Lead Enterprise Architect

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.