Head of Enterprise Architecture

Job description

Job responsibilities

In this role, you are accountable for

Architectural Strategic Leadership

• Define, implement, and oversee the enterprise-wide architectural vision and strategy to align technology initiatives with business objectives.
• Develop, implement and maintain the NHSBSA Enterprise Architecture Strategy.
• Work with the Director of Cyber and Technology to develop, implement and maintain the NHSBSA Technology Strategy, ensuring that robust and effective governance is in place which ensures architectures and solutions are aligned to the strategy.
• Understand and translate organisational strategy into clear architecture strategies and roadmaps with a focus on simplification and reuse.
• Contribute to policy making and promote and support policy decisions both internal and external.
• Be highly visible at all levels across and outside DDaT, championing the role of enterprise architecture, working closely with senior leaders across DDaT and the wider organisation to align architecture with strategic priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on technology decisions and their implications.
• Build and maintain senior relationships with DDaTs key technology suppliers to understand their strategic direction and assist with the commercial management of suppliers.
• Build relationships with other Government, non-Government organisations, statutory agencies and public and private sector organisations, representing the NHSBSA, to develop collaborative approaches which can deliver value to the organisation.
• Champion innovation by assessing emerging trends and technologies to identify opportunities.
• Horizon scan for external influences or risks for example from the wider NHS, government.
• Lead on the strategic oversight of any new research initiatives, legislation, working practices, policies, procedures, contracts and systems keeping abreast of service advances to maintain an excellent understanding of the landscape in which Architecture as a profession is developing and delivering business strategy and goals objectives.
• Continually develop self as a manager and leader further developing core capability to lead in different contexts.

Architectural Governance & Profession

• Chair the Enterprise Architecture Board and Technical Design Authority ensuring adherence to architectural strategy and standards.
• Define and maintain enterprise architecture strategy, policy and principles and best practices leading on their communication to ensure they are delivered and upheld.
• Lead service improvement and new ways of working which continue to deliver a positive experience for colleagues and stakeholders (within and beyond the NHSBSA) realising the ongoing fitness for purpose of the Architect Practice.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of Enterprise Architects raising the profile of architecture across the organisation and maturing the enterprise architecture practice.
• Enabling the performance of others through contributing to GROW conversations within your area, including objective setting fully aligned to directorate and organisational objectives and goals, and the development and motivation of staff to achieve them, including implementing and conducting appraisals and 1-1s to manage performance.
• Leading by example. setting the culture of the team to maximise performance and colleague engagement.
• Set the direction for the development of the Architecture Community capability.
• To continually develop domain knowledge and expertise at the forefront of sector. Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across the wider architecture community.
• Budget holder for the enterprise architecture team in accordance with NHSBSAs policies, standing orders, financial regulations and legislative requirements, and the development of business plans including highly sensitive data.
• Draw on a range of data and insight, both qualitative and quantitative, to inform strategic approaches to challenges experienced in the Architecture Community.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities, Knowledge and Skills

• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance technical depth and business acumen. Able to take a long-term, big-picture view of architecture and align it with business goals
• Ability to design, develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of strategic approaches, plans, activities and solutions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
• Innovative mindset, encourages innovation and stays ahead of emerging technology trends
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills - Ability to assess risks, optimize IT investments, and drive cost-effective innovation.
• Evaluation, interpretation, and communication of complex data/information from multiple sources to inform decision making
• Collaborative leadership to guide architecture teams, develop talent, and promotes a culture of technical excellence.
• Planning and organisational skills across a broad range of activities.
• Results-oriented with a focus on delivering value and achieving measurable outcomes.
• Understanding of TOGAF and other architectural methodologies.
• Awareness emerging technologies.
• Understanding of industry regulations, risk management, and security best practices.
• Knowledge of modern software development methodologies, including Agile, DevOps, and CI/CD.

• Familiarity with regulatory IT compliance and cybersecurity best practices.
• Experience in leading and managing cross-functional teams and driving cultural change.
• A strong understanding of relevant frameworks and methods relevant to the role, (such as ITIL, COBIT, MoR and ISMS )
• A strong understanding of project management delivery frameworks (such as PRINCE)

Experience

• Proven experience in technology leadership role and strategic planning.
• Leading and managing teams to deliver organisational goals and objectives.
• Ability to mentor and develop other architects and technical leaders.
• Engaging and building relationships with a range of stakeholders up to Director level to support delivery of business outcomes.
• Extensive experience with industry-standard frameworks such as TOGAF
• Proven ability to define and implement architecture governance, policies, and best practices.
• Experience in aligning enterprise architecture with business and technology strategy.
• Strong background in digital transformation initiatives and technology modernisation.
• Expertise in enterprise integration, APIs, microservices, and modern application architecture.
• Experience with risk management, regulatory compliance, and security frameworks.
• Knowledge of software development methodologies, infrastructure, and IT operations.

• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and compliance.
• Experience in evaluating and selecting enterprise technology solutions and vendors.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline and/or evidence of undertaking rigorous research in a relevant field and/or in-depth experience.
• Strong knowledge of architectural frameworks (e.g., TOGAF) and methodologies
• Strong knowledge of IT governance, compliance, and risk management.

• TOGAF certification or equivalent, or willing to work towards this certification
• Relevant foundation level qualification in an DDaT department framework (eg ITIL, COBIT, MoR and ISMS)
• Programme and Project Management (PRINCE, MSP, P3O or similar)
• Agile Delivery Qualifications (SCRUM)
• Strong understanding of cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, data architecture, and modern development practices (Agile, DevOps).

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Business Services Authority

Address

Stella House

Goldcrest way, Newburn Riverside

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE15 8NY

Employer's website

https://careers.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/