Principal Architect

Enterprise Architect | London | £65k - £80k

This is an organisation that wants architectural leadership and is giving this role the mandate to deliver it.

If you're looking for a role where your thinking will outlast your tenure, this is it.

If you're an experienced Architect who wants to define architecture rather than inherit it, this is a rare opportunity to leave a lasting imprint on an organisation at a pivotal moment.

The University London is at the start of its enterprise architecture journey, not midway through someone else's framework, not constrained by Legacy governance. This role exists to create the architecture capability, set the standards, and influence how technology decisions are made across the University for years to come.

You won't be "keeping the lights on."

You'll be shaping the future-state.

Salary: £65,000 - £80,000

Location: Hybrid

Reporting to: CIO

Benefits: 30 days annual leave, + bank holidays and 2 weeks Christmas closure days

The Impact you will have:

• Build Enterprise Architecture from the ground up
  Establish pragmatic, lightweight EA governance where none truly exists today, shaping how decisions are made, not just documented.

• Define a 3-year enterprise application strategy
  You'll create the roadmap that guides the University's transition to a cloud-first, Azure-based landscape - starting from a clean slate.

• Influence at enterprise level (without line management)
  This is a senior role built on credibility, trust, and influence, not hierarchy. You'll build a virtual architecture capability across teams and functions.

• Shape major cloud transformation programmes
  Student Information Systems and Finance platforms are moving to the cloud. You'll guide architectural direction, standards, and trade-offs, without being pulled into day-to-day delivery.

• Operate close to the CIO and senior leadership
  Your work will directly inform executive decision-making and long-term digital strategy.

About you

We're looking for a seasoned or upcoming architect with both the strategic vision and the technical depth to make a real difference.

You'll bring:

• Proven experience developing and implementing enterprise and solution architectures across complex organisations
• Strong capability in defining technology roadmaps and guiding transitions to cloud or SaaS-based systems
• A collaborative, consultative approach, able to influence and engage at all levels - from technical experts to executive leadership
• Solid understanding of data security, privacy regulations (including GDPR), and architectural governance best practice
• A genuine passion for how technology can transform experiences and outcomes

Target Start Date: As soon as possible (up to 3-month notice period considered).

For an informal chat, reach out to Yafet Okubet at (see below)