Principal Enterprise Architect

This Principal Enterprise Architect post at Plymouth Community Homes, which provides over 16,000 homes, sits at the centre of the organisation's technology and digital transformation. The work centres on setting enterprise architecture standards and governance, building future-state roadmaps and advising senior leaders on technology investment. The role is strategic rather than purely technical, spanning business, data, application and security architecture, and it is not suitable for job share. Degree-level qualifications or equivalent experience are required, with TOGAF and similar certifications welcomed.

What the job involves

• Define and mature the enterprise architecture function, governance and standards
• Develop enterprise-wide architecture roadmaps aligned to strategy and transformation priorities
• Provide strategic architecture leadership across business, data, application, security, integration and technology
• Advise senior stakeholders on technology investment decisions and future operating models
• Support large-scale transformation programmes and digital innovation initiatives
• Drive simplification, integration and modernisation across the technology estate
• Provide assurance that programmes, projects and procurements meet strategic objectives and value for money
• Shape the future of cloud, AI, automation, cyber security, digital workplace and data platforms
• Build relationships across the organisation and influence decisions at senior level
• Enable smarter ways of working

What’s required

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualifications or equivalent professional experience
• Ongoing professional development

Experience

• Significant experience as an Enterprise Architect, Principal Architect or equivalent senior architecture professional
• Extensive experience developing architecture frameworks, standards, governance and roadmaps
• Experience providing assurance across complex programmes, technology investments and procurements
• Proven track record of influencing senior stakeholders and turning strategy into outcomes

Skills & knowledge

• Strong knowledge across business, data, application, integration, security and technology architecture
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and facilitation skills
• Ability to communicate complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
• Strategic and systems thinking, connecting people, process, information and technology
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with confidence to challenge constructively

Nice to have

• Professional certifications such as TOGAF or ArchiMate
• Cloud, security or data architecture certifications, including Microsoft Azure

What’s offered

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Flexi-time
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30, plus bank holidays
• Holiday trading scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme with free counselling
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Three volunteering days per year