Global Chief Architect

Global Chief Architect

Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the architectural vision for Royal Canin’s digital transformation and oversee system integration.
  • Company: Join Royal Canin, part of Mars Petcare, in a bold digital transformation journey.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, and access to Mars University for continuous learning.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of pet nutrition while working in a purpose-driven, innovative environment.
  • Qualifications: 10-15 years in ERP architecture, especially SAP ECC/S4HANA, with strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Be part of a global team influencing best practices and driving innovation.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

Royal Canin, part of Mars Petcare, is undergoing a bold digital transformation to modernize its global operating model. Through the EOS Program, we are implementing SAP S/4HANA, standardizing processes, and enabling seamless interoperability across Pet Nutrition and Royal Canin businesses. This transformation spans ERP modernization, edge systems integration (e.g., Salesforce, OMP), and advanced data and analytics platforms like Mars Data Lake and SAP BTP.

We are hiring a Global Chief Architect to lead the architectural vision and execution across this transformation. You will:

  • Shape and govern the enterprise architecture for our Digital Core and growth programs.
  • Lead a team of architects across domains (ERP, data, platform, security).
  • Partner with business leaders, product owners, and tech teams to ensure scalable, interoperable, and future-ready systems.
  • Represent Royal Canin in Mars’ global architecture forums and drive alignment with enterprise strategy.

This is a unique opportunity to define the digital backbone of a purpose-led, high-growth global business — and help build a better world for pets.

What are we looking for?

  • Proven ERP architecture leadership with 10–15 years' experience in SAP ECC/S4HANA and interfacing systems in CPG or similar industries.
  • Strategic enterprise architect with hands-on experience guiding large-scale transformations across complex, matrixed environments.
  • Strong leadership capabilities, with a track record of managing and mentoring senior architects and cross-functional tech teams.
  • Expert in modern architecture principles, including Clean Core, extensibility, microservices, and composable design.
  • Collaborative influencer, adept at engaging with vendors, integrators, and internal stakeholders to drive best practices, governance, and innovation.

What will be your key responsibilities?

  • Transformation & Enterprise Architecture Leadership
  • Define and lead the architectural vision for Royal Canin’s Digital Core Transformation (EOS Program) across Petcare divisions.
  • Develop and maintain current and future-state architectural blueprints and an aspirational enterprise roadmap.
  • Design and oversee implementation of scalable, integrated end-to-end systems across SAP and non-SAP environments.
  • Align architecture strategy with segment needs, enterprise goals, and industry trends.
  • Champion architectural governance, ensuring consistency, standardization, and best practices adoption.
  • Technology & Strategy Leadership
    • Define the overall system architecture and roadmap to support Royal Canin’s digital transformation journey.
    • Ensure architecture decisions align with enterprise standards and strategic business goals.
    • Balance enterprise and segment-specific needs with external innovation perspectives.
    • Drive value through technology initiatives that improve operational efficiency and reduce technical debt.
    • Stay ahead of emerging technologies and ensure architectural readiness for future innovation.
  • People & Stakeholder Leadership
    • Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing global team of Enterprise, Business, Solution, Platform, and Security Architects.
    • Foster strong collaboration with Digital Technologies, Process Owners, Analytics, and business teams across regions.
    • Act as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to stakeholders, influencing decisions and challenging the status quo.
  • Change & Governance
    • Guide the rollout of industrialized architecture practices, including transition models, roadmaps, and technical strategies.
    • Contribute to the Architecture Review Board (ARB) and enforce architecture governance processes and tools.
    • Maintain and evolve the Enterprise Architecture repository and supporting toolsets (e.g., Signavio, LeanIX).
  • Operational Excellence
    • Monitor architectural effectiveness through KPIs and metrics, reporting to executive and business leadership.
    • Support technology standards enforcement in collaboration with service and implementation teams across domains.
    • Ensure compliance, cost-efficiency, and resilience through architectural best practices and continuous improvement.

    What can you expect from Mars?

    • Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
    • Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
    • Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
    • An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
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    Contact Detail:

    Job Traffic Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Global Chief Architect

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network with professionals in the ERP and architecture space, especially those who have experience with SAP S/4HANA. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in digital transformation.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Familiarise yourself with Royal Canin's current digital initiatives and their EOS Program. Understanding their specific challenges and goals will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your expertise aligns with their vision.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to mentor architects and influence stakeholders, as these are key aspects of the Global Chief Architect role.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Stay updated on emerging technologies and architectural principles relevant to the role, such as microservices and composable design. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart as a forward-thinking candidate.

    We think you need these skills to ace Global Chief Architect

    ERP Architecture Leadership
    SAP ECC/S4HANA Expertise
    Interfacing Systems Knowledge
    Strategic Enterprise Architecture
    Large-Scale Transformation Experience
    Leadership and Mentoring Skills
    Modern Architecture Principles
    Clean Core and Extensibility
    Microservices and Composable Design
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Architectural Governance
    System Architecture Design
    Roadmap Development
    Operational Efficiency Improvement
    Emerging Technologies Awareness
    Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams
    Change Management
    Architecture Review Board Contribution
    KPIs and Metrics Monitoring
    Compliance and Cost-Efficiency Best Practices

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Global Chief Architect position. Familiarise yourself with Royal Canin's digital transformation goals and how your experience aligns with their needs.

    Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in ERP architecture, particularly with SAP S/4HANA. Emphasise your leadership capabilities and any experience you have in managing cross-functional teams and large-scale transformations.

    Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for digital transformation in the pet care industry. Discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led architectural initiatives and how you can contribute to Royal Canin's vision.

    Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: During the application process, demonstrate your strategic mindset by discussing how you would approach the architectural vision for Royal Canin’s Digital Core Transformation. Include insights on modern architecture principles and how they can be applied to their business.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Job Traffic

    ✨Understand the Digital Transformation Goals

    Familiarise yourself with Royal Canin's EOS Program and its objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your experience in ERP architecture can contribute to their digital transformation and how you can shape the architectural vision.

    ✨Showcase Leadership Experience

    Highlight your past leadership roles, especially in managing teams of architects. Provide examples of how you've mentored senior architects and led cross-functional tech teams to success in complex environments.

    ✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Modern Architecture Principles

    Be ready to discuss modern architecture principles such as Clean Core, microservices, and composable design. Illustrate how you've applied these principles in previous projects to drive innovation and efficiency.

    ✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios

    Think about how you would engage with various stakeholders, including business leaders and tech teams. Prepare examples of how you've influenced decisions and driven best practices in past roles, showcasing your collaborative approach.

    Global Chief Architect
    Job Traffic
    J
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