Role: Head of Architecture
Location: Birmingham (Hybrid)
Salary: £80,000 – £95,000
Network IT is seeking an experienced Head of Architecture to lead enterprise and solution architecture within a large-scale, complex technology environment in the higher education sector. This is a senior leadership position that demands both technical depth and a strong understanding of the governance, structures, and strategic priorities unique to higher education.
As Head of Architecture, you will set and deliver the architectural vision across infrastructure, data, applications, and business processes—ensuring every decision aligns with enterprise standards and the evolving needs of a modern institution.
You’ll manage a team of architects and analysts, working closely with senior academic and administrative stakeholders to shape a technology roadmap that drives digital transformation, operational efficiency, and academic excellence.
Key Responsibilities
* Define and maintain the enterprise architecture strategy and roadmap in line with institutional goals and sector challenges.
* Lead solution design across complex domains, ensuring interoperability, scalability, and consistency across research, teaching, and administrative systems.
* Govern architectural decisions across business, data, application, and infrastructure layers, with a strong grasp of compliance and funding structures.
* Assess emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and risk reduction.
* Collaborate with senior leadership and academic departments to support transformation initiatives.
* Ensure compliance with sector-specific regulations, including data protection and research governance.
* Build and mentor a high-performing architecture team, fostering innovation and excellence.
* Provide expertise on architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF), tools, and methodologies.
* Embed architecture into early-stage planning and governance processes for strategic alignment.
Experience & Skills
* Proven leadership in enterprise or solution architecture within higher education or similarly complex public sector environments.
* Strong track record in designing and delivering integrated, scalable solutions across diverse systems.
* Deep knowledge of architecture standards, governance, frameworks (e.g., TOGAF), and best practices.
* Broad technical expertise across infrastructure, cloud, security, applications, and data.
* Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills, particularly with academic and executive audiences.
* Strategic thinker able to balance long-term vision with practical delivery.
* Experience mentoring and developing architecture teams.
* Demonstrated success in driving digital and operational transformation in higher education.
* Familiarity with enterprise modelling tools, design principles, and documentation.