LOCATION: Southampton
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Budget: £100k + Negotiable DOE
Hybrid working (3 days in the office/on site and 2 days working from home) pattern.
Hours Per Week: 37.5

ROLE OBJECTIVE:

The Chief Technology Architect will play a pivotal role in driving our company's digital transformation by leveraging significant technology investments to enhance customer interactions and streamline operational processes. This role holds primary responsibility for defining our existing operational landscape and delivering a forward-looking blueprint, along with tailored solutions to meet our business objectives and align with our overarching strategy.

The Chief Technology Architect will oversee the design and alignment of technology architecture with company-wide standards, methodologies, and goals. This includes making critical technology decisions, ensuring quality design implementation, and mentoring teams of business analysts, process owners, and solution architects. The Architect will also provide resolutions to complex challenges and guide the technical direction of the organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Digital Transformation Leadership: Spearhead key technology initiatives, such as the implementation of ERP systems for core functions like finance, distribution, and manufacturing, alongside CRM solutions for enhancing sales, service, and field operations. Additionally, oversee data warehousing, analytics, and IoT-driven telematics to support customer needs.

Strategic Alignment with Business Goals: Work closely with senior leadership to ensure that IT architecture supports the company's strategic objectives. Ensure that technology investments align with business priorities and deliver competitive advantages.

Blueprint for Architecture: Develop and maintain a detailed technology blueprint that outlines both current ("as-is") and future ("to-be") architectural states. This blueprint will guide the development and execution of key technical solutions across the organization.

Technology Decision-Making and Oversight: Act as the main authority on technology architecture, ensuring that choices align with enterprise standards and emerging trends. Ensure quality and consistency in design and project execution across the company.

Collaboration with Stakeholders: Engage with business analysts, process managers, solution architects, and other stakeholders to ensure that technology solutions meet business requirements and foster innovation.

Governance and Policy Framework: Establish architectural governance frameworks and policies that ensure technology deployments are compliant with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Team Leadership and Mentorship: Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing architecture team, fostering an environment of professional growth and continuous improvement among business analysts, process owners, and solution architects.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Architectural Expertise: Strong background in process design, strategic planning, and leading teams and stakeholders through complex technical challenges.

Proven Experience in Large-Scale Transformations: Extensive experience leading large-scale change initiatives, especially in multi-layered environments. Track record of success with technology-driven projects and significant business process transformations.

Technical Acumen: Hands-on experience designing and implementing ERP and CRM solutions, with particular knowledge of Microsoft or Salesforce CRM, and ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft.

Global Experience: Understanding of global processes and the ability to manage regional differences, especially within European markets.

Leadership & Development: Demonstrated ability to inspire and lead technical teams, fostering collaboration across geographically diverse locations.

Strategic Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with a focus on achieving business results through innovative technology solutions.

Communication & Influence: Outstanding interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate and influence at all levels within the organization.

Certifications: Certifications in architecture frameworks such as TOGAF, and methodologies like Agile or Waterfall, are a plus.

Process Optimization: Experience with process re-engineering, particularly in commercial settings, and knowledge of LEAN methodologies is highly beneficial.

Flexibility & Mobility: Willingness to travel to various business locations as necessary.