Head of IT Architecture

DfT Operator; London; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic IT leader to define and implement a comprehensive architecture strategy for a group of train operating companies. This pivotal role involves assessing current IT systems, driving transformation, and ensuring the highest reliability and security standards. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership and communication skills, with a proven track record in IT architecture and stakeholder management. Join this forward-thinking organization to influence the future of public transport and enhance customer experiences across the network.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

10% employer pension contribution

Opportunities for professional networking

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Proven experience in IT architecture leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure components.
• Experience developing IT transformation roadmaps.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate existing IT architecture across train operating companies.
• Establish architecture governance principles and standards.
• Lead development of business cases for IT initiatives.

Skills

IT Architecture

Stakeholder Management

Leadership

Communication

Conflict Resolution

Planning and Execution

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science

Degree in Information Systems

Degree in Cybersecurity

Tools

TOGAF

Zachman Framework

Job description

About us:

DfT Operator (DFTO) is the public sector rail Owning Group with responsibility for all train operating companies (TOC's) as they transfer into public ownership. It is a publicly owned company established by the Department for Transport in 2018.

Our ambition is to deliver safe, secure and sustainable transport to everyone, everywhere. At the heart of this promise is improving journeys and providing customers with an excellent service, while supporting the industry to build a more passenger-focused railway.

We currently have four train operators: London North Eastern Railway (LNER) - Northern - Southeastern - TransPennine Express (TPE), delivering four and a half thousand services a day, and 300 million customer journeys across our network every year. Over the next 3 years, we will complete the transfer of all passenger services operated under contracts with the Department for Transport (DfT).

Our vision is to unify and strengthen train operators under the DFTO banner. By working collaboratively, we aim to become industry-leading in safety, customer service, financial and operational performance.

About the role:

This leadership role is accountable for defining and implementing the overall IT architecture strategy for DFTO group.

This includes working closely with the individual train operating companies within the group to understand their existing systems and IT infrastructure, identifying areas for improvement, and developing a comprehensive transformation roadmap.

Critically, this role is also accountable for the technical design and implementation of group-wide and shared IT systems. The primary focus will be on driving efficiency and cost optimisation, while ensuring the highest levels of reliability and security across all IT systems.

Key Competencies:

• Interpersonal Skills:
• Demonstrates a strong ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, including executives, teams across the TOCs and external partners. Effectively engages others to promote collaboration and achieve strategic objectives.
• People Leadership:
• Leads by example and takes time to develop their team and coach others. Actively identifies and promotes growth opportunities as part of their teams personal development.
• Planning and Execution:
• Excels at creating and implementing detailed, effective roadmaps and plans for IT that align with DOHL’s growth objectives. Capable of designing scalable and robust solutions to meet current and future demands.
• Verbal and Written Communication:
• Possesses exceptional communication skills, able to articulate complex technical ideas clearly and persuasively in both written and oral formats. Communicates effectively with leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners and is able to win support for IT strategies and roadmaps.
• Collaboration:
• Fosters a collaborative environment across DOHL’s portfolio, promoting teamwork within IT as well as cross-industry groups. Encourages knowledge sharing and alignment across different operational areas.
• Conflict Resolution:
• Skilled in managing and resolving conflicts effectively, ensuring productive outcomes for all parties involved. Able to navigate differences between IT, business units, and external partners to maintain alignment and focus on shared goals.
• Transparency:
• Committed to open and honest communication, maintaining high ethical standards and promoting trust through consistent and reliable actions. Ensures transparency in decision-making and operations.

Key Responsibilities :

• Architecture Assessment & Roadmap:
  Evaluate existing IT architecture and infrastructure across all train operating companies, conducting SWOT analyses and documenting current state. Develop and maintain a comprehensive IT transformation roadmap aligned with business objectives, focusing on efficiency, reliability, scalability, and security, including timelines, milestones, and budget.
• Architecture Governance & Standards:
  Establish and enforce architecture governance principles, standards, and best practices across the group, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and security standards.
• Technology Strategy & Innovation:
  Research and evaluate emerging technologies, identifying opportunities to improve IT infrastructure and services, and providing recommendations on technology adoption and investment.
• Group/Shared Systems Design & Implementation:
  Be accountable for the technical design, development, and implementation of group-wide and shared IT systems, ensuring alignment with the architecture roadmap and business requirements, including technology selection and implementation oversight.
• Support the Public Ownership Transition Programme:
  As private operators are bought into DFTO ownership and control, provide the necessary support and governance to ensure they adhere to the IT roadmap and the best decisions are made on IT contract renewals (for systems and services).
• Business Case Development:
  Lead the development of business cases to test and realise roadmap hypothesis, take through the approval process and hand over to IT Programme Manager for realisation, whereby you will continue to lead the architecture/design workstream within that project or programme.
• Budget & Vendor Management:
  Manage budgets for architecture initiatives, ensuring cost-effectiveness, and oversee relationships with key technology vendors, ensuring service delivery aligns with SLAs.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Proven experience as Head of Architecture, CTO, or similar leadership role in a multi-entity organisation.
• Track record of developing and implementing successful IT transformation roadmaps in complex organisations. Specifically, experience in the design and implementation of shared/group-wide systems.
• Deep understanding of various architectural frameworks and methodologies (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman)
• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure components, including networks, servers, storage, databases, and cloud technologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working within the transportation, logistics, or rail industries.

Vacancy Details

Duration:Permanent

Location: Hybrid / London Waterloo

Salary: £85,000 to £91,000

Benefits

Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)

DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution

Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry

For further information or any questions please contact Jason Blakemore in the first instance: [e-mail]

PLEASE NOTE: This opportunity is available on either a Permanent or an Industry secondment. Should anyone be applying for a secondment please ensure you notify your line manager prior to applying for the opportunity.

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.

Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.

Equity Statement:

At DFTO we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are valued. We believe that diversity enriches our team and contributes to our success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, and we are dedicated to providing equal opportunities regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or other status. We strive to foster an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We actively promote practices that ensure fairness, eliminate biases, and support the growth and development of all employees. Join us in our mission to create a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve and fosters a culture of equity and inclusion. Together, we can build a brighter future where every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.