Architecture Strategy Office Lead - Reading, United Kingdom - Primark

Primark

Verified Company

Reading, United Kingdom

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

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Description

Job Purpose:

As the Architecture Strategy Office Lead in Primark's Architecture Team, you will lead the Architecture Strategy team, encompassing business architecture, business design and architecture governance.

You will play a critical role in defining and executing the technology architecture strategy, including alignment with wider business and technology strategies.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, promote best practices, and design scalable and sustainable technology solutions.

Your expertise will contribute to the successful implementation of technology initiatives across Primark.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

Establish and manage the Architecture Strategy Office, ensuring effective governance and adherence to architectural standards.
Develop and lead the architecture strategy in alignment with Primark's business objectives.
Conduct research and analysis of emerging technologies, trends, and industry best practices to drive innovation and maintain architectural excellence.
Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance technology architecture and processes.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards in technology architecture.
Establish and maintain a high level of business engagement to ensure alignment between emerging business demand and technology.
Monitor the latest technology trends; identify and prioritise innovations working with tech investment planning teams
Communicate technology architecture strategy, principles, and decisions to stakeholders (e.g., the Technology Leadership Team), promoting awareness and understanding.
Keep abreast with and assess developments in the IT industry and leverage same to identify opportunities within the business.
Promote and demonstrate the value of business architecture within Primark, within both technical and business areas.
Represent business architecture and architecture strategy, as appropriate, within Technology Leadership Forums (such as MBR and QBR).

Collaborate

Build effective communication channels with business leaders and stakeholders
Collaborate with stakeholders, including senior leaders and technology teams, to define, maintain and enforce architecture principles, standards, and guidelines.
Collaborate with crossfunctional teams to evaluate and select technology solutions that align with Primark's business needs and architectural principles.
Develop and maintain relationships with technology vendors and partners, evaluating their capabilities and ensuring effective collaboration.
Partner with businesstech teams such as Buying & Merch, Supply Chain etc. to capture and prioritise business capabilities/E2E value streams and roadmaps whilst aligning to overall tech strategy

Leadership

Build, manage and mentor a high performing team focused on delivering the Architecture strategy for Primark.
Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to technology architects and teams throughout the project lifecycle.
Share an engaging and inspiring vision with the team and provide clarity and a sense of direction to enable working towards common goals. Generates enthusiasm and commitment within the team and across Primark to shared outcomes.
Responsible for the team's performance and development; sets clear performance expectations addressing performance issues head on
Build talent and succession plans in line with current and future business needs, providing opportunities within the team for growth and development.
Operate as a role model within Primark, inspiring and mentoring others to develop and progress,
Act as a coach and mentor for the team, enabling them to take ownership of their careers and supporting them to drive their own development.

Skills & Experience:

Knowledge & Experience Required:

An appropriate degree, equivalent qualification, or experience
Experience as an architecture strategy lead or a similar role in a largescale technology environment.
Strong knowledge of technology architecture principles, frameworks, and best practices.
Experience in developing and executing technology architecture strategies aligned with business goals.
Excellent leader and trusted advisor with extensive experience of developing senior business relationships and shaping and underpinning business strategies.
Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Strong analytical and problemsolving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex technology challenges and develop innovative solutions.
Solid understanding of current and emerging technologies, including AI, cloud computing, microservices, and data analytics.
Familiarity with retail or fashion industry technology landscapes and trends is desirable.
Experience in managing and developing a team of technology architects