Lead Technology Architect

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

IT Services at the University of Sheffield provide a full range of complex IT and technology-enabled services. This role supports delivery across our three strategic product areas:
Education, Research and Innovation and One University (please see our vision below for more information on One University). These product areas are moving to utilise modern agile change methodologies to improve service provision, simplify processes and support product development.

The Lead Technology Architect leads the development of the University's Technology Architecture to ensure all technology-enabled solutions align with desired strategy. This role offers the opportunity to define our ambitions for Cloud adoption and build an ecosystem of on-premise, SaaS and native Cloud solutions. The role reports to the Chief Technology Officer.

• Define, communicate and champion the technology vision and roadmap, with particular focus on Cloud adoption strategy and hybrid solutions.
• Drive technology strategy across infrastructure, software and data environments, ensuring optimal design and deployment to solve business problems.
• Lead the design of resilient, reliable and sustainable technology services supporting education, research and workplace enablement.
• Work with stakeholders across the University to understand challenges and communicate the benefits of modern technology architecture.
• Develop technology architecture models and frameworks that enable the strategic shift needed to achieve University objectives.
• Establish appropriate standards, policies, processes and governance for technology decision‑making.
• Champion innovation and identify emerging technologies that could benefit the University whilst mitigating risks.
• Collaborate with product teams to ensure opportunities are taken to progress technology architecture roadmaps.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on technology design to teams across the University.
• Balance delivery demands with the need to evolve and maintain architectural integrity.
• Lead and influence at senior levels, creating collaborative design communities across the organisation.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

• Significant practical experience at senior level as an enterprise, data, solution or technical architect in a complex organisation.
• Deep expertise in technology architecture including infrastructure, software and data environments.
• Knowledge and experience of Cloud adoption, including design and implementation with major vendors (AWS/Azure).
• Experience developing technology vision and strategy, building compelling cases for change.
• Proven ability to translate business and technology strategy into practical, value‑led delivery plans.
• Strong knowledge of data architecture importance and integration strategy development.
• Experience on complex projects using agile and waterfall methodologies.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills at senior levels with ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
• Experience assessing technology solutions and working with third parties to design and run solutions.
• Prov…