Head of Architecture

Head of Architecture Permanent Manchester: £101,500 - £122,000 Milton Keynes: £105,600 - £127,000 Hybrid - 2 days in the office, flexible days Introduction Purpose of the Role As Head of Architecture, you'll define and deliver AQA's enterprise architecture strategy, ensuring alignment across our technology landscape. You'll lead a team of architects, guide strategic decisions, and influence senior stakeholders to create coherent, future-ready solutions that support our mission. Beyond setting standards, you'll champion innovation and ensure that architecture principles are embedded across all technology initiatives. Your work will enable AQA to adopt emerging technologies, including AI, and deliver systems that are scalable, secure, and sustainable. You'll act as a trusted adviser to leadership, balancing short-term priorities with long-term strategic goals, and ensuring that every solution contributes to our vision of empowering learners everywhere. Key Responsibilities Leading the enterprise architecture function and managing a team of seven architects Driving the development and maturity of architecture standards, frameworks, and governance Partnering with senior leaders and technology teams to deliver strategic initiatives, including AI adoption and system evolution What We Are Looking For Proven experience establishing or maturing an architecture function in a large organisation A strong track record of IT leadership and delivery across multiple domains Expertise in hybrid environments with internal teams and third-party providers Ability to influence at executive level and communicate complex concepts clearly Familiarity with architectural frameworks such as TOGAF (certification desirable but not essential) What's in it for you At AQA we value your contribution and we'll make sure you feel supported and rewarded. You'll get: 25 days' annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas a 35-hour working week with flexible working arrangements an excellent contributory pension scheme (6%-11.5% depending on your contribution) life assurance, BUPA PMI, and health cash plan enhanced maternity and paternity schemes access to professional and personal development whenever you need it Diversity and Inclusion Statement At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone-regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background-is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. Application Process To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by 25 January 2026 . Interviews will take place on 3-4 February (first stage) and 9-11 February (second stage) . Recruitment Agencies We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees. Full Job Description Summary Purpose: This role is accountable for the definition, leadership and delivery of Architectural and technology related strategy and standards within AQA education and also to engage and guide across the wider AQA group subsidiaries. You will lead the design, development and evolution of Enterprise, Solution and Information Architectures within Enterprise Technology and facilitate the appropriate alignment of architectural standards and practices across Enterprise and Assessment technology groups.Landscape: The Enterprise Technology Division sits within the Group Corporate Services Division enabling the centralised delivery of core corporate services. In addition, Enterprise Technology operates in close partnership with Assessment Technology and Programme Management collectively delivering the full IT service portfolio of current operations to future change programmes. Enterprise Technology consists of the following functions: Service Delivery Enterprise IT Services (Core IT Delivery teams desktop, systems & infrastructure) Enterprise Applications Architecture Security (includes Risk and Data Protection management). The role reports directly into the Director for Enterprise Technology representing the wider architecture function has an approx. headcount of 7. Due to this role and function accountabilities, regular stakeholder engagement across all levels and all AQA UK locations is required with infrequent international travel where required. Key relationships Key internal AQA Education relationships: AQA Divisional Heads / Cx Levels Enterprise Technology functions AQA Assessment Technology & Programme Management Leadership / Functions AQA Commercial services teams Wider AQA group subsidiaries Key external relationships: Third party technology providers Relevant third-party providers. Activities: Architecture function effectiveness To support the strategic direction of AQA through technology acquisition and enhancement, leading teams in delivering to the needs of Enterprise and Assessment Technology and wider AQA group entities, offering excellent customer service and value for money. To define, champion and embed architecture capability and culture driving effective compliance across AQA Education (Enterprise and Assessment Technology Groups) and (where appropriate) wider group entities. Establish proactive and effective business engagement to assist in the identification of architectural solutions to meet business outcomes, and support business units with improvement objectives Lead, promote and embed excellent standards / frameworks for Enterprise, Solution & Information Architecture, business continuity and related policies / compliance standards Establish a collaborative and effective cross functional engagement between the Enterprise and Assessment technology architecture functions, ensuring collective alignment to architecture principles, vision, strategies and targeted outcomes, whilst enabling assessment technology architecture teams to operate within the assessment technology domain Ensure sufficient group enterprise architecture awareness to capture and understand the collective groups technology footprint and capabilities Developing coherent, fit-for-purpose architectures and frameworks that meet organisational need Support the delivery of architectural design governance defining appropriate architecture and security practices and working closely with stakeholders in driving consistency of agreed architecture, standards and security across all change initiatives and teams Being the custodian of AQA educations Enterprise Architecture (EA) strategy (both a technology and data perspective) working collaboratively with Assessment Technology to ensure the overarching architecture strategy successfully supports the domain related assessment technology architecture strategy. Effectively influence and build relationships with a range of senior bodies including internal sponsors and clients and provide full and timely updates on AQA's IT strategy and security. People and Culture Establish increased visibility and accountability to empower teams to improve services and outcomes Ensure high standards of people management of direct reports and teams, setting challenging team objectives for team members and monitoring progress through regular feedback and coaching, driving professional development and actively facilitating cross skilling Direct the management and development of