Head of Architecture - Data

Unlocking the Future of Data Architecture at M&S: A Strategic Leadership Opportunity

This role presents a significant opportunity for an experienced and visionary Enterprise Architect to make a profound impact within a cherished and historic brand. As the Head of Architecture for Data at Marks & Spencer, you will be at the forefront of a strategic technology transformation, shaping the data architecture that underpins the experience of millions of customers and empowers thousands of colleagues.

M&S is on an exciting journey of modernisation, investing strategically in technology to drive differentiation and elevate its architecture capability. This position offers the chance to lead and inspire a team, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and define the future of data at a leading retailer.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Strategic Influence and Ownership: You will have direct accountability for defining and owning the overarching architectural vision, strategy, and roadmaps for data. This includes establishing architectural blueprints, guardrails, and capability-led transition plans, providing a platform for significant strategic input.
• Impact on a Beloved Brand: Become an integral part of a well-loved, historic brand that touches the lives of millions. Your work will have a tangible and far-reaching impact on customer experience and internal operations.
• Driving Digital Transformation: M&S is committed to a significant technology modernisation. This role offers the chance to be a key driver of this transformation at scale, with a proven track record of execution at pace being a core requirement.
• Thought Leadership and Team Development: Lead and nurture a team of architects, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and thought leadership across the organisation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with a wide array of stakeholders including Product Management, Engineering, Delivery, and key Business Leaders. This collaborative environment will broaden your influence and understanding of business needs.
• Emerging Technology Focus: The role actively encourages an outcome-based approach to assessing and strategically implementing emerging and disruptive technologies, offering exciting intellectual challenges.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: M&S offers a compelling range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing and personal growth, including a generous colleague discount, competitive holiday entitlement, discretionary bonus schemes, a strong pension plan, industry-leading parental policies, extensive wellbeing support, and a charity volunteer day.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Extensive Enterprise Architecture Expertise: This role demands a seasoned Enterprise Architect with 15+ years of deep domain knowledge and a proven track record of strategic leadership. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their experience in defining and executing complex architectural strategies.
• Agile and Scalable Delivery: Experience in Agile environments, particularly within Tribe/Squad structures and sprint deliveries, is essential. The ability to translate strategic vision into executable plans at a squad level will be critical.
• Strong Stakeholder Management: Success in this role hinges on the ability to effectively engage with senior business leaders, understand their strategic direction, and translate technical concepts into business value. Proactive problem analysis and innovative design thinking are highly valued.
• Technology Lifecycle Management: You will be accountable for governing technology lifecycle management, technology selection, and implementation patterns. A comprehensive understanding of enterprise-level technology governance is crucial.
• Commercial Acumen: The role involves supporting partner management and leading technical aspects of commercial negotiations. A degree of commercial understanding will be beneficial.
• Adaptability and Future-Proofing: M&S's commitment to modernisation means embracing adaptability. Candidates should be comfortable with rolling, adaptable roadmaps and a continuous approach to evolving the technology landscape.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a driven and experienced architect looking to shape the future of data within a dynamic and forward-thinking retail environment. If you are passionate about technology, driven by impact, and ready to lead at the forefront of retail innovation, this role at M&S could be the perfect next step in your career.