Deputy Head of Technical Architecture

The role is available to current employees within IT Services at the University of Leeds only

Interviews are expected to be held 16 September 2025

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you a skilled and experienced IT professional? Do you have the passion and drive to develop and deliver a high quality technical architecture service? Do you have experience of delivering customer service excellence and a commitment to developing and maintaining continuous service improvement in a changing landscape?

The University of Leeds is one of the top 80 universities in the world. We have a truly global community, with more than 39,000 students from 170 different countries and over 9,000 staff of 100 different nationalities.

As we deliver an ambitious Digital Transformation, we are investing in our IT Service, which is key to developing our learning and research capability as we strive to collaborate across the globe, challenging global issues.

You will have the opportunity to join a technology focused department within the University with a passion for innovation and using the latest technology. You will be working in a fast-paced agile environment, working on architecting and implementing systems for a large complex organisation. You will have the opportunity to use different design patterns and styles within an ever-changing environment.

As the Deputy Head of Technical Architecture, partnering with other leaders, you will lead the Technical Architecture practice within the broader Strategy and Architecture function. You will help build and maintain the University's Technical Architecture capability. You will work with other IT stakeholders, particularly within the IT Operations function, to establish and implement technical architecture direction. You will create and maintain a federated Technical Architecture practice comprising IT Operations architects and external contractors as well as internal Strategy & Architecture architects. You will embed good practice and develop and maintain the capabilities of the team, including documentation and maintenance of technical architecture standards and methods. You will be responsible for the recruitment and retention of technical architecture resources, and represent the Technical Architecture practice in engagements within the IT department and the wider University (e.g. Transformation Office). You will also contribute as a practicing Technical Architect both directly (typically during early phases of large programmes/projects) and by providing oversight, advice and guidance to technical architects in your group.

This candidate brief outlines the Deputy Head of Technical Architecture position. Appointment at Deputy Head of Technical Architecture level will include a structured development plan which once completed will enable the Deputy Head of Technical Architecture to be promoted to Head of Technical Architecture. The Deputy Head of Technical Architecture will be expected to undertake many of their duties with supervision and support from either the Director of Strategy and Architecture and/or other Heads of Function roles. Together with the structured development plan, this will help establish Deputy Head of Technical Architecture's skills and experience in order that they will be eventually ready to progress to the full independent role of Head of Technical Architecture.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) - That's 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance - the University contributes 21.6% of salary
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and much more.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

If you are looking for a role to develop and deliver a high quality technical architecture service, apply today.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Alexander Rogers, Director of Strategy and Architecture