At a Glance
- Tasks: Define and govern architecture for a tech-driven, AI-enabled business.
- Company: Join NextEnergy Group, a leader in the solar sector with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 30 days holiday, private healthcare, and a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while making a real impact in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in architecture roles; strong technical and leadership skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values individual expression and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a pragmatic Enterprise Architect (EA) to define and govern the target architecture that underpins NextEnergy Group's transition to a data‑driven, technology‑led, and AI‑enabled business. You will set architectural direction across applications, data, integration, and security, while guiding delivery teams to land incremental value safely and reliably. Working across our Technology & Digital Services (TDS) portfolio, you will collaborate with product, data, design, engineering, security, and vendor partners to shape standards, make "build‑buy‑partner" decisions, and ensure solutions are scalable, secure, compliant, and cost‑effective. You will balance strategic vision with hands‑on solution oversight to enable timely product delivery and measurable business outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Architecture Strategy & Roadmap: Define the target state architecture, principles, patterns, and standards across business, application, data, integration, and security domains. Maintain a living architecture roadmap that sequences modernisation, remediation, and innovation, aligned to business priorities and capacity. Lead build vs. buy vs. partner evaluations and ensure architectural runway supports agile delivery.
- Data, Analytics & AI Enablement: Guide adoption of cloud data platforms (e.g., Snowflake) and self‑service analytics (ThoughtSpot) to enable governed, high‑quality data products. Establish patterns for ML/AI enablement (feature stores, MLOps, model governance) and ensure responsible, ethical AI practices.
- Integration & Application Architecture: Champion API‑first and event‑driven architectures; standardise API design, versioning, and lifecycle (e.g., via API gateways such as Kong or equivalent). Define reference architectures for microservices, workflow/orchestration, and legacy remediation, ensuring observability and SLOs are built.
- Security, Risk & Compliance: Embed zero‑trust principles, IAM, data protection, and auditability across solutions. Partner with Compliance, Legal, and Security to ensure adherence to regulatory obligations (e.g., energy sector requirements, data protection). Run architecture risk assessments, drive mitigations, and maintain traceability from risk to control.
- Governance & Ways of Working: Operate and evolve Architecture Review Boards (ARBs); publish decision records and architectural standards. Ensure alignment with PMO and product delivery—clarify non‑functional requirements (NFRs), dependencies, and guardrails early. Improve reusability with design systems, integration patterns, and shared services; own the EA repository (e.g., models, diagrams, roadmaps).
- Solution Oversight & Vendor Management: Provide hands‑on solution guidance to delivery squads, from inception to handover—review designs, PoCs, and production readiness. Evaluate and govern third‑party solutions and partners to ensure value, quality, and contract adherence.
Skills & Competencies
- Enterprise architecture leadership with the ability to simplify complexity and influence senior stakeholders.
- Strong depth across application, data, integration, and security domains; comfortable with cloud‑native designs and platform thinking.
- Proficiency with API‑first, event‑driven, microservices, and zero‑trust security concepts.
- Working knowledge of Azure services (or equivalent), containerisation (e.g., Kubernetes), CI/CD, IaC, and observability (metrics, logs, traces).
- Excellent communication—able to translate between business value and technical architecture; crisp documentation and visual communication.
- Outcome‑oriented mindset with risk‑based decision‑making and a focus on operability, performance, and cost optimisation.
Experience & Qualifications
- BSc in Business Information Technology or equivalent technical discipline.
- MSc in System Design, with emphasis on architectural thinking, systems engineering, or enterprise‑scale solution design.
- 10+ years' experience in architecture, solution design, or technical leadership roles within complex, multi‑system environments.
- Professional certifications including ITIL Foundation, PRINCE2 Foundation, and Agile Scrum.
- Microsoft Azure Certified—Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ‑305) or equivalent cloud architecture accreditation.
- The right to work in the UK.
What We Offer
- A busy role in a supportive team, with plenty of opportunities to learn.
- International scope – we operate in over 8 countries.
- Hybrid working – central London (Mayfair) office at least twice a week, with remote work for the remainder.
- 30 days' holiday per year (3 days during Christmas shutdown).
- Private pension.
- BUPA Healthcare for you and qualifying dependents.
- Cycle to work and electric vehicle leasing schemes.
- Annual discretionary bonus.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, please follow the link to apply or send your application to careers@nextenergygroup.com. If you have been shortlisted for the next stage, we will be in contact within 14 days. By selecting "Apply" or sending us your CV, you indicate you have read and acknowledged NextEnergy Group's Candidate Privacy Notice.
Diversity and Inclusion
Our approach to diversity and inclusion is a natural extension of our values. Our entrepreneurial culture inspires us to try new things, be open to different viewpoints and be bold. Our Group is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of connectedness that values difference and gives space for individual expression. The collective sum of our individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent and hard work form the bedrock of who we are and who we aspire to be. We are committed to equal employment and advancement opportunity irrespective of race, color, ancestry, social background, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability and gender identity.
About Us
NextEnergy Group was founded in 2007 to become a leading market participant in the international solar sector. It operates via three business units: NextEnergy Capital (Investment Management), WiseEnergy (Operating Asset Management), and Starlight (Asset Development). Details about the group and funds are provided for context.
Enterprise Architect employer: NextEnergy Group
Contact Detail:
NextEnergy Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Enterprise Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your projects and achievements. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to enterprise architecture. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s showtime!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Enterprise Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Enterprise Architect role. Highlight your experience in architecture, data, and security, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant certifications. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that relate to our job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an Enterprise Architect, you’ll need to communicate complex ideas clearly. In your application, demonstrate your ability to translate technical jargon into business value. Crisp documentation and visual communication are key!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at NextEnergy Group
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles and standards of enterprise architecture. Brush up on topics like API-first design, microservices, and zero-trust security concepts. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully guided delivery teams or made critical architectural decisions. Highlight your experience with cloud data platforms and how you’ve enabled AI and analytics in previous projects. Real-world examples resonate well with interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Practice translating complex technical jargon into business value. You’ll need to demonstrate that you can communicate effectively with both technical teams and senior stakeholders. Use crisp documentation and visual aids if possible to illustrate your points during the interview.
✨Understand Their Business and Culture
Research NextEnergy Group thoroughly before your interview. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in the energy sector. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.