Head of IT Architecture

Delaney & Bourton; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the technology sector is seeking a Head of IT Architecture to modernize its architecture capabilities and drive significant delivery programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in architecture leadership, excellent stakeholder management skills, and experience in delivering change in regulated environments. This role involves leading a large team, managing complex projects, and improving the architecture delivery mindset. On-site presence will be necessary as part of the responsibilities.

Benefits

Car allowance

Bonus structure

Qualifications

• Demonstrable Architecture leadership experience leading teams.
• Proven track record of strong program delivery and change exposure.
• Credible and reliable in front of CxO executives.

Responsibilities

• Modernize and reposition the IT Architecture capability.
• Lead multi-million £ delivery programmes with a cloud-first focus.
• Manage c-suite stakeholder relationships and articulate Architecture value.

Skills

Architecture leadership

Stakeholder management

Program delivery

Data modernisation

Agile methodologies

Job description

Role: Head of IT Architecture

Location: Open, there will be a need for on-site presence

Salary / Package: circa £150,000 - £165,000 + £50,000 Bonus + Car Allowance

As Head of Architecture, you’ll play a leading role in modernising and re-establishing how Architecture delivers value to the organisation, with a shift to a business‑value driven department that are eager to leverage modern Architecture practices with a key focus on Enterprise Applications, SaaS, Cloud, Data and Integration.

This is an enterprise‑organisation with a complex estate, multi‑thousand end‑user environment within a regulated sector. A brand you’ll recognise by name. 2026 is a year of significant investment within Technology.

This will suit a commercially focused, modern Architecture Leader, likely a Head of Architecture, Chief Architect or a Lead Architect that can demonstrate extreme potential. Suited to a natural Leader that is delivery focused rather than EA or Governance. Buy over build, so not after a deep technical person.

Key areas of role

• Responsible for modernising and re‑positioning the organisations IT Architecture capability as a delivery‑focused, value add delivery stream
• Lead on significant multi‑million £ delivery programmes, with emphasis on modern cloud‑first, SaaS, Integration and Data modernisation
• Managing c‑suite stakeholder relationships, and articulating Architecture value to the business
• Improving the capability and delivery mindset of a large team of Solution, Data and Integration Architects
• Ability to challenge the status‑quo, horizon scan, and keeping up to date with industry technology and trends, adopting forward thinking approaches

Experience required

• Demonstrable Architecture leadership experience, leading teams of SA’s, Data and Integration Architects on significant technology modernisation programmes
• Track record of delivery – this isn’t a governance / compliance focused role, we’re interested in someone that drives execution with strong programme delivery and change exposure
• Credible, reliable and excellent in front of CxO
• Operated within a reputable brand, household name, within a regulated environment
• Experience of non‑traditional Architecture implementation – this could be Agile based, Product Architecture or Domain Architecture

There will be an expectation of some on‑site.