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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the modernization of Virgin Atlantic's IT architecture and drive strategic transformations.
- Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, a forward-thinking airline aiming to be the most loved travel company.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team that values positive change and career growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic architecture and understanding of the airline industry required.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Head of Architecture – Crawley
Job details
Salary: Competitive per annum
Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday
Location: Flexible working with up to 3 days a week in our VHQ, Crawley
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 8th January 2025
At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we believe that everyone can take on the world, and it’s our vision to become the most loved travel company. As we embark on this next exciting stage of our journey, we’re harnessing our spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation to challenge the status quo.
Join our team of forward-thinkers who approach the world with a different lens. We value individuals who are vocal about driving positive change and are willing to dive into both big and small tasks. If you’re ready to take your career to new heights, this opportunity is for you.
In a nutshell
This role is responsible for driving the modernization and innovation of Virgin Atlantic’s IT Estate. By developing capability roadmaps and implementing flawless technical and solution architectures, you will own the long-term strategic Architecture objectives for VA (Airline & Holidays).
Day to day
- Lead the development of transformation architectures to meet current and future Virgin Atlantic needs, setting the direction for Modern Airline Retailing.
- Influence future Business Strategies, ensuring no technology opportunities are missed.
- Identify new technologies’ opportunities and integrate them into business roadmaps.
- Strategically influence Delta and other technology partners to support Virgin Atlantic transformation.
- Ensure delivery of fit for purpose solution architectures that balance cost, quality, and reuse, while successfully implementing business outcomes.
- Use solution architectures to drive IT Estate modernization, ensuring reuse of Enterprise Assets (e.g., APIs) and adopting modern architectures.
- Manage Total Risk across the IT Estate, finding opportunities for improvement.
- Align Technical Strategies with Business Strategy, business roadmaps, and solution designs.
- Drive the delivery of technical guardrails needed to form effective solution architectures.
- Ensure effective architectural governance for both agile and waterfall projects.
- Line management and pastoral care of the team, including performance management and career development.
- Encourage the team now, build the talent for the future.
- Ensure the team has the right skills, processes, and tools to be effective.
About you
- Proven experience in leading strategic architecture at a senior level, with the ability to understand, influence and drive business strategy.
- Track record of identifying technology opportunities and embedding them into business roadmaps, ensuring solutions are fit for the future.
- Ability to challenge, drive, and influence the organization to think long-term while delivering on short- and medium-term goals.
- Experience in driving major strategic transformations.
- Understanding of the Airline Industry and industry disruptors such as Modern Airline Retailing.
Be yourself – Our differences make us stronger
Our customers come from all walks of life and so do our colleagues. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Virgin Atlantic, we believe everyone can take on the world – no matter your age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We celebrate difference and everything that makes our colleagues unique by upholding an inclusive environment in which we can all thrive. So that everyone at Virgin Atlantic can be themselves and know they belong.
To make your journey with us accessible and individual to you, we encourage you to let us know if you’d like a little extra help with your application, or if you have any individual requirements at any stage along your recruitment journey. We are here to support you, so please reach out to our team, ( )feeling confident that we’ve got your individual considerations covered.
Our recipe for leadership
At Virgin Atlantic, our leaders empower teams to thrive through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Explore our Leadership Recipe and discover the 20 core ingredients that define what it means to lead with us, driving our mission to be the most loved travel company and achieve sustainable profit. Want to learn more? Click here
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Head of Architecture - Crawley employer: Virgin Atlantic
Contact Detail:
Virgin Atlantic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Architecture - Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in airline technology and modernization. Understanding how these innovations can impact Virgin Atlantic's strategy will help you articulate your vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the airline industry, especially those involved in strategic architecture. Building relationships can provide insights into the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led strategic transformations in previous roles. Highlighting your experience will demonstrate your capability to drive change at Virgin Atlantic.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and how you empower teams to innovate and excel. Virgin Atlantic values collaboration, so be ready to share how you foster a positive team environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Architecture - Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Architecture position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in strategic architecture and technology integration. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive business strategy and lead transformations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for innovation and modernization in the airline industry. Mention how you can contribute to Virgin Atlantic's vision and provide examples of past successes in similar roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasize your leadership experience and ability to manage teams effectively. Discuss how you have developed talent and fostered an inclusive environment in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Atlantic
✨Understand the Company Vision
Familiarize yourself with Virgin Atlantic's mission to become the most loved travel company. Be prepared to discuss how your experience and vision align with this goal, showcasing your understanding of the airline industry and its future.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Highlight your proven experience in leading strategic architecture. Prepare examples of how you've identified technology opportunities and integrated them into business roadmaps, ensuring solutions are future-proof.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your approach to line management and team development. Share specific instances where you've encouraged talent growth and fostered an inclusive environment, aligning with Virgin Atlantic's values.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Since the role involves driving IT Estate modernization, brush up on modern architectures and solution designs. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement effective architectural governance for both agile and waterfall projects.
