Head of IT Architecture in Watford

Your new company

Our client is a well-established organisation operating across large-scale construction, engineering and infrastructure projects in the UK. They work on a broad range of programmes spanning commercial developments, transport, energy and public sector environments, often delivering complex projects that have a direct impact on how people live and work day to day. The business has a strong reputation for delivering technically challenging programmes, with a focus on quality, collaboration and long-term value. Alongside this, there is ongoing investment in innovation, sustainability and modern ways of working to improve how projects are delivered and maintained.

Your new role

You'll take on a key leadership role within the technology function, shaping how IT architecture supports the wider business and its long-term strategy. As part of the IT leadership team, you'll be responsible for defining and delivering the organisation's architecture approach, ensuring systems, platforms and integrations are aligned to business needs and capable of supporting ongoing transformation.

A big part of the role is about connecting strategy with delivery. You'll lead the design and governance of technology architecture, setting clear roadmaps across enterprise and solution architecture while making sure standards, processes and ways of working are consistent and effective. Alongside this, you'll oversee core platforms and services, including integrations and automation, ensuring they are delivering real value to the business. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, building strong relationships and acting as a trusted voice on how technology can enable better outcomes. This includes influencing direction, aligning with global initiatives and making sure all development activity supports both short and long-term objectives.

From an operational perspective, you'll take ownership of how architecture services are delivered, managing external partners where required, overseeing performance and cost, and ensuring the right governance and controls are in place. You'll also play a broader leadership role across areas such as resource planning, team development and supporting ongoing change.

Overall, this is a role for someone who can bring structure, clarity and direction to IT architecture, while also helping the organisation move forward in how it uses technology to improve performance and deliver change.

What you'll need to succeed

You'll bring a strong foundation across IT architecture, strategy and governance, with a proven track record of operating at leadership level within complex environments. You'll be comfortable setting direction while also ensuring the right structures, controls and standards are in place to support consistent, high-quality delivery. This role requires someone who has experience leading other leaders and multidisciplinary teams, creating an environment where people are engaged, clear on direction and able to perform at their best. You'll naturally take ownership of outcomes, while also ensuring the wider organisation is aligned and moving in the same direction.

You'll have a track record of delivering tangible business outcomes through architecture best practice, both at an enterprise and solution level and will be confident working on large-scale, end-to-end programmes. Translating complex technical concepts into clear, practical business language will be a key strength, particularly when engaging with senior stakeholders and executive leadership teams.

Strong stakeholder management is essential. You'll be used to influencing at the highest levels, challenging where needed and ensuring decisions are made with a clear understanding of impact and value. Alongside this, you'll bring experience in organisational change, helping businesses adapt processes, adopt new ways of working and realise the benefits of transformation.

From a technical perspective, you'll have a good understanding of integration and automation approaches, as well as experience evaluating and selecting emerging technologies that can support long-term strategy. You'll also bring a commercial mindset, with an awareness of cost, value and return on investment when shaping technology decisions.

What you'll get in return

• Bonus: Discretionary 24% annual bonus based on Company/Operating Unit Performance.
• Car Grade/Car Allowance £6,900 pa
• Private Medical BUPA - Couple Family

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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