SC Cleared Enterprise Architect

iO Associates; England; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a highly credible Enterprise Architect with a strong military background to lead architectural functions within a secure defense-focused environment in Hampshire. The ideal candidate will have significant gravitas and extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, defining enterprise standards, and adhering to security constraints. This leadership role demands expertise in frameworks like TOGAF and ArchiMate, with 2-3 days a week on-site. Immediate start for a 6-month contract with a rate of £800 per day (Outside IR35).

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of military units and command structures.
• Extensive experience defining enterprise-wide architecture standards.
• Ability to operate with authority and credibility at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of enterprise and solution architects.
• Define and enforce enterprise architecture standards and governance.
• Produce and govern enterprise architecture models using Sparx EA.
• Engage with senior military and technical stakeholders.
• Act as the senior design authority across complex programmes.

Skills

Military background

Experience with Sparx EA

Understanding of TOGAF

Understanding of NAF

Knowledge of ArchiMate

Senior stakeholder engagement

Excellent communication skills

Tools

Sparx Enterprise Architect

TOGAF

NAF

ArchiMate

Job description

Rate: £800 per day (Outside IR35)

Duration: Immediate start - 6 Months

Clearance Required: Active SC Clearance (mandatory)

Location: Hampshire (2-3 days / week on-site)

iO Associates are looking for a highly credible, SC Cleared Enterprise Architect with a strong military background to take ownership of a critical architecture function within a secure, defence-focused environment.

This is a leadership role, responsible for setting architectural direction, defining standards, and leading a team of architects operating under strict security and operational constraints. The successful candidate will bring significant gravitas, stakeholder confidence, and experience operating in complex secure environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of enterprise and solution architects.
• Define, own, and enforce enterprise architecture standards and governance.
• Provide strategic architectural direction aligned to business and operational objectives.
• Produce and govern enterprise architecture models using Sparx Enterprise Architect.
• Apply and tailor TOGAF, NAF, and ArchiMate frameworks within a secure environment.
• Engage with senior military, technical, and commercial stakeholders.
• Ensure all architectural activity adheres to security, operational, and regulatory constraints.
• Act as the senior design authority across multiple complex programmes.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Military background is essential
• Strong understanding of military units, command structures, and security constraints.
• Good experience with:
  • Sparx EA
  • TOGAF
  • NAF (NATO Architecture Framework)
  • ArchiMate
• Extensive experience defining enterprise-wide architecture standards.
• Excellent senior stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to operate with authority, credibility, and confidence at senior levels.

If you're actively looking for a new role, or open to a confidential discussion, please don't hesitate to apply now for more information.