Description SummaryPurpose:
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 the Architecture team, guiding team members through transformational activities to ensure they remain motivated and engaged and their skills effective
Drive organisational learning about how AQA can continuously improve, supporting the business to respond to the lessons learned and personally be a positive role model of change leadership
Ensure the teams stay abreast of technology innovation and development across architecture and broader IT landscape, identifying new technologies and services which could materially impact on efficiency, productivity, competitive advantage and the delivery of AQAs charitable objectives.
To be a member of the Enterprise Technology Leadership team shaping and leading the ongoing operation and maturity of the Enterprise Technology Group
To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:
Essential Criteria
Proven senior leader with a strong track record of IT expertise and delivery across a number of practices within the IT industry.
Strong and proven expertise in operating within hybrid support functions - internal and external / 3rd party organisations.
Proven experience of establishing and/or maturing an architecture function, including team development, tooling, repository, principles, roadmaps, and landscapes.
Proven experience to mobilise, chair and operate appropriate architectural governance forums to drive architectural decision-making.
Responsive to short-term challenges/priorities whilst holding to clear strategy and direction.
Tangible experience of working within Architectural frameworks such as TOGAF, Zachman etc.
Organises and plans effectively whilst retaining focus on the bigger picture.
Ability to frame technology trends and opportunities within AQA’s strategic objectives.
Ability to converse and explain complex technology frameworks and topics in easy to understand language.
Proven expertise in identifying and improving high level processes and ways of working.
Aptitude for sharing and embedding best practice.
Skills to build rapport and influence with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
Highly conversant with and able to navigate all major corporate structures including regulatory environment, financial management and budgeting, programme and project delivery and information security and risk practices.
Excellent track record of leading, empowering, developing and motivating individuals and teams to deliver across multiple sites and ability to set challenging performance standards/ objectives and tackle performance issues.
Significant experience delivering in high-stakes and/or regulated environments.
Excellent delivery credentials, with a flexible, pragmatic “can do” attitude.
Desirable Criteria
TOGAF practitioner certified or similar qualification
Knowledge / awareness of broader Education / Assessment sector
Knowledge of AQA suite of products, customer and market influences, and the environment in which AQA operates
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