Job Title: Enterprise Architect (Fast Moving Consumer Goods/Retail)
Job Description
This is a senior Enterprise Architect role within the IT function, responsible for establishing and leading the enterprise architecture discipline across a global clothing business. The position focuses on designing and governing a flexible, scalable, secure and well-structured application, data, integration and infrastructure landscape that supports the design, manufacture and sourcing of menswear, womenswear and footwear products, and their delivery through wholesale, E-commerce and retail channels. The role combines strategic vision, architectural depth, hands‑on capability and strong stakeholder engagement to guide the organisation through an ongoing period of transformation and growth.
Responsibilities
* Establish and lead the Enterprise Architecture practice, defining clear principles, frameworks and governance processes.
* Define and document current-state and future-state enterprise architectures across business systems, data, integrations and infrastructure.
* Create and maintain multi-year technology roadmaps that align with business strategy and transformation initiatives.
* Chair the Enterprise Architecture Committee and govern architectural decisions to ensure consistency and alignment.
* Evaluate technology solutions and produce well-reasoned architectural recommendations for adoption or enhancement.
* Collaborate closely with stakeholders and IT teams to align business requirements with architectural direction and standards.
* Provide architectural oversight and assurance for major IT initiatives and programmes.
* Define integration patterns, data flows and application interactions to ensure robust, scalable and secure integrations.
* Support key transformation programmes, including ERP, PIM, PLM, cloud, retail and E-commerce initiatives.
* Maintain comprehensive architectural documentation, standards and reference models.
* Act as a trusted advisor to IT and business leadership on technology strategy and architecture.
* Support vendor evaluation and RFP processes, including reviewing proposals and contributing to selection decisions.
* Promote consistency, standardisation and reuse across technology platforms and solutions.
* Coach and mentor delivery teams on architectural best practice and design principles.
* Positively contribute to the IT team ethos and working environment, supporting teamwork and collaboration.
* Participate in training and development activities deemed necessary for the role and adapt to new tasks, requests and business requirements.
* Act in a responsible and co-operative manner at all times, supporting a safe working environment for self and colleagues.
Essential Skills
* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or an equivalent discipline.
* 15+ years of IT experience, including at least 5 years in architecture roles.
* Certified or proven experience in Enterprise Architecture.
* Experience working with a manufacturer of apparel, consumer goods or within a retail environment.
* Experience designing architectures for ERP, PIM, PLM, EDI, E-commerce and data platforms.
* Proven track record of delivering large-scale transformation programmes.
* Strong understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks.
* Deep ERP knowledge, with Infor M3 CloudSuite experience preferred.
* Strong technical understanding of integration systems such as Oracle SOA Suite, IBM WebSphere MQ and preferably MuleSoft.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
* Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence at senior management level.
* Confident, pragmatic technology leadership style with sound judgement.
* Strong problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking capability.
* Experience working with both Agile and Waterfall delivery methodologies.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
* Enterprise Architecture certifications such as TOGAF.
* Cloud architecture certifications such as AWS or Azure Architecture.
* Experience with MuleSoft integration platforms.
* Experience with Salesforce or similar enterprise software platforms.
* Experience in assurance, governance and vendor management within IT.
* Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships across business and IT teams.
* Willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development.
* Proven teamwork skills and adaptability to new tasks and evolving business requirements.
* General management skills, including leading and coaching architecture and delivery teams.
Location
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Rate/Salary
.00 GBP Yearly
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