At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the tech strategy and architecture for a rapidly growing organisation.
- Company: Join a major UK organisation undergoing exciting technology transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology and make a real impact on business outcomes.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in enterprise architecture and leading transformation initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 140000 - 160000 £ per year.
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
Please apply with your up to date version of your CV.
Director of Strategy & Architecture in Watford 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Strategy & Architecture in Watford
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like Understanding Solutions!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Director of Strategy & Architecture position at Understanding Solutions via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Strategy & Architecture in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at Understanding Solutions.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to Understanding Solutions’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at Understanding Solutions
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to Understanding Solutions. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at Understanding Solutions. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to Understanding Solutions.
