Director of Strategy & Architecture
We're supporting a large, complex UK organisation undergoing significant growth and technology transformation to appoint a Director of Strategy & Architecture.
Reporting to the CTO, you'll define the future technology strategy and target architecture while building a high-performing, business-facing architecture capability.
With a fragmented technology estate, major transformation underway and continued growth through acquisition, this is an opportunity to shape the architecture rather than inherit it.
What You'll Be Doing
- Define the enterprise technology strategy, target architecture and multi-year roadmap.
- Lead the move towards a domain-led, composable and platform-oriented architecture.
- Build and develop a high-performing architecture team and collaborative culture.
- Simplify a complex technology landscape across applications, data, cloud, infrastructure, integration and security.
- Partner with Executive and business leaders to translate strategy into technology priorities.
- Establish pragmatic architecture governance that enables rather than slows delivery.
- Shape the technology foundations for AI, automation and data-led innovation.
- Support technology due diligence and integration planning for acquisitions.
- Provide architectural leadership across major transformation programmes.
What We're Looking For
You'll be an established Enterprise Architecture leader with experience operating in a large, complex or rapidly changing organisation.
We're particularly interested in candidates with:
- Experience as a Director/Head of Enterprise Architecture, Chief Architect or similar.
- A track record of defining target architecture and delivering complex technology transformation.
- Strong knowledge of domain-driven design and composable architecture.
- Experience building, restructuring or developing architecture teams.
- Broad expertise across applications, data, cloud, infrastructure, integration and emerging technologies.
- Experience modernising fragmented technology environments.
- Strong Executive-level communication and stakeholder management.
- A collaborative, pragmatic approach with the ability to balance strategic ambition with delivery.
Sector experience isn't essential. Scale, complexity and evidence of delivering meaningful transformation are far more important.
Experience within acquisitive organisations, M&A technology integration, AI or significant platform transformation would be advantageous.
Why This Opportunity?
This is a rare opportunity to influence the technology direction of a major organisation at a pivotal stage of its growth.
We're looking for someone who can think strategically, retain genuine technical credibility and turn architecture into tangible business outcomes.
Location: Hertfordshire / Hybrid
Type: Permanent
Salary: £140,000 - £160,000 plus benefits
Please apply with your up to date version of your CV.
Director of Strategy & Architecture employer: Understanding Solutions
Join a dynamic team as an Applications Engineer where you will have the opportunity to work on impactful projects that enhance legacy systems and improve user experience. With a flexible remote working arrangement and a supportive culture that encourages professional growth, you will be well-positioned to develop your skills in a collaborative environment. Located in Watford, this role offers a unique chance to engage directly with end users and make a tangible difference in the operations of the business.
