Job Description:

Lead Enterprise Architect – AI and Tech Roadmap

• 6 Months
• Fully Remote
• Circa £700 - £800 PD Inside IR35

Overview
Our client, a financial services organisation, is seeking an experienced Lead Architect to shape its enterprise technology strategy and translate this into practical delivery. The role will define and evolve the technology roadmap and AI strategy, providing architectural leadership across major technology initiatives. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, Solution Architects, Technical Architects and engineering teams to ensure technology decisions are aligned to business priorities, regulatory requirements and long-term strategic objectives.

Role and Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the enterprise architecture and technology roadmap
• Develop the organisation’s AI strategy, architectural principles and governance framework
• Ensure AI adoption aligns with security, risk, regulatory and internal control requirements
• Provide architectural leadership and guidance across Solution and Technical Architecture teams
• Support major programmes by resolving complex architectural challenges and shaping practical solutions
• Establish and maintain effective architecture governance and design standards
• Provide architectural input into technology investment, supplier selection and integration decisions
• Identify opportunities to simplify the technology estate and reduce duplication and complexity
• Advise senior stakeholders on technology strategy, emerging technologies and long-term architecture direction
• Assess where AI and emerging technologies can deliver measurable business value

Skills and Experience

• Strong experience within Enterprise, Lead or Principal Architecture roles
• Proven experience shaping technology strategy and enterprise architecture within a complex or regulated organisation
• Previous hands-on experience as a Lead Developer or Lead Engineer
• Strong technical credibility with the ability to influence developers, engineers and architects
• Experience developing technology roadmaps and translating business strategy into practical architecture
• Strong understanding of architecture governance, risk, security, resilience and control
• Experience leading architects and technical teams through influence rather than direct line management
• Strong understanding of AI, including its potential applications, architectural implications, governance and associated risks
• Excellent senior stakeholder management with the confidence to challenge and influence technical and business leaders
• Relevant architecture, cloud, security, data or AI certifications would be advantageous