At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and architecture vision for a charity's technology team.
- Company: Join a dynamic charity committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, flexible working, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in technology architecture and strategic planning.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 £ per year.
We have an opportunity available within our Technology Team as a Head of Design and Architecture. This newly created role will be part of the Technology Leadership Team and will report directly to our Director of Technology. The ideal candidate will be a strategic and dynamic leader who will drive forward the charity’s Digital and Technology architecture vision, ensuring solutions are modern, secure, scalable, and aligned to organisational goals. This role will drive the development of an enterprise-wide architecture framework, bringing consistency across systems, platforms, and data while improving user experience and maximising impact.
Working closely with leaders across Digital, Data and Technology, the successful candidate will provide expert leadership to Solution Architects and technical teams, shape the technology roadmap, identify modernisation opportunities, and ensure technology investments deliver long-term value, efficiency, and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the Technical Design Authority (TDA), setting direction, chairing governance forums, and ensuring all technology changes adhere to enterprise architecture principles and organisational strategy.
- Define and maintain the enterprise architecture vision, ensuring a coherent, future‑ready technology ecosystem aligned with organisational needs and long‑term strategy.
- Oversee and assure all solution designs, including internal architecture outputs and third‑party partner designs, ensuring they are secure, scalable, cost‑effective, and aligned to enterprise‑wide standards.
- Support the creation and maintenance of the technology roadmap working closely with the Technology Director and in close collaboration with leaders within Technology, setting direction for platforms, tooling, integrations, and modernisation activities.
- Lead, develop, and mentor architects and design specialists, embedding high standards of delivery, design thinking, and architectural excellence across the team.
You will be contracted to our Haig House hub with a minimum expectation of two days per week working in person at the hub and flexibility for working remotely/at home when not on site.
Employee benefits- 28 days paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Enhanced paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!
RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role. We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Head of Design and Architecture employer: Royal British Legion
As a leading charity, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our Haig House hub offers a supportive environment with flexible working options, generous benefits including enhanced parental leave and a commitment to employee development through tailored training programmes. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in technology leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design and Architecture
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech and design fields. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential colleagues or leaders in the field. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in design and architecture. Make sure it’s easily accessible online, so when you get that interview, you can wow them with your skills and experience right off the bat.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview like it’s the Super Bowl! Research the organisation thoroughly, understand their mission, and think about how your vision aligns with theirs. Be ready to discuss how you can drive their digital and technology architecture forward.
✨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 seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design and Architecture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Head of Design and Architecture role. We want to see how you can drive our digital vision forward!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a strategic leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and projects. Share examples of how you've mentored others and shaped technology roadmaps in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal British Legion
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Head of Design and Architecture. Familiarise yourself with enterprise architecture principles and how they align with organisational goals. This will help you articulate your vision and demonstrate your strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a candidate for a leadership role, it's crucial to highlight your experience in leading teams and driving architectural excellence. Prepare examples of how you've mentored others, set direction, and influenced technology roadmaps in previous roles. This will show that you're not just a technical expert but also a dynamic leader.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-world challenges. Think about scenarios where you've had to ensure security, scalability, and cost-effectiveness in your designs. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the charity's mission and values, especially their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the organisation and its goals.
