Head of Architecture

8 Days Old

Head of Architecture
Permanent
Manchester: £101,500 - £122,000
Milton Keynes: £105,600 - £127,000
Hybrid - 2 days in the office, flexible days
Introduction
Are you ready to shape the future of technology at AQA? This is your chance to lead a critical function that drives architectural strategy and innovation across our organisation. You'll play a key role in enabling technology transformation that impacts millions of learners. In this senior leadership position, you'll not only set the vision for enterprise architecture but also influence how technology underpins our mission to advance education. You'll work closely with decision-makers across the organisation, ensuring that every architectural choice supports long-term goals and delivers tangible benefits. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on AQA's technology landscape and help us stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Purpose of the Role
As Head of Architecture, you'll define and deliver AQA's enterprise architecture strategy, ensuring alignment across our technology landscape. You'll lead a team of architects, guide strategic decisions, and influence senior stakeholders to create coherent, future-ready solutions that support our mission. Beyond setting standards, you'll champion innovation and ensure that architecture principles are embedded across all technology initiatives. Your work will enable AQA to adopt emerging technologies, including AI, and deliver systems that are scalable, secure, and sustainable. You'll act as a trusted adviser to leadership, balancing short-term priorities with long-term strategic goals, and ensuring that every solution contributes to our vision of empowering learners everywhere.
Key Responsibilities
Leading the enterprise architecture function and managing a team of seven architects
Driving the development and maturity of architecture standards, frameworks, and governance
Partnering with senior leaders and technology teams to deliver strategic initiatives, including AI adoption and system evolution
What We Are Looking For
Proven experience establishing or maturing an architecture function in a large organisation
A strong track record of IT leadership and delivery across multiple domains
Expertise in hybrid environments with internal teams and third-party providers
Ability to influence at executive level and communicate complex concepts clearly
Familiarity with architectural frameworks such as TOGAF (certification desirable but not essential)
What's in it for you
At AQA we value your contribution and we'll make sure you feel supported and rewarded. You'll get:
25 days' annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas
a 35-hour working week with flexible working arrangements
an excellent contributory pension scheme (6%-11.5% depending on your contribution)
life assurance, BUPA PMI, and health cash plan
enhanced maternity and paternity schemes
access to professional and personal development whenever you need it
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone-regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background-is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by 25 January 2026 .
Interviews will take place on 3-4 February (first stage) and 9-11 February (second stage) .
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Location:
Manchester
Salary:
not provided
Job Type:
FullTime
Category:
Construction

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