Salary: £13,100 - 127,300 per year Requirements: I require significant experience in enterprise architecture leadership, ideally within a vertically integrated organization covering multiple business functions. I expect a proven track record in defining and delivering architecture strategies for enterprise applications in complex environments. A deep understanding of modern SaaS, PaaS, and cloud-native application architectures, including multi-cloud and hybrid models, is essential. I seek strong knowledge of platform-based architectures and API-first integration approaches. Experience designing and governing architectures for ERP, CRM, supply chain, commerce, and digital service platforms in an integrated ecosystem is important. Expertise in cloud architecture and associated security, compliance, and cost-optimization strategies (AWS, Azure, GCP) is required. I want strong familiarity with modern delivery practices, including DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and microservices. Experience in running architecture governance boards and assurance processes to enforce standards and drive alignment is needed. A degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related discipline is required; professional architecture certifications (TOGAF, SAFe Architect, AWS/Azure/GCP Architecture) are highly desirable. Responsibilities: I will define and own our enterprise architecture vision and roadmaps. I will lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing architecture team based across multiple sites. I will partner with senior leaders to align technology with business priorities. I will govern architectural standards and champion modern IT practices. I will introduce innovative, scalable, and secure solutions that fuel digital transformation. I will drive a culture of architectural excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement across the technology organization. I will ensure adherence to modern IT standards and architectural frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, SAFe, ITIL, ArchiMate, cloud reference architectures). Technologies: API AWS Architect ArchiMate Azure CI/CD Cloud CRM DevOps ERP GCP Hardware Support ITIL PaaS Security TOGAF microservices More: Howdens Joinery is seeking an inspiring technology leader to shape the future of our enterprise applications as the Head of Architecture. This is a permanent, full-time opportunity based at one of our corporate sites, including Raunds, Northamptonshire, Brackmills Business Park, Northampton, Howden, Yorkshire, or Croxley Park, Watford. You will be expected to travel and work onsite four days per week. We offer a competitive salary and company bonus, a car allowance or company car, an excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%), private healthcare for you and your family, 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional days, staff discounts, an employee assistance program, and exceptional reward and recognition events. As a FTSE100 company and the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier, Howdens Joinery provides thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe, making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. Last year, our sales reached approximately £2.3 billion, and we have an ambitious growth agenda. We have a strong entrepreneurial ethos and offer the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. If you want to be part of a rewarding organization recognized for excellence in the workplace, please apply now. At Howdens, we are committed to being worthwhile for all concerned and are working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application process. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please let us know, and we will be happy to assist you. last updated 4 week of 2026