At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and architecture of innovative tech solutions for a leading charity.
- Company: Join a top Armed Forces charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, private healthcare, flexible working, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while supporting those who served our country.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in tech design and architecture with strategic vision.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 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. Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.
Employee benefits include:
- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Private Healthcare
- 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!
For more detailed information about the role, please see the Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification. 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.
If you require the job advert or job description in an alternative format, please contact 0808 802 8080.
Head of Design and Architecture in London employer: Royal British Legion
Join our dynamic Technology Team as the Head of Design and Architecture, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the digital future of our leading Armed Forces charity. With a commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous benefits including 28 days of paid holiday, private healthcare, and flexible working options, all within a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises personal and professional growth. Located at our Haig House hub, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative environment that values innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design and Architecture in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially since this role is within a charity. We want you to show how your vision aligns with theirs, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience and how it relates to the Head of Design and Architecture role. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with your delivery and to receive constructive feedback.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design and Architecture in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Design and Architecture role. Highlight your strategic leadership abilities and any relevant projects that showcase your expertise in technology architecture.
Showcase Your Vision:In your written application, share your vision for modern, secure, and scalable technology solutions. We want to see how you can drive forward our digital architecture vision and ensure it aligns with our organisational goals.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experience and achievements, making it easy for us to see how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal British Legion
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and best practices in digital and technology architecture. Brush up on enterprise architecture frameworks and be ready to discuss how you can align them with the organisation's goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in technical environments. Highlight your experience in mentoring architects and driving design excellence, as this role requires strong leadership within the Technology Team.
✨Understand the Organisation’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with the charity’s mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your vision for technology can enhance user experience and maximise impact, aligning with their commitment to serving the armed forces community.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their current technology roadmap or how they envision the future of their digital architecture, showing that you’re proactive and engaged.
