At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead architectural assurance for a large-scale transformation portfolio across IT and Operational Technology.
- Company: Join NTT DATA, a global leader in technology services and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work options, tailored benefits, and continuous growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workforce with a commitment to equity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical infrastructure while shaping the future of architecture assurance.
- Qualifications: 20–30 years of experience in Enterprise/Solution Architecture and Assurance required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
The team you'll be working with: Location: Glasgow / Perth / Aberdeen (Significant onsite presence required) Engagement Duration: Multi-year (c. 5 years)
Role Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced, “heavyweight” Architecture Assurance leader (20–30 years’ experience) to establish and lead a robust, independent assurance capability across a large-scale transformation portfolio within SSEN. This role will provide portfolio-level oversight and control across 30–50 concurrent initiatives, spanning both IT (c.70%) and Operational Technology (c.30%) environments, ensuring alignment to architectural standards, resilience, and long-term maintainability of critical infrastructure. Operating with a high degree of independence, the role will shape, enforce, and challenge architectural decisions, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to policy across the transformation landscape.
What you’ll be doing:
- Portfolio Assurance Leadership
- Lead the architectural assurance of a large, complex transformation portfolio (30–50 projects)
- Oversee end-to-end assurance lifecycle, from early design through to delivery
- Maintain a “dip in / dip out” model, typically investing ~10% time per project
- Provide cross-project visibility to identify systemic risks, duplication, and misalignment
- Team Leadership & Capability
- Lead and mentor a team of 2–3 senior architecture assurance consultants
- Set the tone for strong, independent challenge and technical authority
- Ensure consistent application of assurance methods, tools, and quality standards
- Standards, Governance & Control
- Define and enforce clear architectural guardrails, reference architectures, and standards
- Drive uniformity and consistency across all projects, reducing fragmentation
- Actively participate in and shape governance forums (e.g. TDA / ARB equivalents)
- Ensure alignment to enterprise policy, security requirements, and regulatory expectations
- Independent Challenge & Risk Management
- Provide independent, objective assurance separate from delivery pressures
- Identify and elevate architectural risks, gaps, and non-compliance
- Challenge design decisions where required, even at senior stakeholder level
- Act as a protector of the estate, prioritising long-term resilience over short-term delivery
- IT / OT Integration & Assurance
- Operate across both IT and OT domains, ensuring cohesive architecture
- Drive convergence where appropriate, reducing silos and conflicting decisions
- Ensure solutions are secure, resilient, and fit for critical national infrastructure
- Driving Better Delivery Behaviour
- “Force the conversation” with operational stakeholders to ensure real-world viability
- Encourage simplification, pragmatism, and agility in solution design
- Free up delivery teams by removing ambiguity and providing clear direction
- Promote a culture of nimble, outcome-focused engineering rather than bureaucratic governance
What experience you’ll bring:
- Experience
- 20–30 years’ experience in Enterprise / Solution Architecture and Assurance
- Proven experience leading architecture assurance across large transformation programmes
- Deep experience in regulated environments (e.g. utilities, energy, infrastructure)
- Demonstrated ability to operate across both IT and Operational Technology landscapes
- Capabilities
- Strong authority in: Enterprise Architecture governance (TOGAF or equivalent)
- Architecture assurance frameworks and methodologies
- IT/OT convergence and integration
- Cyber and resilience-by-design principles
- Ability to operate credibly at CxO and Chief Architect level
- Strong stakeholder engagement with the confidence to challenge and influence senior leaders
- Leadership Style
- Decisive, opinionated, and able to set direction clearly and consistently
- Pragmatic and delivery-focused — not overly bureaucratic
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and high-pressure environments
Working Model
Based primarily across Glasgow, Perth and Aberdeen, with willingness to travel extensively. Long-term engagement (multi-year), providing continuity and stability of assurance leadership. Embedded within the customer environment but operating with clear independence from delivery teams.
Success Outcomes
- Consistent, high-quality architecture across all programmes
- Reduced risk, duplication, and technical debt
- Strong alignment to standards, security, and policy
- Improved delivery speed through clearer direction and reduced rework
- A trusted, authoritative assurance function embedded within SSEN
Who we are:
At NTT DATA, you have endless opportunities to think big, act bold and take ownership. As a $30+ billion business and technology services, AI and digital infrastructure leader, we co‑innovate solutions with clients and partners globally for business and societal impact. Serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100, with experts in over 70 countries, we encourage experimentation and recognize great work. Proudly a Global Top Employer, NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion annually in R&D. Make this the place where you grow.
What we’ll offer you:
We offer a range of tailored benefits that support your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. Our Learning and Development team ensure that there are continuous growth and development opportunities for our people. We also offer the opportunity to have flexible work options.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We believe in the fair treatment of all our employees and commit to promoting equity and diversity in our employment practices. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We actively collaborate with individuals who have disabilities and long‑term health conditions which have an effect on their ability to do normal daily activities, ensuring that barriers are eliminated when it comes to employment opportunities. In line with our commitment, we guarantee an interview to applicants who declare to us, during the application process, that they have a disability and meet the minimum requirements for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. Join us in building a truly diverse and empowered team.
Principal Architecture Assurance Lead (IT & OT) employer: NTT America, Inc.
NTT America, Inc. is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture in Greater London, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the company offers robust training programs and opportunities for advancement, ensuring that sales professionals can excel in their careers while achieving meaningful results. The hybrid working model further enhances work-life balance, making NTT America a rewarding place to build a career in software sales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Architecture Assurance Lead (IT & OT)
✨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!
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Architecture Assurance Lead (IT & OT)
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 NTT America, Inc.!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to NTT America, Inc.. 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 NTT America, Inc.
✨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.
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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 NTT America, Inc..
