Lead Enterprise Architect

Position: Lead Enterprise Architect (Contract)
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, Archi Mate, 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, Archi Mate)
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