Director of Architecture and Software Engineering

British Heart Foundation; Camden Town; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization based in London is seeking a Director of Architecture and Software Engineering. In this hybrid role, you will lead teams to deliver the overarching technical vision, govern architecture, and foster a collaborative community. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of architecture frameworks, cloud platforms, and strong stakeholder engagement skills. Join us to make a significant impact through technology.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of enterprise and solution architecture frameworks.
• Expertise in modern engineering practices and cloud platforms.
• Experience in senior engineering and/or architecture roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and software engineering to deliver technical vision.
• Govern architecture and enable deployment of updates.
• Foster a collaborative community for skill development.

Skills

Enterprise and solution architecture frameworks

Modern engineering practices

Cloud platforms

API management

Cybersecurity principles

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

Microsoft Service Bus

Databricks

Job description

Overview

Our vision is a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases. A world where everyone has a healthier heart, for longer. British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the leading independent funder of research into heart and circulatory diseases, and the largest charity retailer in the UK. Our lifesaving work is advanced by investment in medical research - we have over £400 million of BHF-funded research underway, with an aspiration to invest £1 billion in research over the next ten years. The BHF has an exciting opportunity for an exceptional leader to join as our new Director of Architecture and Software Engineering, who will play an instrumental part in leading and driving impact across both the Architecture and Software Engineering technical functions.

You'll lead and collaborate to deliver the overarching technical vision for BHF's Architecture and enable the team to govern the architecture within their domains, as well as Software Engineering and enabling the team to build, test and deploy updates across technical environments. You will ensure the wider technology portfolios have the right capabilities and that there is a strong community to support, develop skills and collaborate. You will lead teams to deliver against BHF's priorities in a structured, cohesive and supported manner through effective control across technical design authority forums. You will ensure knowledge management is protected and stored securely and act as an ambassador for technology, communicating the art of the possible and value of technology to a wide audience, sharing insights and market trends to enhance knowledge and empower BHF.

Working arrangements: This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our London Office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and software engineering to deliver the overarching technical vision for BHF's Architecture and Software Engineering functions.
• Govern architecture within respective domains and enable build, test and deployment of updates across technical environments.
• Ensure the wider technology portfolios have the right capabilities and foster a collaborative community for skill development and collaboration.
• Lead teams to deliver against BHF's priorities in a structured, cohesive and supported manner with effective control across technical design authority forums.
• Protect knowledge management and act as an ambassador for technology, communicating its value to diverse audiences.

Qualifications and experience

• Deep understanding of enterprise and solution architecture frameworks with expertise in modern engineering practices and cloud platforms.
• Knowledge of data architecture, integration patterns, API management, big data technologies (Microsoft Service Bus, Lakehouse, Databricks) and cybersecurity principles and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in senior engineering and/or architecture roles (EA or SA) with broad team leadership and competency development.
• Experience across data, security, applications and infrastructure architectures; designing, developing, and supporting technology solutions.
• Experience managing virtual, international and matrixed teams, and working with 3rd parties; strong stakeholder engagement and communication at all levels.
• Strategic thinker able to align architecture with organisational goals; knowledge of emerging technologies; leadership and team development across architecture and engineering.
• Collaborative, inclusive leadership style; accountable, resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

About us

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. By funding research for over six decades, we’ve helped keep millions of hearts beating and millions of families together. We value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, celebrate diversity, and make inclusion part of what we do every day. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and an expanding network of Affinity Groups, help us create an environment where all colleagues and volunteers can succeed.

Interview process

First stage interviews will be held via MS Teams on 3rd and 4th November. Successful candidates will then be invited to attend an in-person interview at our London offices on 11th November. This in-person interview will include a Q&A session, a presentation element and a wider stakeholder panel session.

How to apply

It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Click through to our careers site to apply. You’ll need an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the criteria. The BHF uses anonymous CV software as part of the application journey. If you need adjustments to the recruitment process at application or interview, please contact us.