Principal Application Architect
Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom
The role sits within the Architecture Management function of the IT & Digital department. It focuses on shaping the Synergy strategy and driving real‑world impact on policing technology. The principal architect leads on design and modelling of strategic and tactical architectures for delivery, development and support of projects, and works closely with the User Experience team.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the design and modelling of strategic and tactical architectures for delivery, development, and support of projects.
* Build the long‑term strategic roadmap for application architecture, prioritising the removal of technical debt.
* Lead a team to develop end‑to‑end solution designs that meet business objectives and deliver outstanding customer outcomes, ensuring adherence to architectural, security and quality standards.
* Work alongside the User Experience team to identify ways to improve existing solutions, systems and processes for the benefit of the organisation and the public.
* Engage with business stakeholders to shape ideas into deliverable outcomes.
* Develop and maintain policies, standards and guidelines to ensure a consistent framework across the organisation.
* Lead architecture for applications and security, including capture of existing as‑is architecture and definition of to‑be states.
* Be accountable for the design/architecture deliverables created by the team, ensuring they are fit for purpose in governance meetings.
* Manage the Architecture Repository, creating measurable road‑maps for as‑is and to‑be states.
* Track design deliverables throughout the lifecycle.
* Ensure Architecture Governance is followed as designs progress through the departmental pipeline.
* Mentor and manage a team of application architects and supporting staff, including workload, demand and performance measurement.
* Manage the Application Portfolio and its continual evolution.
* Create and review standards, blue‑prints and associated templates.
* Oversee the “Front Door” for new technology requests within the department.
* Lead vendor & marketplace engagement activities.
* Manage the pipeline of new application architecture work.
* Keep up‑to‑date with emerging technology relevant to application architecture.
* Promote and champion the Force’s diversity agenda.
* Provide an escalation route for issues.
* Negotiate with partner agencies, suppliers and contractors to achieve desirable outcomes.
* Plan and organise individual or team activities with a long‑term perspective.
* Provide specialist information and advice to influence senior colleagues/customers.
* Assist the Head of Architecture in formulating strategic direction for the team and unit.
* Provide reports and working papers with recommendations for improvements.
* Promote the department by engaging with operational staff.
* Deputise for the Head of Architecture as needed at the national level.
Essential Skills
* Valid application technology certification (AWS or Azure) in date.
* Experience building application architecture roadmaps.
* Ability to establish, implement and enforce IT standards to meet business requirements.
* Comprehensive knowledge of hardware, software, application and systems engineering for cloud and on‑premises environments.
* Experience designing, integrating and managing complex solutions.
* Ability to think big and challenge conventional wisdom regarding technology refresh.
* Strong leadership and negotiation skills with business and technical groups.
* Demonstrated ability to build consensus among many stakeholders.
* Direct line management experience across disciplines and levels.
* Experience leading and managing an architecture team of technically skilled individuals.
* Experience reviewing and challenging technical designs and architecture.
* High level technical expertise in application architecture.
* Strong communication skills with senior managers.
* Capability to participate in and chair meetings.
* Promotion of equality, diversity and human rights.
* Maintain information security standards.
* Experience presenting designs and choices to stakeholders.
* Relevant IT or management qualification at degree level or equivalent specialist skills.
* Strong interpersonal and influencing skills at senior levels.
* Experience coaching and mentoring technical professionals.
* Experience delivering end‑to‑end technical solutions across multiple systems and teams.
* Project experience with consulting skills.
* Broad technical background with depth in application architecture.
* Ability to shape business requirements into design solutions.
* Excellent design skills to produce accurate specifications for development teams.
* Organisational skills to work under pressure and balance competing demands.
* Negotiation and influence skills with suppliers regarding technical solutions.
Desirable Skills
* Architecture certification such as TOGAF (not essential).
* Experience in formal board participation and governance.
* ITIL Foundation certificate or demonstrable skills.
* Flexibility to use a variety of supporting technologies and to innovate.
* Understanding of ITIL processes as they apply to the team and department.
Benefit Statement
* Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and a competitive pension scheme.
* Enhanced annual leave beyond public holiday entitlements.
* Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities.
* Comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs.
Vetting
Successful applicants will be required to pass Management Vetting and Security Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing, including full background and financial disclosure.
Medical
Appointment to this role may depend on successful completion of medical checks, which may include a drugs test and, if required, a fitness test.
Interview
TBC
Contact
For further information email careers@westmidlands.police.uk
Diversity & Inclusion
West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader. All candidates declaring a disability and meeting essential criteria will be offered an interview.
The organisation operates a Disability Confident Interview Scheme and may limit interview numbers in high‑volume recruiting situations.
Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities.
About West Midlands Police
West Midlands Police is the second‑largest police force in the country, serving Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton, alongside Sandwell, Walsall, Solihull and Dudley. The force handles more than 2,000 emergency calls daily, patrols 24/7, and works to reduce crime, improve response times and increase arrest rates. The force seeks the right people to serve and protect the community.
Job Details
* Senior Level: Director
* Employment Type: Full‑time
* Job Function: Engineering and Information Technology
* Industry: Law Enforcement
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