Lead Enterprise Architect

Lead Enterprise Architect – AI and Tech Roadmap

6 Months
Fully Remote
Circa £700 - £800 PD Inside IR35
Overview
Our client, a financial services organisation, is seeking an experienced Lead Architect to shape its enterprise technology strategy and translate this into practical delivery. The role will define and evolve the technology roadmap and AI strategy, providing architectural leadership across major technology initiatives. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, Solution Architects, Technical Architects and engineering teams to ensure technology decisions are aligned to business priorities, regulatory requirements and long-term strategic objectives.

Role and Responsibilities

Define and evolve the enterprise architecture and technology roadmap
Develop the organisation’s AI strategy, architectural principles and governance framework
Ensure AI adoption aligns with security, risk, regulatory and internal control requirements
Provide architectural leadership and guidance across Solution and Technical Architecture teams
Support major programmes by resolving complex architectural challenges and shaping practical solutions
Establish and maintain effective architecture governance and design standards
Provide architectural input into technology investment, supplier selection and integration decisions
Identify opportunities to simplify the technology estate and reduce duplication and complexity
Advise senior stakeholders on technology strategy, emerging technologies and long-term architecture direction
Assess where AI and emerging technologies can deliver measurable business value
Skills and Experience

Strong experience within Enterprise, Lead or Principal Architecture roles
Proven experience shaping technology strategy and enterprise architecture within a complex or regulated organisation
Previous hands-on experience as a Lead Developer or Lead Engineer
Strong technical credibility with the ability to influence developers, engineers and architects
Experience developing technology roadmaps and translating business strategy into practical architecture
Strong understanding of architecture governance, risk, security, resilience and control
Experience leading architects and technical teams through influence rather than direct line management
Strong understanding of AI, including its potential applications, architectural implications, governance and associated risks
Excellent senior stakeholder management with the confidence to challenge and influence technical and business leaders
Relevant architecture, cloud, security, data or AI certifications would be advantageous
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed