Architecture Governance Lead

Role: Architecture Governance & Practice Lead

Type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Milton Keynes - Hybrid (2x a week)

Industry- Insurance (non-profit)

Salary- up to £85K

Job Purpose:

The Architecture Governance & Practice Lead oversees the development and leadership of the architecture governance and assurance function, embedding consistent best practices across the architecture community.

The role ensures architectural coherence and high-quality delivery through the implementation of effective governance frameworks and the development of a strong, capable architecture practice.

Responsibilities:

Governance

• Maintain and evolve the architecture governance framework, including principles, policies, and review processes.
• Lead architecture review boards, ensuring consistent assessment of solution designs and enterprise artefacts against strategic, technical, and operational standards.
• Ensure architectural decisions are evidence-based, traceable, and aligned to long-term business and technology outcomes.
• Champion architecture governance and build effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, vendors, and third-party partners.

Assurance & Oversight

• Provide architectural oversight to ensure compliance with regulatory, security, and risk management requirements.
• Deliver architectural assurance across programmes and initiatives as required, ensuring alignment with enterprise standards, strategic objectives, and risk appetite.
• Oversee the proactive identification, tracking, and remediation of technical debt.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in enterprise and solution architecture, governance, and technology strategy.
• Strong knowledge of architecture frameworks and governance models (eg TOGAF, SAFe, Zachman).
• Proven ability to build and mature a high-performing architecture practice.
• Experience implementing asset management processes and supporting tooling.
• Solid background in cloud platforms, integration architectures, and emerging technologies.
• Experience working with vendors and third-party providers on architecture governance and assurance.
• Experience in Azure and Microsoft stack
• Experience with PEGA applications
• Relevant certifications (eg TOGAF, COBIT, ITIL) and experience in the financial services (insurance) sector are desirable.
• Strategic and pragmatic, with a balanced approach to governance and practice development.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across business and technology.
• Collaborative leader who motivates, supports, and enables others.
• Highly organised and professional, with the flexibility to adapt to change.
• Clear and effective communicator, able to translate complex concepts into practical outcomes.
• Passionate about innovation, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Committed to continuous learning, staying current with industry trends, emerging technologies, frameworks, and evolving architecture practices