Head of Enterprise Architecture

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Company Description

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports & borders, defense, and urban security. Our expertise is spread across 5 R&D centers, 21 Global Offices and 7 Manufacturing Sites with 3000 Brilliant minds globally contributing for over 40 years at the frontline which enables us to deliver the solutions needed to protect our society from any threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, and narcotics. Every minute of every day, our technology and talented team members help to make the world a safer place - https://youtu.be/JmcKLJTrHLc

Job Description

Own Detection's enterprise architecture and design governance, ensuring technology decisions enable the business, support separation activities, and create a secure, scalable target architecture post-transaction. Lead and coach Solution Architects to deliver consistent, high-quality designs and delivery outcomes.

Duties:

• Target architecture & roadmap: define Detection's target-state architecture (business/data/application/integration/technology/security) and transitional states through separation/TSA exit.
• Architecture governance / Design Authority: run architecture governance (principles, standards, reference architectures, decision logs, exceptions, technology lifecycle); ensure security is built-in by design.
• Separation alignment: partner with separation programme leadership to ensure all carve-out changes follow agreed reference architectures and don't introduce unmanaged tech debt.
• Portfolio alignment: ensure solution designs align with strategic priorities (resilience, cost, vendor rationalisation, cloud/platform direction) and with any required Group-aligned standards where appropriate.
• Solution architecture leadership: manage Solution Architects; set quality expectations for HLD/LLD, NFRs, integration patterns, data flows, and operational readiness.
• Cross-domain collaboration: partner with Cyber (your Head of Cyber), Data/Analytics, Infrastructure/Workplace, and Apps to ensure end-to-end architecture integrity.
• Vendor/partner architecture management: assure third-party solution designs and delivery meet Detection's standards and NFRs; drive accountability through governance.

Qualifications

• Senior enterprise architecture leadership (EA + solution architecture management)
• Strong ability to translate business goals into pragmatic architecture roadmaps and transition plans
• Expertise in integration patterns, cloud/hybrid, data flows, resilience and operational readiness
• Proven governance capability: standards, lifecycle, decisioning, risk/exception management
• Excellent stakeholder management across IT, business leadership, and vendors
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience. Master degree is preferred.
• Architecture qualifications desirable (e.g., TOGAF or similar).
• Shapes target architecture and roadmaps; balances speed, cost, risk, and technical debt.
• Runs Design Authority and decision governance with clarity, consistency, and pragmatism.
• Leads and coaches Solution Architects; sets standards for quality, NFRs, and documentation.
• Influences senior stakeholders and vendors; resolves conflict and drives alignment.
• Systems thinker: connects business outcomes to architecture choices and operational realities.
• Customer-centric with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and fast-paced environments.
• Collaborative, humble, and motivated by mission impact.

Additional Information

To find out more about life at Smiths Detection check out our LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smiths-detection/ and follow our story

Join us for a great career and competitive compensation & benefits whilst keeping the world a safer place.

Diversity & Inclusion:

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation - including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career's website (www.smithsdetection.com/careers)

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation - including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career's website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)