Head of IT Architecture & Data

LGBT Great; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Capsticks is seeking a Head of IT Architecture and Data to lead enterprise architecture, data architecture and data management across technology services. This hybrid role requires Leeds presence for 1 day per week and cross-functional influence to align technology with business strategy.

Reporting to the Director of Technology and Innovation, you will shape roadmaps, governance and design standards while building a trusted data environment for reporting, compliance and responsible AI adoption.

Qualifications

• Proven enterprise architecture leadership experience, including data architecture.
• Experience defining strategy, standards, governance and roadmaps in a complex environment.
• Strong understanding of business, application, data, integration and technology architecture.
• Experience designing scalable, resilient and supportable solutions across cloud and SaaS environments.
• Good knowledge of data governance, AI governance, risk, assurance and control.
• Ability to explain complex topics clearly and influence senior stakeholders with credibility.
• Experience in a regulated or professional services environment would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain enterprise architecture principles, standards, roadmaps and governance.
• Lead the firm’s data strategy, governance, quality and management approach.
• Guide solution design for major initiatives, supporting simplification, resilience and reduction of technical debt.
• Set governance and design guardrails for AI-enabled and emerging technologies.
• Work closely with IT leadership, business stakeholders and suppliers to shape roadmaps and support informed decisions.
• Lead and develop the Solutions Architect and Data Architect, building capability and improving ways of working.

Skills

Enterprise architecture leadership

Data architecture

Strategy & governance

Roadmaps development

Stakeholder engagement

Cloud & SaaS architectures

AI governance

Regulated environment experience

Job description

Location: Birmingham, Leeds, London

This role will require to attend our Leeds office for 1 day per week.

Hybrid Working

We are looking for a Head of IT Architecture and Data to lead the firm’s enterprise architecture, data architecture and data management approach across technology services and platforms. Reporting to the Director of Technology and Innovation, this is a senior role shaping how technology and data support the firm’s strategy, operational priorities, security obligations and future innovation.

About the role

You will own architecture principles, standards, roadmaps and design governance, while helping to build a trusted, well-governed data environment for reporting, insight, compliance and responsible AI adoption.

What you’ll do

Key responsibilities

• Define and maintain enterprise architecture principles, standards, roadmaps and governance.
• Lead the firm’s data strategy, governance, quality and management approach.
• Guide solution design for major initiatives, supporting simplification, resilience and reduction of technical debt.
• Set governance and design guardrails for AI-enabled and emerging technologies.
• Work closely with IT leadership, business stakeholders and suppliers to shape roadmaps and support informed decisions.
• Lead and develop the Solutions Architect and Data Architect, building capability and improving ways of working.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for someone who combines senior security expertise with pragmatic leadership and strong stakeholder engagement. You will bring:

• Proven enterprise architecture leadership experience, including data architecture.
• Experience defining strategy, standards, governance and roadmaps in a complex environment.
• Strong understanding of business, application, data, integration and technology architecture.
• Experience designing scalable, resilient and supportable solutions across cloud and SaaS environments.
• Good knowledge of data governance, AI governance, risk, assurance and control.
• The ability to explain complex topics clearly and influence senior stakeholders with credibility.
• Experience in a regulated or professional services environment would be advantageous.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to shape a new senior leadership role at a firm where technology, data and innovation are central to how we support our clients and our people. You will have the scope to influence strategy, strengthen resilience and help build secure, modern services across the firm.

Capsticks is an inclusive employer

At Capsticks we value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where everyone is able to be themselves and reach their full potential. Capsticks is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and therefore we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, background, culture, ethnicity, race, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, neurodiversity, religion and beliefs.

We will make reasonable adjustments to our application and interview process to ensure that you have the best chance of success. We understand that there's not a "one size fits all" approach to adjustments so our team will work with you individually to understand more about your requirements.