EMM Architecture & Design Director

Barclays UK; Knutsford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic architect to lead the design of complex IT systems and platforms. This role involves collaborating with senior leadership and various teams to ensure architectural alignment with business goals. You will leverage your technical expertise to manage innovative projects, advocate for optimal solutions, and mentor team members. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the bank's technology strategy and drive significant change while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance. If you are passionate about technology and leadership, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Deep technical expertise in designing complex architectures.
• Experience managing innovative design and engineering initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Define direction and design solutions for complex IT systems.
• Manage architectural standards and promote quality and compliance.

Skills

Architecture Design

Stakeholder Management

Technical Expertise

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's Degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

Enterprise Architecture Tools

Project Management Software

Job description

Key Accountabilities

• Support business and technical change through direct architecture support and early engagement in business change, supporting architectural design evolution through delivery.
• Participate actively in Global governance and Architecture communities on behalf of EMM Architecture & Design.
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders and business units to understand needs and provide strategic consultation.
• Translate business requirements into solution architecture, design, and technical product roadmaps.
• Manage technical debt to support sustainable long-term development.
• Collaborate with CTO, CIO, Engineering, Security, Data & Product teams to establish appropriate Architecture & Design for Change and Domains.
• Identify and escalate technology, design, and architecture challenges with senior leadership and support functions.
• Ensure design and architecture align with Platform & Program goals.

Purpose of the role

Define direction and design solutions for the bank's most complex IT systems and platforms, using industry-leading approaches to meet challenging functional and non-functional requirements.

Accountabilities

• Set strategic architecture direction for specific technology areas, e.g., trading platforms.
• Provide deep technical expertise in designing and evaluating complex architectures, overseeing solution architects to promote continuous learning.
• Manage innovative design, engineering initiatives, and complex projects, collaborating across the bank to resolve issues supporting the technology strategy.
• Develop and promote architectural standards, guidelines, and governance policies to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance, mitigating risks.
• Identify emerging technology trends and implement solutions aligned with strategic objectives.
• Maintain relationships with business partners, architects, and engineering teams to ensure successful design and adoption.
• Advocate for optimal solutions through clear communication to support architectural decisions.
• Support community initiatives to mentor team members, streamline operations, and share knowledge.

Director Expectations

• Manage a business function, contributing to strategic initiatives, and influencing policies and procedures.
• Lead a large team or sub-function, fostering a performance culture, or lead organization-wide projects as a technical expert and thought leader.
• Provide expert advice to senior management to influence decisions and strategic initiatives.
• Manage resourcing, budgeting, and policy creation for a significant sub-function.
• Escalate policy breaches appropriately and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Monitor and influence external environment, regulators, and advocacy groups when appropriate.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the function's integration with the business to achieve objectives.
• Maintain current sector and industry knowledge, and leverage external insights.
• Utilize advanced analytical skills to solve complex problems and design solutions.
• Make strategic decisions within their area, negotiating and influencing stakeholders at senior levels.
• Act as principal contact for key clients and external counterparts and serve as a spokesperson for the function.

All Senior Leaders are expected to embody the LEAD behaviours: Listen and be authentic, Energise and inspire, Align across the enterprise, Develop others. All colleagues should demonstrate the Barclays Values: Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship, along with the Barclays Mindset: Empower, Challenge, and Drive.