Enterprise Architect, Barclays

Opportunity Review: VP Enterprise Architect - Shaping the Future of Technology

This Vice President Enterprise Architect position presents a compelling opportunity for a seasoned and passionate architect to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking and collaborative organization. If you are driven by architectural excellence and eager to shape the technological landscape of a large-scale enterprise, this role is worth serious consideration.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Influence: This is a pivotal role where you will directly contribute to and define the future of technology architecture. You'll have the platform to influence technology direction, champion innovative processes, and drive architectural excellence across a broad spectrum of solutions.
• Impactful Work: The description emphasizes making a "real impact" within a diverse, large-scale organization. This suggests opportunities to work on high-visibility projects and contribute meaningfully to business and technology objectives.
• Collaborative Environment: You'll be working alongside product architects, technology leads, subject matter experts, and other enterprise architects in a "vibrant and expanding team." This collaborative setting fosters knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Data Platform Focus: With an initial focus on enterprise data platforms, this role offers a deep dive into a critical and evolving area of technology. You'll have the chance to champion robust governance and innovative data strategies.
• Career Growth & Development: The role encourages the application and elevation of existing expertise, with opportunities to define and own key processes. The "Vice President Expectations" section also highlights leadership, mentorship, and the development of others, indicating a strong focus on professional growth.
• Exposure to Modern Methodologies: Familiarity with modern communication and tooling like Jira, Confluence, and C4 indicates an organization that embraces contemporary project management and architectural documentation practices.
• Valued Skills: The inclusion of "highly valued skills" such as experience in financial services and relevant certifications suggests that the organization recognizes and rewards specialized expertise and professional development.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• "Opinionated" Architecture: The requirement for defining and executing "opinionated" Enterprise Architecture means you'll need to be comfortable establishing clear architectural principles and standards, rather than simply reacting to requirements. Be prepared to articulate and defend your architectural vision.
• Governance and Regulatory Experience: A preference for candidates with experience in the governance/regulatory space, particularly within financial services, suggests a significant emphasis on compliance, risk management, and robust controls. If your background is strong here, it's a definite advantage.
• Broad Technology Landscape: The role requires broad experience across various enterprise technologies, including cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and enterprise data products. Candidates will need to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the current technology ecosystem.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills are paramount, especially when working across departments and time zones to achieve shared business outcomes. Your ability to influence and align diverse groups will be critical.
• Leadership or Subject Matter Expertise: The "Vice President Expectations" outline two potential paths: either leading a team and developing future talent, or acting as a subject matter expert guiding technical direction and mentoring less experienced specialists. Consider which path aligns best with your career aspirations.
• Balancing Priorities: You will be tasked with determining optimal solutions while balancing continuous requirements from compliance, governance, security, and funding. This requires a nuanced understanding of business needs and the ability to make pragmatic decisions.
• Location: The role is based out of their Glasgow Campus. Ensure this location aligns with your personal and professional preferences.

This VP Enterprise Architect role offers a fantastic opportunity for a driven individual to contribute to a dynamic organization. By carefully considering the outlined advantages and considerations, candidates can determine if this role is the right next step in their career journey.