Architecture Practice Lead

University of Waikato; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waikato is seeking an Architecture Practice Lead to lead a team of four architects and own governance standards across a connected digital estate. This hands-on leadership role combines people leadership with real delivery to shape strategic technology direction across the University.

You will translate strategy into practical architecture guidance, influence investment decisions, engage senior stakeholders, and ensure solutions are aligned, sustainable, and fit for purpose.

Qualifications

• Experience leading architecture teams in large organisations.
• Expertise in architecture frameworks (TOGAF) and governance.
• Ability to translate strategy into practical architecture direction.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow a team of four architects shaping the University's technology future.
• Own architecture governance and design standards across a connected digital estate.
• Remain hands-on as Senior Solution Architect on complex, strategic projects.

Skills

Architecture leadership

TOGAF

Governance

Stakeholder management

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

University of Waikato – Hamilton East, North Island

The University of Waikato has a bold new Digital Plan that sets our direction through to 2029 under the vision "Digital connects us and moves us forward." The Plan establishes clear priorities across data, cloud platforms, software delivery, enterprise architecture, and emerging technologies including AI, that will ensure the University can teach, research and operate successfully.

To deliver on our ambitions, we are investing in our people and growing our capabilities within Information Technology Services. This is an exciting role that will lead and grow our architecture team, owning the standards and governance that shape a future-ready digital environment, while staying hands-on where it matters most.

• Lead and grow a team of four architects shaping the University's technology future.
• Own architecture governance and design standards across a connected digital estate.
• Stay hands-on as Senior Solution Architect on our most complex, strategic projects.

Join a forward-thinking university and lead the evolution of our architecture practice, combining people leadership, governance, and hands-on delivery to shape strategic technology direction across a connected, future-ready digital environment.

The Architecture Practice Lead provides people leadership to a team of four, three Solution Architects and one Infrastructure Architect, while personally owning the design standards and governance framework that guide how technology is designed, built, and assured across the institution. You will translate strategy into practical architecture direction, guide investment decisions, and ensure solutions are aligned, sustainable, and fit for purpose.

This is a genuinely hands-on leadership role. Alongside building and developing the team, you will personally take on Senior Solution Architect work on selected complex or strategically significant projects, keeping your standards grounded in real delivery and your credibility current with the team you lead.

Reporting directly to the Deputy CIO, you will engage senior stakeholders, provide expert advice to governance groups, and assist in aligning IT strategy with the University's long- term goals.

This is a full-time role, based on our Hillcrest Campus. For more information on the role please see the position description or for a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Glenn Penfold, Deputy Chief Information Officer, at ************@waikato.ac.nz

All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? - Who are you?

You are an experienced architecture leader with a strong track record in large, complex organisations, and proven experience as a formal people leader of technical specialists. You bring deep expertise in architecture frameworks (such as TOGAF), governance, and technology strategy, along with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, practical direction.

You are confident engaging with senior stakeholders and governance forums, and you excel at building alignment across business and technology teams. A natural leader, you have experience building and developing architecture teams, mentoring others, and driving high standards of delivery, and you know how to balance hands-on technical work with the demands of leading people.

You will also demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, partnership with Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, along with an appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Ko wai mātou? - Who are we?

The University of Waikato's Information Technology Services (ITS) division leads digital direction, manages and protects the digital ecosystem, and delivers services that ensure the University can teach, research, and operate successfully in a secure, resilient, and future-ready environment. We are at an exciting point in our journey. Our Digital Plan sets ambitious priorities across data, cloud platforms, software delivery, and emerging technology including AI, and this role sits at the centre of shaping how we get there.

At the University of Waikato, you will join a forward-looking organisation committed to innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on safe, responsible and future-ready digital practice.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? - Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata - For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.