Enterprise Architect

University of Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Canterbury is seeking an experienced architecture professional to help develop and mature an enterprise-wide architecture capability across Digital Services. You will translate complex organisational needs into clear architecture direction, guide major technology-enabled change and ensure investments are grounded in business value.

The role requires a broad knowledge across business, data, applications and technology with depth in one or more areas, and a track record of guiding

Qualifications

• Broad experience in technology or digital environments.
• Experience applying enterprise architecture frameworks and practices.
• Ability to develop architecture principles, standards, roadmaps and governance.
• Proven record in guiding complex technology-enabled business change.

Responsibilities

• Develop and mature an enterprise-wide architecture capability.
• Translate complex organisational needs into architecture direction for leaders and delivery teams.
• Provide authoritative architecture advice for complex initiatives.
• Lead and govern solution architecture across multiple projects.

Skills

Enterprise architecture

Stakeholder management

Governance

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in information technology

Master's degree or EA qualification / TOGAF

Job description

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

Working within UC's Enterprise Architecture practice, you will help develop and mature an enterprise-wide architecture capability that gives leaders and delivery teams greater clarity, consistency and confidence. You will translate complex organisational needs into coherent architecture direction, guide significant technology-enabled change and ensure investment decisions are grounded in measurable business value.

• develop enterprise and business architecture aligned with UC's strategy, operating model and organisational priorities
• maintain an integrated view of business capabilities, value streams, information assets, applications and technology
• provide authoritative architecture advice for complex initiatives and technology-enabled organisational change
• lead and govern solution architecture across multiple projects, balancing functionality, service quality, risk and sustainability
• develop architecture principles, standards, roadmaps, methods and reusable artefacts
• evaluate proposals, challenge assumptions and guide stakeholders towards strategically aligned decisions
• identify dependencies, duplication, consolidation opportunities and cross-domain impacts before they become delivery constraints
• assess emerging technologies and communicate their potential benefits, risks and relevance to UC
• strengthen architecture governance, assurance and decision-making across Digital Services
• coach and support colleagues undertaking architecture and solution-design activities
• build trusted relationships across UC and communicate complex technical and business information clearly.

UC uses theCAUDIT Higher Education Reference Model to support an integrated understanding of its business and technology landscape. Your work will help the University respond to changing priorities with greater speed, confidence and architectural clarity.

You are an experienced architecture professional who can see the whole system without losing sight of delivery realities. You bring intellectual curiosity, sound judgement and the confidence to provide clear advice-even when priorities compete or assumptions need to be challenged.

You be able to demonstrate:

• approximately 12-13 years' experience in technology or digital environments
• substantial experience in senior architecture roles, including at least two years in enterprise architecture or an equivalent strategic architecture position
• demonstrated experience applying enterprise architecture frameworks, methods and practices
• experience developing architecture principles, standards, roadmaps, governance and reusable artefacts
• a strong record of guiding complex technology-enabled business change and evaluating strategic options and trade-offs
• broad knowledge across business, data, application, integration and technology architecture, with recognised depth in one or more areas
• experience developing business capabilities, value streams, operating models and technology landscapes to support investment and transformation decisions
• the ability to provide authoritative advice, constructively challenge proposals and influence senior stakeholders
• experience working across multidisciplinary teams and multiple initiatives to identify dependencies, risks and opportunities for reuse or consolidation
• experience strengthening architecture methods, tools and governance, and coaching others in architecture and solution design
• a relevant bachelor's degree or graduate diploma in information technology, or equivalent recognised capability.
• Experience in higher education or another research, teaching or similarly complex environment would be advantageous. A master's degree, enterprise architecture qualification orTOGAF certificationwould also be valuable.
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

Building world-class digital capability is crucial to the University of Canterbury's ongoing success. Digital Services is a large team, striving to provide a modern dynamic foundation from which the University (UC) can explore new business models and ways of working. Digital will transform how we work, behave, and the expectations of the communities we service.

The closing date for this position is: 2 October 2026 (midnight, NZ time)

Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency to be considered for this role.