Director of Architecture and Engineering

Colonial First State; Sydney; On-site; AUD 250,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday leave

Employer super

Life leave 3 days/yr

Sonder support app

Health insurance

Counselling services

Job summary

Colonial First State seeks a Director of Architecture and Engineering to lead a large distributed technology team supporting core investment, superannuation and retirement platforms. You will drive technology transformation, set engineering standards and partner with senior leadership to align with business goals.

The role champions AI adoption, builds capability and oversees scalable, compliant solutions while guiding strategic investments across platforms.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale Architecture and Engineering functions.
• Ability to build and develop high-performing teams including senior architects.
• Define and execute architecture and engineering strategies aligned to outcomes.
• Deep experience across Domain, Solution and Application Architecture and modern engineering practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Architecture and Engineering function, guiding Principal Architects and Distinguished Engineers.
• Define and deliver architecture strategy, engineering standards, governance and roadmaps.
• Drive AI adoption across engineering teams and platforms.
• Ensure scalable, secure, compliant technology solutions meeting governance requirements.
• Modernise platforms through standardisation, automation and continuous improvement.
• Build high-performing teams and influence senior stakeholders on technology investments.

Skills

Lead large teams

Architecture governance

Engineering strategy

AI adoption

DevOps practices

Job description

Director of Architecture and Engineering

Are you ready to be part of an organisation that values expertise, passion and diversity? At CFS we know that the foundation of our success lies in our exceptional people. We believe in celebrating individuality, have a passion for high performance and creating an environment where you can unleash your full potential. Our people enable us to make a difference and deliver exceptional experiences to help our customers achieve financial freedom.

Your Team

The Director of Architecture & Engineering, FirstChoice oversees a large distributed technology team supporting CFS’s core investment, superannuation and retirement platforms. The role drives technology transformation, engineering excellence and customer outcomes while partnering with senior team members across the business. It is responsible for delivering strategic priorities through scalable and innovative technology solutions. The role also champions AI adoption, building capability and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and customer experience.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead the Architecture and Engineering function, providing guidance to Principal Architects and Distinguished Engineers.
• Define and deliver architecture strategy, engineering standards, governance, roadmaps, and best practices aligned to business outcomes.
• Drive AI adoption across engineering teams and platforms, including AI-assisted development and AI-enabled business solutions.
• Ensure scalable, secure, resilient, and compliant technology solutions that meet governance, risk, and regulatory requirements.
• Simplify and modernise platforms through standardisation, automation, reuse, and continuous improvement.
• Build high-performing teams, influence senior stakeholders, and guide strategic technology investment choices.

Your Capability and Experience

• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale Architecture and Engineering functions within complex enterprise environments.
• Strong capability to build, lead and develop high-performing teams, including senior architects and engineering leaders.
• Proven ability to define and execute architecture and engineering strategies aligned to business objectives and technology roadmaps.
• Deep expertise across architecture domains (Domain, Solution and Application Architecture) and modern engineering practices, including automation and DevOps.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to guide executive decision-making and technology investment outcomes.
• Demonstrated success delivering large-scale transformation initiatives while driving simplification, standardisation, innovation, scalability and resilience across technology platforms.
• Strong understanding of financial services, wealth management platforms and regulatory considerations.
• Highly Desirable: Senior technology oversight experience overseeing architecture and engineering teams, including implementation of AI-enabled platforms, AI engineering practices and enterprise AI governance frameworks. Experience working within public cloud environments such as AWS and/or Azure and partnering with third-party technology vendors and service providers.

What to Expect

At CFS, you'll be working among the very best in the wealth management industry. It's an inspiring environment that encourages development and celebrates success. Other things to look forward to:

• Additional day for your birthday
• Access to CFS Employer Super
• Life Leave - 3 days per annum
• Access to Sonder who provides human-powered medical, mental health and safety support through one easy-to-use app enabling you to get support whenever and wherever you need.
• Access to Corporate rates with BUPA Health Insurance
• Confidential coaching and counselling services supporting life, mind, body, relationships, work and family to assist you in taking charge of your own health and wellbeing

CFS Culture

At CFS we are committed to creating a thriving environment where individuals can flourish. We believe that success is built upon strong teams, and we are dedicated to celebrating uniqueness, championing individuality and supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe that when you can truly be yourself, you can unlock your full potential.

Please note, CFS requires all candidates to have full work rights in Australia.

Where we have preferred candidates, background checks (including Police, Employment, Bankruptcy checks, ASIC banned and disqualified persons) will be completed prior to the final preferred candidate’s employment being confirmed. The outcomes of the background checks do not preclude the preferred candidate, however, they will be assessed against the inherent requirements of the role.

This role is based on Gadigal Land (Sydney).