At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the architectural vision and govern technology strategy for a global organisation.
- Company: Global leader in complex operations and asset management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence major projects.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while enhancing safety and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex environments and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor a team and drive digital transformation.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
A global leader in complex operations and asset management is looking for a Head of Systems & Architecture to shape and govern its enterprise-wide technology landscape. This is a high-impact, business-facing role that sits at the heart of their digital and operational transformation. You’ll define the architectural vision, ensure end-to-end design integrity, and lead the evolution of a diverse, mission-critical systems environment that supports safety, operational excellence, and commercial performance.
As Head of Systems & Architecture, you will:
- Own the organisation’s technology and architecture strategy, covering applications, data, integration, infrastructure, and cloud.
- Translate business objectives into coherent roadmaps, capability models, and investment priorities.
- Govern and maintain architectural integrity across multiple programmes, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned to future-state architecture.
- Lead architecture review boards and provide authoritative guidance on design decisions.
- Modernise legacy platforms and reduce technical debt while supporting new, digital-first initiatives.
- Work closely with business stakeholders to explain why systems and processes operate as they do — not just how.
- Develop and mentor a small architecture and systems team, fostering good practice and design discipline.
- Oversee operational realities such as support models, lifecycle management, and service resilience.
Requirements
We’re looking for a business-focused architect. You’ll be a Solution Architect or Enterprise Architect with:
- Deep experience working in complex, asset-heavy, safety-critical environments (e.g., oil & gas, utilities, national infrastructure, transport, manufacturing, maritime).
- The ability to articulate architectural decisions clearly — with strong business rationale, not just technical reasoning.
- Proven experience designing and governing end-to-end solutions across multiple domains.
- Strong understanding of business processes, capabilities, and operational constraints.
- A practical, delivery-minded approach — someone who has done architecture, not just documented it.
- Broad understanding of modern and legacy technologies, integration patterns, cloud platforms, and system support models.
- Experience guiding or supporting technical teams, vendors, and delivery partners.
- Familiarity with architectural frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman) is helpful, but what matters is practical experience, not certifications.
A background in application management earlier in your career is a plus, as it gives you a strong sense of supportability and system behaviour in real-world operations.
Who This Role Suits
- A seasoned Solution Architect ready to step into broader ownership.
- A junior/early Enterprise Architect looking for more autonomy and influence.
- Someone who prefers pragmatic design over theory and frameworks.
- Someone who enjoys partnering with business leaders and working close to operations.
You’ll play a critical role in modernising the technology estate, improving operational efficiency, and enabling future digital capabilities across a global organisation responsible for large-scale, mission-critical assets. Your work will directly influence safety, commercial performance, and innovation.
Head of Systems & Architecture employer: Stanton House
Contact Detail:
Stanton House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Systems & Architecture
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its tech landscape. We recommend crafting a few insightful questions that show you understand their challenges and how your experience can help solve them.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your practical experience! When discussing your past roles, focus on real-world examples of how you’ve tackled architectural challenges. We want to hear about your hands-on approach and the impact you made.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Systems & Architecture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Systems & Architecture role. Highlight your experience in complex, asset-heavy environments and how you've successfully governed technology strategies.
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you made rather than just listing responsibilities. Use metrics or examples to illustrate how your architectural decisions improved operational efficiency or supported business objectives.
Be Clear and Concise: We want to see your ability to articulate complex ideas simply. Avoid jargon where possible and ensure your application is easy to read. This will demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stanton House
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies and systems relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud platforms, integration patterns, and both modern and legacy technologies. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Articulate Your Vision
Prepare to explain how you would translate business objectives into architectural strategies. Think about how you can present coherent roadmaps and capability models that align with the company’s goals. This is your chance to showcase your ability to connect technical decisions with business rationale.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring a team, be ready to share examples of how you’ve led teams or guided technical discussions in the past. Highlight your experience in fostering good practices and design discipline, as well as how you’ve managed architecture review boards.
✨Understand the Business Context
Show that you grasp the operational realities and constraints of the industry. Be prepared to discuss how your architectural decisions can enhance safety and operational excellence. This understanding will help you communicate effectively with business stakeholders and demonstrate your value in a high-impact role.