just a leader but also a hands-on expert.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams and developed architectural practices in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you mentored architects or influenced senior stakeholders. This will demonstrate your capability to build and lead high-performing teams, which is crucial for this position.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the company’s current technology transformation initiatives and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show that you understand their challenges and can contribute to their strategic direction, especially in modernisation initiatives across cloud and infrastructure.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Practice translating complex technical concepts into business language. You’ll need to influence senior stakeholders, so being able to articulate technical risks and benefits clearly is key. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points during the interview.