Head of Architecture

This role is responsible for driving the modernization and innovation of Virgin Atlantic's IT Estate. By developing capability roadmaps and implementing flawless technical and solution architectures, you will own the long-term strategic Architecture objectives for VA (Airline & Holidays).

• Lead the development of transformation architectures to meet current and future Virgin Atlantic needs, setting the direction for Modern Airline Retailing
• Influence future Business Strategies, ensuring no technology opportunities are missed
• Identify new technologies' opportunities and integrate them into business roadmaps
• Strategically influence Delta and other technology partners to support Virgin Atlantic transformation
• Ensure delivery of fit for purpose solution architectures that balance cost, quality, and reuse, while successfully implementing business outcomes
• Use solution architectures to drive IT Estate modernization, ensuring reuse of Enterprise Assets (e.g., APIs) and adopting modern architectures
• Manage Total Risk across the IT Estate, finding opportunities for improvement
• Align Technical Strategies with Business Strategy, business roadmaps, and solution designs
• Drive the delivery of technical guardrails needed to form effective solution architectures
• Ensure effective architectural governance for both agile and waterfall projects
• Line management and pastoral care of the team, including performance management and career development
• Encourage the team now, build the talent for the future
• Ensure the team has the right skills, processes, and tools to be effective

About you

• Proven experience in leading strategic architecture at a senior level, with the ability to understand, influence and drive business strategy
• Track record of identifying technology opportunities and embedding them into business roadmaps, ensuring solutions are fit for the future
• Ability to challenge, drive, and influence the organization to think long-term while delivering on short- and medium-term goals
• Experience in driving major strategic transformations
• Understanding of the Airline Industry and industry disruptors such as Modern Airline Retailing