Role: Architecture Governance & Practice LeadType: Permanent, full-time
Location: Milton Keynes – Hybrid (2x a week)
Industry– Insurance (non-profit)
Salary– up to £85K
Job Purpose:
The Architecture Governance & Practice Lead oversees the development and leadership of the architecture governance and assurance function, embedding consistent best practices across the architecture community.
The role ensures architectural coherence and high-quality delivery through the implementation of effective governance frameworks and the development of a strong, capable architecture practice.
Responsibilities: Maintain and evolve the architecture governance framework, including principles, policies, and review processes.
Lead architecture review boards, ensuring consistent assessment of solution designs and enterprise artefacts against strategic, technical, and operational standards.
Ensure architectural decisions are evidence-based, traceable, and aligned to long-term business and technology outcomes.
Champion architecture governance and build effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, vendors, and third-party partners. Provide architectural oversight to ensure compliance with regulatory, security, and risk management requirements.
Deliver architectural assurance across programmes and initiatives as required, ensuring alignment with enterprise standards, strategic objectives, and risk appetite.
Oversee the proactive identification, tracking, and remediation of technical debt. Experience: Extensive experience in enterprise and solution architecture, governance, and technology strategy.
Strong knowledge of architecture frameworks and governance models (e.g. TOGAF, SAFe, Zachman).
Proven ability to build and mature a high-performing architecture practice.
Experience implementing asset management processes and supporting tooling.
Solid background in cloud platforms, integration architectures, and emerging technologies.
Experience working with vendors and third-party providers on architecture governance and assurance.
Experience in Azure and Microsoft stack
Experience with PEGA applications
Relevant certifications (e.g. TOGAF, COBIT, ITIL) and experience in the financial services (insurance) sector are desirable.
Strategic and pragmatic, with a balanced approach to governance and practice development.
Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across business and technology.
Collaborative leader who motivates, supports, and enables others.
Highly organised and professional, with the flexibility to adapt to change.
Clear and effective communicator, able to translate complex concepts into practical outcomes.
Passionate about innovation, quality, and continuous improvement.
Committed to continuous learning, staying current with industry trends, emerging technologies, frameworks, and evolving architecture practices ,
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