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Lead Enterprise Architect

Posted: 26/01/26
Recruiter:Matchtech
Reference:3063049883
Type:Contract
Disciplines: System Architect
Salary:£106 Hourly
Location:Reading, Oxfordshire
Description:


Our client, a leading organisation in the Defence & Security sector, is currently seeking a Lead Enterprise Architect to join their team on a contract basis. This role involves working on high-profile programmes where your expertise in IT architecture and governance will be vital in driving strategic business initiatives.



Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the development and governance of enterprise architecture across multiple programmes and domains
  • Define and evolve architecture principles, standards, and frameworks aligned with business strategy and technology roadmaps
  • Shape and lead the enterprise architecture strategy for the Line of Business (LoB), contributing to divisional and corporate planning
  • Provide authoritative technical leadership across infrastructure, cloud, data, applications, and security domains
  • Chair Product Design Reviews across the Engineering Unit and LoB, ensuring alignment with strategic goals
  • Lead original research, capability development, and technology insertion to enhance architectural maturity
  • Represent the organisation at senior customer boards, government forums, and industry conferences
  • Mentor and coach architects across the organisation, fostering a high-performing architecture community
  • Drive reuse, innovation, and best practice across programmes and engineering functions


Job Requirements:

  • Recognised expertise as a senior enterprise architect with a track record of delivering strategic, cross-domain architectures
  • Ability to influence organisational strategy, technology direction, and external engagement at senior levels
  • Deep understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g. TOGAF, MODAF, NAF) and their application in secure, complex environments
  • Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging at government and executive levels
  • Proven ability to lead architectural governance and ensure secure-by-design principles are embedded across programmes
  • Relevant experience in Defence aerospace programmes within the Ministry of Defence, with security by design (SbD) expertise
  • Extensive experience leading enterprise architecture across large-scale, multi-domain programmes
  • Advanced knowledge of architecture frameworks and modelling standards (e.g. TOGAF, ArchiMate, MODAF)
  • Demonstrated ability to shape and implement enterprise-wide architecture strategies
  • Strong understanding of cyber security principles, secure system design, and regulatory compliance
  • Experience chairing design reviews and providing technical assurance across engineering units
  • Ability to lead innovation and capability development across engineering and business functions
  • Proven mentoring and coaching experience, supporting the growth of architectural capability


Desirable Skills:

  • Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional recognition
  • Industry certifications (e.g. TOGAF, AWS/Azure Architect, CISSP, ArchiMate)
  • Experience contributing to national or international architecture standards or professional bodies
  • Published research or thought leadership in enterprise architecture or related fields
  • Experience working transnationally and representing organisational interests in regulatory or strategic forums
  • Familiarity with SFIA Level 7 competencies (e.g. Strategy & Architecture, Governance, Innovation) and DDaT Enterprise Architect role expectations


If you are a highly skilled enterprise architect looking for your next contract opportunity in the Defence & Security sector, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our client's dynamic and innovative team.

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