IT Architect

Project People; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

MBNL is seeking an IT Architect to provide architectural oversight across technology domains, services, programmes and change initiatives. You will report to the Lead Enterprise Architect and ensure solutions are secure, scalable, interoperable, cost‑effective and governed in line with the business strategy and digital ambitions.

This hybrid role requires collaboration with stakeholders, suppliers and delivery teams to bridge strategic architecture with practical delivery and drive business

Qualifications

• Experience in enterprise, solution, or technology architecture roles.
• Strong understanding of architecture frameworks and industry best-practices.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms, integration architectures, APIs, data platforms.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with stakeholders, IT teams and suppliers to align technology solutions with business goals.
• Support development and evolution of enterprise architecture across domains.
• Advise on technology strategy, portfolio planning, roadmaps and investments using industry frameworks.
• Develop and maintain architecture principles, standards, policies and governance.
• Provide architecture assurance to ensure alignment with enterprise standards.
• Apply security, resilience, data governance, and privacy principles in designs.
• Support governance forums and advise on risks and opportunities.
• Review supplier architecture deliverables and design quality.
• Monitor emerging technologies and recommend value-adding innovations.
• Assist definition of supplier contracts and management of suppliers in-life.
• Collaborate with Cyber-Security, Data, Digital Enablement, Operations and Delivery teams.
• Promote best practice and alignment to enterprise architecture vision.

Skills

Enterprise architecture

Architecture frameworks

Cloud platforms

Integration architectures

Stakeholder engagement

Suppliers management

Analytical thinking

Communication of complex concepts

Governance/compliance

Job description

Shape technology strategy. Enable business outcomes. Drive architectural excellence.

The IT Architect plays a key role within MBNL’s Technology and Information function, providing architectural oversight across technology domains, services, programmes, and change initiatives. Working under the direction of the Lead Enterprise Architect, the role helps ensure technology solutions are secure, scalable, interoperable, cost‑effective, appropriately governed, and aligned with MBNL’s business strategy, operating model, and long‑term digital ambitions. Working across stakeholders, suppliers, and delivery teams, the role bridges strategic architecture and practical delivery to support business transformation and achieve operational excellence.

Why this role matters;

Technology underpins every aspect of MBNL’s operations, from supporting internal users to enabling critical services for EE/BT and VodafoneThree. This role helps ensure technology investments are aligned to business objectives, reducing complexity, managing risk, and supporting sustainable growth. By providing architectural authority and technical leadership, the role enables informed decision‑making, innovation, and long‑term value creation. This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 2 days per week in our Central Reading office.

What you’ll be here to do;

• Collaborate with business stakeholders, IT teams, and suppliers to align technology solutions to business goals
• Support the development and evolution of enterprise architecture across business, application, data, and technology domains
• Support technology strategy, portfolio planning, roadmaps, and investment decisions through architectural insight and understanding of industry frameworks
• Develop and maintain architecture principles, standards, policies, and governance frameworks
• Provide architecture assurance and challenge solution designs to ensure alignment with enterprise standards
• Apply security, resilience, integration, data governance, and privacy principles throughout solution designs
• Support architecture governance forums and provide recommendations on risks, trade‑offs, and opportunities
• Review and question supplier architecture deliverables and design quality
• Monitor emerging technologies and best practices and recommend innovation opportunities that deliver business value
• Support the definition of supplier contracts and the management of suppliers in‑life
• Work with Cyber‑Security, Data, Digital Enablement, Operations, and Delivery teams to turn business demand into effective technology change
• Promote best practice, continuous improvement, and alignment to MBNL’s enterprise architecture vision

Who we’re looking for;

• Experience in enterprise, solution, or technology architecture roles
• Strong understanding of architecture frameworks industry best-practices and common architecture principles
• Knowledge of cloud platforms, integration architectures, APIs, data platforms, and modern technology patterns
• Experience working across business, application, data, and technology domains
• Ability to assess technology options, risks, costs, and business value
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including presenting to senior audiences
• Experience working with suppliers and outsourced delivery partners
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts in clear business terms
• Experience in technical governance or compliance

If you also have the following, we’d especially like to hear from you;

• Architecture qualifications such as TOGAF, Open CA, BCS, or equivalent
• Cloud architecture certifications (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• ITIL, CISSP, ISSAP, or other security and service management qualifications
• Experience in telecommunications, OSS/BSS, infrastructure management, or network operations
• Experience within joint venture, regulated, safety‑critical, or multi‑supplier environments
• Experience supporting long‑term outsourcing and strategic supplier partnerships